Tube Pre-Amp Recommendation


Im new to this forum but have spent few months reading into posts. The more i read the more i get confused on my first purchase of a Good quality Tube Pre-amp. At this very moment I have always used Solid states pre-amp but after hearing the Audio Research Arc Ref 5 and 3 I am on the upgrade bug. Considering these units cost allot of money I need some suggestion if there are other Tube Pre-Amp which can either match similar levels to the Arc Ref 5 or better it.

I am not bothered about name brands or looks of the unit rather on how it presents the music to me.
I have not own a Tube Gear before in my life, and not sure on how to go about it. BTW I am in Indonesia (A British Expat Working and Living Here)

Demoing unit is out of the question here, even buying a unit here is so much more expensive then back at home In the UK. I prefer to Buy from USA (Will use a Power converter if needed)

My Current Setup is:
Speakers: Philharmonics 3
Amplifier: Audio GD Master 2 Series Mono Blocks (Will Upgrade Later to Krell, Macintosh or Pass)
CD player: Oppo 95 Using on Board DAC for the time being. Looking to upgrade later on for DAC
Room: Heavily treated, with Foam, Acoustic Panels, Bass Traps in all 4 Corners.

Budget less than 6000 Dollars.

Need Performance Level Matching that of Arc Ref 5Se or better.

Need suggestion and opinion on how to go about this. I prefer fasting sound more to neutral. Slight warm but not too much. I did find Cary SLP05 Pretty Warm, however on Ebay it slipped my fingers otherwise I was going to pull the trigger on that. I will being pairing this with Solid State Amplifier don’t want to get into Power Amps using Tubes for the next few years at least.

Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks Guys
dragon_vibe
Dragon vibe, I agree with you. A small two man company has nothing to do with it. Just look at Presence Audio or First Sound. Emanuel Go is a one man team and he has a nice website that shows specs, pictures, and describes the circuit. So yes it can and should be done.
To Dragon's and other comments this is a joke for a product page http://www.tuberesearchlabs.com/products/dude.html
"John, I am in marketing and know the power well."

Great. Then you also realize that the dearth of basic information on their website creates an aura, a mystique that can create a cult following.

Why do other smaller boutique shops disagree with that approach? I'm thinking of Audio Horizons, DeHavilland, and many others.
Dragon,
Since you`ve eliminated the Dude from your list I can suggest three linestages based on personal experience.In no particular order.
1)VAC Signature MK II.
2)Atmssphere MP-1 MK III.
3)Coincident Statement Linestage.
All 3 are superb in sound,built quality and customer support.They are different in design and circuit yet these three I`d choose above the ARC REF V.Yes, just one man`s opinion.The VAC and Atmasphere you`d have to find used to come close(if possible) to your price point.But the three of them make simply beautiful music.
Good Luck,