The ARCs are not going to be warm if that is your search.
The Cary SLP-05 will give you a lot more warmth and has all the featurs you are seeking. Typically selling for about $3,200 used or $4,500-$5,000 new/demo with warranty (as of summer 2011).
My stronger recommendation would be an Aesthetix Calypso original or signature. The original is great (I owned two of them) and respond incredibly well to tube rolling (with several great posts on this site outlining the sound differences among different NOS tubes to make it easy for the non-tube roller).
With the Calypso, if you want more warmth change the tubes. Less warmth, change the tubes, etc. . . Having 3 pair of different sounding 12AX7 tubes based on tube reviews will literally give you three different sounding preamps. Even the top cover of this preamp is held on with velcro to facilitate easy tube changing.
You can taylor the sound based on your mood - it is GREAT!
The Cary SLP-05 will give you a lot more warmth and has all the featurs you are seeking. Typically selling for about $3,200 used or $4,500-$5,000 new/demo with warranty (as of summer 2011).
My stronger recommendation would be an Aesthetix Calypso original or signature. The original is great (I owned two of them) and respond incredibly well to tube rolling (with several great posts on this site outlining the sound differences among different NOS tubes to make it easy for the non-tube roller).
With the Calypso, if you want more warmth change the tubes. Less warmth, change the tubes, etc. . . Having 3 pair of different sounding 12AX7 tubes based on tube reviews will literally give you three different sounding preamps. Even the top cover of this preamp is held on with velcro to facilitate easy tube changing.
You can taylor the sound based on your mood - it is GREAT!