Question about neutrality and transparency in an amp

@echobase, I have owned a couple CDP's that I would say sounded rich and warm. My Marantz SA-11S1 with Ultimate Tube mod by pcX, and a BAT VK-D5SE. Yes, both had tubes in them, perhaps that is a common theme. Though I have heard other Marantz CDP's without tubes sound full bodied and smooth too.

I have also owned analog gear that was very neutral and revealing. Lyra cartridges, Walker Audio phono stages, and Basis turntables specifically.

You have to understand that neutral and colorless on it's own is not necessarily a bad thing. We all try to balance a system with enough neutrality and warmth to suit our own personal tastes. I have heard systems that were too revealing for my tastes, just as I have heard systems that were too warm for my tastes. It's just a matter of balance.

I agree with Jmcgrogan2, some analog front ends can certainly sound clinical,sterile and threadbare. There are digital sources that can provide an organic/natural warmth and tonal richness. Either analog or digital can sound excellent or very poor. I just don’t find the old stereotypes of both genres to be true or useful when one has quality components and a well constructed synergistic audio system. I agree with Inna’s comment that theres a difference between colored and colorful. Live unamplified music is colorful, vibrant and has an innate richness.
Charles,

Ladder dacs can sound warm and rich. Examples would be the Teradac Chamelion And the Audio-GD dacs using the 1704 chip
Alan

I'm pretty new to the audiophile scene although I've had my share of quality audio equipment over the years and played piano professionally. Every ear is different. I hear pianos that I describe as warm and rich; others tinny and lifeless. Same for audio systems. If warm and colorful is what pleases your ear, then pursue tubes. Yea it may "color" the digital crispness, but hey, it's your ear and your money. I feel the same way and feel like I warmed up my digital streamer McMB100 by using the DAC in my Aesthetix Romulus eclipse. As a CDP the Romulus gives me a warm sound I really love. Colored?  Maybe. But it's my ear and mummy net. It's played through my McC52, Aesthetix Atlas eclipse and Burmester B30s. My point is tubes are noticeably warmer for digital and analog So go for what you love to hear. Audition equipment n a way to isolate and appreciate their sonic differences. 

Almost bought a Hegel...Demo'd at home.  Cold sounding...got a Krell Vangaurd!  Faithful to the music, colorful and dynamic...warmth?  Yes