Solid State Preamp to replace tube unit

I don’t believe you’ll be happy switching to a SS pre.  I like you use Class D amps in the summer and tubes the rest of the year.  I actually owned Pr.12’s for a number of years with a Pr. 16.  I tried going with a SS pre a few times but always found myself back to using a tube pre.  Right now, with my tube pre in for service (I know they can be a pain sometimes) I’m using a solid state pre with a tube amp.  The change is kind of like going from a tube amp to Class D just to give you a feel for what you could expect.  Just a suggestion, if you must have a SS pre why don’t you look for a Pr. 18.  They’re not plentiful but do come up occasionally and would keep the CJ house sound. Pass labs might also get you close.  Over the years I’ve actually tried both and while both were certainly listenable, they’re not something I’d want over the long haul.

I have even a better suggestion, I think 🤔. Why don’t you opt for a recent model CJ pre? Something like the ET3 or better yet the ET3SE only uses one (1) tube in their line sections. Yes they do have a reputation for being hard on tubes but you don’t need NOS for something like the ET3 to sound really good. New EH are $25 - $30 bucks so you can afford to keep a few in reserve. I have a friend that runs an ET3 with his Pr.11. The system sounds really good and best of all it sounds like Conrad Johnson. No withdrawal needed😎.

Unfortunately the ET era (1st round) of CJ preamps had/have a reputation of going through tubes.  Fortunately all but the GAT of that era only use 1 tube.  And definitely the ET5 is a step up from the ET3.  Good luck finding a SS pre that will better the ET 5, without spending a lot or unless you just don’t like the sound of the ET5, which would be difficult to understand.  It’s that good a preamp.  If I were you I’d load up on some new tubes from a reputable vendor (stay away from NOS) and just resign yourself to replacing a tube maybe once or twice a year. Or buy from CJ, which is what a friend does. He says the tubes from CJ last much longer.  The EH 6922 you say you already have sounds good in that pre, are plentiful, and still not expensive.  If you do decide to sell your ET 5 please PM me. I’m interested 🙃.