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
Granny ring I'd still like to compare my CST with the Dude perhaps after the holidays and the blizzards.
Bruce
Dragon_vibe,
I bought the Dude based on the postings here and everything that is said is true. It truly changed what I thought was possible with my system.

Consider the amount of marketing a company does and whether they have a resellar/distributor model. If they do, part of what your purchase price is for those things. It is obvious to at least me, the money you are paying for a Dude all goes into quality parts, labor and unbelievable sound quality and nothing else.
I owned the Dodd buffer and replaced it with the Dude. There is absolutely no comparison between the two. The Dude is the real deal. The only reason I sold mine is that I need a balanced pre for my balanced source.

Yes, I might get a balanced Dude....
How does the Dude Compare to the Coincident Statement Line-Stage pre-amplifier which is supposed to be highly reviewed professionally online?

I could believe the joy the dude brings but it lacks enough information online to justify the cost for those who can’t listen to it. If Paul and his team made the little effort online giving out clear information it helps people with matching specification on Impedance and other criteria for synergy matching. Paul may think I’m criticizing but asking questions an investigating and having them answered online helps everyone to understand better.

Im looking at the Coincident Statement Line-Stage now, as dude is off my list as requested by paul