@fsmithjack, instead of trying to get the perfect tube/ss match between preamp and amp, have you considered trying a different DAC? It might be easier to tweak your source such that you can be happy with a cheaper or more readily available pre/amp or integrated. There are some good choices in DACs that might give you the sound you are missing.
I've never heard the M1SE but purchased a Bricasti M3 last year (came new with the MDX upgrade) and although I liked it I never fell hard for it and ultimately replaced it with an R2R NOS DAC that in my opinion (and system) offers a much fuller, meatier, and musical presentation than the M3 did for me. So based on your Focals and tastes, maybe a source change would give you that extra magic you are looking for...
I had the gen 1 Magico S series before selling them; my current DAC for my tastes would match much better with that beryllium tweeter than my M3 would have. I would likely be looking for a little tube magic as well if I still had the Magico and M3.
Good luck with your search...
I've never heard the M1SE but purchased a Bricasti M3 last year (came new with the MDX upgrade) and although I liked it I never fell hard for it and ultimately replaced it with an R2R NOS DAC that in my opinion (and system) offers a much fuller, meatier, and musical presentation than the M3 did for me. So based on your Focals and tastes, maybe a source change would give you that extra magic you are looking for...
I had the gen 1 Magico S series before selling them; my current DAC for my tastes would match much better with that beryllium tweeter than my M3 would have. I would likely be looking for a little tube magic as well if I still had the Magico and M3.
Good luck with your search...