Though I have fond memories of the ARC SP-3 I bought new in 1973, it's sound is definitely of the old-school tube sound of the 1950's and 60's---on the soft and warm side. I doubt restoring one changes that.
A few over-looked tube pre-amps:
My pal Brooks Berdan employed a Hovland SP-100 as his shop's reference pre-amp for years (new it retailed for not much more than your budget), alternating with the 2-box Jadis (for a LOT more money).
The EAR-Yoshino 868L (line stage only) and 868PL (phono and line) are underground cult favorites, both within your budget. Their big brother the 912 is far above that limit, around $12,000 I believe. Art Dudley loved the 912, the only pre-amp he auditioned which caused him to consider replacing his Shindo.
The Atma-Sphere MP-3 is mighty fine, but somewhat limited in it's input and output facilities.
A few over-looked tube pre-amps:
My pal Brooks Berdan employed a Hovland SP-100 as his shop's reference pre-amp for years (new it retailed for not much more than your budget), alternating with the 2-box Jadis (for a LOT more money).
The EAR-Yoshino 868L (line stage only) and 868PL (phono and line) are underground cult favorites, both within your budget. Their big brother the 912 is far above that limit, around $12,000 I believe. Art Dudley loved the 912, the only pre-amp he auditioned which caused him to consider replacing his Shindo.
The Atma-Sphere MP-3 is mighty fine, but somewhat limited in it's input and output facilities.