Classe' DR-6 MKI vs MKII

Also try a Rowland Capri. I owned the original, have not heard the Series 2.

I never heard of a Classe DR5, Model 5 or whatever being described as bright?

J135 and I are going to agree on one thing...try out the Capri.

We also agree on brightness not being an issue ...

Yeah, I have never heard of the Classe DR-5 being described as bright either. I have even more difficulty imagine that the DR-5 is bright with a Jeff Rowland Model One amplifier. That is surprising, but I do believe you.

If you are committed to a solid state preamplifier, perhaps you should keep an eye out for a Klyne Audio Arts System 6 or 7 series preamp. They are difficult to find, and tend to sell very quickly on the used market, but are worth the effort to search for, IMHO.

I owned both a DR-5 and later, upgraded to a DR-6 MKII. Neither is bright so you should check that out elsewhere. If you read the old TAS reviews they were both described as "dark" which they were. The DR-6 II had an external power supply in addition to the one on the main board. It had even better bass, was a bit quieter, and a little more open and dynamic. The sound was beautiful. I recall that a few people preferred the older DR designs. I didn't benefit much when I upgraded to a Pass Labs X0.2. Well worth seeking out.