Thanks for the suggestions boys!
That range of TL Audio gear (Ivory series) is really nothing special. Average at best... I'd be looking into more boutique stuff, perhaps from
Sebatron.
And as far as adding colour, well, I've got 10 Studer pre-amps/EQ from the 70's that are giving me all the colour I need, the next preamp I buy is gonna be a really clean one, something like the Avalon M5.
I think this might just be the GAS taking hold of me and making me sick in the head...