Looking for a warm linestage preamp

I have crossed over to mainly vinyl and hope to soon be the owner of an ARC PH-7. I'm considering, when funds present themselves, getting a tubed linestage preamp. I currently have a Theta CB3 going into Krell KMA-160's. I have a good clean sound, but it was suggested to get a "warmer", full rich sound, a tubed linestage might be what the doctor ordered. I have read several reviews on the new ARC 27, the ARC 26 and even the ARC 17. All are hybrids with most getting good reviews but, some end up saying "Not as warm as one would consider a tubed preamp to be" etc. Does anyone have any suggestions? I will have a limited budget of around $3-4K. Preamp must have a remote with both single-ended and balanced ins & outs preferably with black face.