Got both a DMP-3 and a Groove Tubes Brick, so I should be covered, I think.
The thing that I heard that really impressed me was some recordings of Fender amps. Like I said, like you were right there. I ought to go back and see if I can find out what kind of pre it was. As I recall, it seems like it was nothing fancy, that's what impressed me so much.
But if you're telling me it's dark, that's OK. I was told the V67G was dark, and I need way darker than that!