Looking for warm tube preamp (should pair well with Pass power amp), budget $6000

I sent an email to Roy at tubes4hifi to see if he has any recommendations for a warm sound out of the sp14 (maybe some kind of mods).

I’m going to back up @aricaudio with his statement about the value of his used gear. How can I do this? The reason I can is because I purchased one of the two Motherlode II’s that have come up on the used market. At the time,it was the only one I had ever seen. I stretched my budget a little,and it was worth every penny.

@smodtactical If I too may offer a supportive angle about value and quality of sound some of the smaller lower-volume production builders offer. When we lock into a special preamp or special amplifiers, immediate resale value becomes less relevant because we choose to keep these units and listen them over decades vs. years.

Looking at photos inside of Aric Audio amps and preamps some can see what’s going on there and what makes it extra nice in terms of parts, hand-made layout, construction. Something most of the mainstream manufacturers won’t offer due to higher labor costs. Lifting the hood and looking underneath, comparing, comes next once you learn more.

Even the lower priced (Aric Audio 6SN7 Linestage) is nice, can use different tubes for different sound and presentation, another option if you don’t like tube swaps in your current ARC ref5se. And, we’ve got the designer/builder right here on this forum. This is value-add $ for those of us who seek out the better boutique builders. I’ll go out on a limb to say its likely Aric can get you closer to the sound you seek.  Another reasonably affordable option if the your existing preamp does not work out for you.

@rocray If I could have gotten motherlode used I would have to for sure!

I own two of Aric Audio products. One the Special preamp which I purchased from Aric as a demo and the other the Transcend KT88 PP bought used here on AG for ~30% of  current retail. I love both as highly valued great sounding pieces. 

My experience is that Aric is most congenial in his dealings, honest about his products, transparent in his advise, generous with his time and knowledge, and enjoyable to talk with. 

Should I ever own a truly efficient speaker I would not hesitate to purchase one of his SET amplifiers. I believe that his products will hold value as well as any.  Customer support is as good as any. 

It is known by most in this hobby that if one orders a made on demand, one of a kind component, that it would have limited resale market value should it be put up up for sale.