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Eastern Electric Mini Max vs AE-3 DJH preamps

I've been looking around for a good tube preamp for some time. I've looked at new and used on Audiogon and on E-bay and wanted to keep the price around $1000. I keep coming back to these two, Eastern Electric Mini Max and AE-3 DJH. Their price new is about $1100 and I've read some good reviews on both. Any opinions about these two preamps? I need some help making up my mind.

I will also be looking for a 200 w/ch SS amp to go with one of them, if anyone has any suggestions.

thanks
winggo
dilly
111 posts
 
I have previously owned a AE-3 ( non DJH ) & have now upgraded to a Supratek. Yes the Supratek is in another league. BUT I still cannot beleive how good this low priced pre sounds. I would highly recommend that you take a listen!
rockadanny
1,037 posts
 
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.
rotarius
426 posts
 
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.
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
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.
slaw3
136 posts
 
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
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