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.
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.