Eastern Electric Mini Max vs AE-3 DJH preamps

Hey....I have a heavenly combination of the AE-3 DJH and the brand new PS Audio GCA 100 amp. The analytical quality of the Gain Cell technology in the PS Audio is beautifully balanced by the tubes (including rectifier) of the AE-3. It allows me to dramatically hear the difference in tubes. Changed my life. I can finally hear the difference in an old Sylvania "Bad Boy" and a CBS Hytron. My speakers are the new Signature Totem Mani-2. The AE-3 loves Silver Sonic Air Matrix cable, by the way.

Hi,

I think I can speak to this issue as I have owned both. I recently sold the MiniMax. I actually had both at the same time for about 6 months, and I preferred the AES by a wide margin. The Minimax offered more detail, but the AES offered more tone. I think the bigger 6SN7 tube is betteer in a preamp. I sold the MiniMax because I wasn't listening to it.
I had an audiophile friend over several times (he's retired, just turned 65 and has owned a LOT of gear [compulsively discerning]) and he thought the MiniMax was nothing special. He ended up buying a DJH with remote after hearing mine.

What are AE-3 DJH owners using for amps? What works well and what doesn't??

Mingles, with the djh you want an amp that has a fuller sound, stay away from Bryston and such. As you may know, the only weakness of the pre is that it is a bit lean in the deep bass area.

Mrtennis, referring to Cary gear as bright in general is one of the oddest comments I've seen around here in a spell.

I don't think I need to elaborate on that comment for anyone who's ever heard any premap or amp made by Cary...