Eastern Electric Mini Max vs AE-3 DJH preamps

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.

I've had the DJH for a few days and absolutely love the sound. I was expecting to hear some bloat (like I did with a standard AE-3), but I've heard nothing of the sort. Apparently, they have different circuit designs. The DJH is direct coupled rather than capacitor coupled. The presentation is sweet without being overly warm.

I'm concerned about the 20 dB of gain. My ASL amps have a sensitivity of 1.0v which will probably limit my volume control to under 9 or 10 o'clock. The amps are being rebuilt right now, so I haven't had a chance to verify this. Has anyone else had a problem with the high gain? If so, what did you do?