headphones and amp

[PVhunter]

I have an Audiolab 8300A (solid-state) with no headphone connection. I want to connect a headphone amp, but I need help. I do not own phones yet, but I'm planning on spending a fair amount, 300 - 600$ a pair.

1. Do I only need an amp stage, I should not need a preamp, since there are two pre-outs from the 8300?
2. Will I get better sound from a tube or ss hp amp?
3. and any reason I should go balanced XLR to a hp amp?

I seem to be having difficulty finding a headphone amp without a DAC, Bluetooth, or preamp stage. Any amp recommendations in the 150$ - 500$ range?

 

[Evonimos]

Lehmann black cube linear.
Second hand original or a decent BCL clone.
They are pretty good with plenty of upgrade potential.

 

[GChief]

I do not use the DAC in my Aune T1 at home, it has RCA line in and it’s feed from my pre amp. I am sure there are others but haven’t looked lately.