Eastern Electric Mini Max vs AE-3 DJH preamps

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...

Paul, I strongly agree.

Though I import Opera Audio/Consonance equipment, I personally use an AES AE-3 DJH preamplifier in my system. It thoroughly outclasses anything I represent. It's a rich sounding preamplifier with a lot of dynamics. If there's one thing it's not (especially with the stock tubes), it's bright, as that is the last thing I want in my system.

Mingles, I've found that the AES preamplifier does very well with tube power amplifiers. In my system, I have had some real good results with both my Atma Sphere M60 and Consonance Cyber 800, though I'd say its effects are far more synergetic with the Atmas, as they combine to produce outstanding dynamics while striking the right balance of resolving and romantic (moreso than typical for this amplifier) at the same time. That being the case, I would certainly encourage anyone with a pair of Atma Sphere amps in the market for a suitable preamplifier to put this one on your short list.