Tube Amp with a Preamp and Headphone Jacks

I think I get the gist of your question.

Some component preamps have headphone output jacks. They typically have mediocre sound at best. I know a dealer friend of mine had a Cary integrated with a headphone jack. He recommended it as a possibility for me for my headphone system. after a lot of research, I bought a Woo WA5… it completely and totally blew away the “included” headphone jacks on several high end integrated amps… and straight preamps. They are generally “add on” features and seldom compete with dedicated headphone amp outputs.

You just have to listen to a Woo WA5 headphone amp… then to alternatives… the difference in the systems I have heard have been absolutely incredible. You can see my systems under my UserID.

+1 @ghdprentice You want a separate headphone amp to do your headphones justice.  I’d highly recommend the Quicksilver tubed headphone amp, which, at about $1200 or so is quite a bargain and will certainly give you that tube magic. 

http://quicksilveraudio.com/products/headphone-amplifier/

Best of luck. 

Thank you very much for your input on headphone jacks on a tube amp and those dedicated to headphones only. I have a Drop AAA 789. It is quick SS.

Your Drop amp is about as far away from tubes as you can get.  Get the Quicksilver amp and you’ll be in a whole new world.  Woo Audio would be another excellent option if it’s in your budget.