Eastern Electric Mini Max vs AE-3 DJH preamps

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?

Hi,

I'm having a brain fart! I just got a DJH pre also,
and since it inverts phase, do I just make a switch
at the speaker end only + for - or at the speaker "AND" amp
+ for -??

Thanks,
Bob

Never mind, I found out.

There is a relatively non upgraded for sale now. No I am not the owner.
I also own an AE-3 paid 300- 350 for it turned my system into a nirvana broadcaster to put it mildly and wouldn't sell it. I have spent more on a few tubes. I guess in truth it would seriously take about ten K to get anywhere close to this miraculous little pre.
I had a buddy stuff it with the exact same parts as a DJH signature and he agreed that the sound didn't change that much and called it "scary good".
It is the biggest giant killer in this industry as long as you roll the 2 tubes it only has.
I am lucky because I have some of the best 6SN7s around numbering over 100. This pre will sound good with just about any decent old stock tube. IMHO it likes the bottom getter Sylvanias like the famous for good reasons " W "for instance. Bad BOYs or other early JAN or VT231 will do the trick. Obviously the biggest sound that this pre is capable of is to use the tube du Jour the Tung Sol Round Plate GT. I bought mine before the tube insanity hit.