Warm, rich but detailed SS preamp (made you give up tubes)

Yes I own one of the FM155 copies.It is much better than say A Mystere CA21 tube preamp I have on loan and a class or two up on a Musical Fidelity A3 Cr I owned [which is a pretty good SS preamp].Not quite in the Supratek league but nothing I have used is.It does not sound SS-it just sounds really good.

@roxy54 

Have always been curious about that little Morrison Elad preamp, looks so cool!  How is it & what did you use it with?

I am still using it presently! I bought it on the strength of reviews that I read. I ordered one new from Mr. Morrison for $700.00. I was coming from a passive with a stepped attenuator, and it was a revelation to me. Of course. like any audiophile, I had to try other things. 

First it was Joule Electra. All fixed up with new tubes (by me from Vintage Tube Services). It had weak dynamics compared to the ELAD, and was bland overall. Next came the Lamm Deluxe. I bought it, and had it sent directly to Vladimir in Brooklyn for a checkup. The sound was a huge disappointment. It sounded grayish, and more solid state than tube. Sold it and went back to the ELAD. It sounded great as always. Had a few extra dollars, and decided to try a Canary Audio pre, based on affordability, build quality and reviews. It was the best of the tube ones I had tried, and had a more "filigreed " treble presentation than the ELAD, but still lagged behind on silence and dynamics.

If I had to describe the sound, I would say very natural and non-electronic, big stage and wonderful instrument separation. Good depth and wonderful color and reproduction of instrumental timbre. It's just a great pre. 

I am certain that it can be bettered, and I would never try to say otherwise, but it is just one of those pieces that is a real find for someone like me who isn't wealthy.

If you can find one, I strongly recommend that you buy it. I am very glad that I didn't sell mine. Oh, and with the money that I got from selling the Canary, I bought a carbon fiber bike. That was a good move too.

Originally I had a ML 38s that I really liked very much until I wanted to start going with tubes and chose ARC. And finally upped it to a REF 6SE. The ML 38s is a very good sounding SS pre. And a very good bang for the buck. 

I’ve found the Luxman 590axii class an amp delivers a warm sound when paired with the proper speaker and Dac.

I also own a high quality all tube system - tube preamp and tube power amp - and the Luxman 590axii delivers a soothing and warm sound signature. Nothing is etched or mechanical sounding. 

Speaker pairing, of course, is crucial.