Way under your price range, but I can't help but recommend a balanced beta22. It may not necessarily be "warm", but its certainly not bright, its definitely natural and immediate, definitely human and alive. Even Ray Samuels said "It doesn't sound like solid state, it sounds like music..."
But if I had the cash to blow I'd snag the Millett Monster for sure.
On an unrelated note, does your Exemplar have balanced outs? I know there is a balanced out option that John Tucker does. Anyway, without them you'll have a hard time achieving balanced drive.