Best Headphone Amp or DAC to use as a preamp

I am new to high end audio. I want to slowly but together a high end system with the best bang for the buck. I also want the ability to stream from a laptop since this is the future. I want to start with a good set up for headphones since this will get me going for $2-3K and I can hopefully use this as a preamp and pick up some used monoblock amps and speakers later. I am currently thinking of a Benchmark DAC1 or Grace m902 or HeadRoom Desktop Balanced Amp.

ARC Ref 1

Forums

Hello,

I have an opportunity to buy a 2nd hand Audio Research Reference One tube amp (with new tubes). It would replace my old & trusty Quad 34 but the Quad 909 would stay for a while. Anyone experience with this amp? Would the 2 work well together?

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