Eastern Electric Mini Max vs AE-3 DJH preamps

If you really need that much power and would like an awesome SS amp, try Frank Van Alstine's OmegaStar 440 EX (220 wpc - $1499). Seriously. And if you decide you don't like it within 30 days you can return it for a full refund, less shipping ($38). IMO you cannot get a better SS amp for $2,000 or less. Not just my opinion, but obviously other well respected audio manufacturers, such as Dave Ellis ( ... "I feel VERY comfortable recommending the VanAlstine gear to anyone thinking about new gear. Frank does very good work for very little $. The vast majority of the $ spent on Frank's gear arrives where it matters the most - under the hood. Frank's cases aren't fancy, but the guts of his products are extremely well built." )

http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/amplifier/omegastar_440.htm

And for a real treat, if you do not absolutely require SS, then check out Frank's Fet Valve Ultra 550. A few more bucks than your budget, but IMO the most musical 250 wpc amp for around $2,000 out there.

i found the sound of both placing too much emphasis upon the treble region.

Mrtennis, there must have been other issues with system when you heard the AE-3 DJH. It is not at all bright, terrific buy actually.

i heard the ae-3 djh with the cary six pacs and vandersteen model 2( don't remember what version) at a very reputable audio dealer, Audio Connection in New Jersey.

it was only after changing the 6sn7 tubes in the preamp to a nos ge 6sn7 that the sound seemed more spectrally balanced.

i have owned a cary preamp and a tube cd player. i don't find cary products particulary spectrally balanced.

I loved my time with the EE MiniMax - very detailed, nice presence but not syrupy, lots of fun to tube roll. I've now moved on and up to the Hovland 1000 pre, but really liked the Minimax - mated to the Nuforce Reference 9s, a great and very musical combo!
FYI, I'll be putting my Minimax up for sale today or tomorow - watch for it and get yourself a great deal.
Enjoy the music!
James

While I can't speak for the MiniMax, I have read many great things about it.

I can speak for the AES AE-3 DJH. It's a great pre-amp. Dead quiet. Tube rolling does make this pre even better (even EH 6SN7s are an improvement over the stock Chinese tubes). A friend of mine is considering selling his (much) more expensive (and quite respected) pre-amp to acquire an AES AE-3 DJH. My only issue with this pre is their selection of capacitors in this model. I'll soon swap mine out for some Auricaps (which shouldn't take longer than 5 minutes). Oh, the silkscreening on the faceplate is awful but can be removed with some acetone.

We all hear things differently, and my experience with an AES AE-3 DJH / AES Sixpacs / Vandersteen 2ce Sigs combination was not imbalanced at all. Matter of fact, this may be the first posting ever to imply a system with Vandersteen speakers was bright. To each, his own.

Bottom line is that that as along as the pre-amp output / amp input impedance ratios are within an acceptable range, you'll be happy with either choice.