I'm a bit confused by your last paragraph. If you like the warmer type of sound you should enjoy the Conrad Johnson sound over the Audio Research. I just picked up a nice VAC Auricle preamp, which has a phono stage in it for ~$1000. However, VAC is articulate and extended in the high's similar to ARC. If you are looking for a warm, old fashioned tubey sound, a CJ or Cary may be your best bet.
You should be able to find plenty of CJ's or Cary's with phono stage for ~$1000. CJ PV-12 or Cary SLP-90 come to mind.
Cary has a lot of models with headphone amps built in too. However, I don't know of any model off hand that has a phono stage AND a headphone stage.
You should be able to find plenty of CJ's or Cary's with phono stage for ~$1000. CJ PV-12 or Cary SLP-90 come to mind.
Cary has a lot of models with headphone amps built in too. However, I don't know of any model off hand that has a phono stage AND a headphone stage.