new pre amp on the way

heiney9
heiney9 Posts: 25,165
edited March 2014 in 2 Channel Audio
I am the proud new owner of an Eastern Electric Mini Max tube per amp. Nothing but glowing reviews. Stay tuned.
"Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
Post edited by heiney9 on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • Timothy Smith
    Timothy Smith Posts: 764
    edited December 2013
    I bought the same preamp used a few months ago. Really like it so far. Tried a few different tubes which were an improvement over the stock ones.

    Enjoy!
    Norh ACA-2B tube pre, Sumo Andromeda SS amp. Magneplanar MMG speakers, M&K MX1250 Subwoofer, Pro-Ject RM1.3 Genie TT with Sumiko Pearl MM cart., Keces DAC, Cambridge Audio Azur 640c CD player
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    I already have lots and lots of tubes that I can roll. Except I need to get some 6x4 rectifiers
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • aboroth00
    aboroth00 Posts: 1,106
    edited December 2013
    Congrats buddy. Glad you found something you like!
    2Ch Tube Audio Convert
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    I am anxious to get it in the rig. It's been on my short list. Has everything I want except remote. I can deal with that.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited December 2013
    Congrats on the new pre. The best 6X4s I have tried are the Brimar Black Plate, Tung Sol, and Phillips Eindhoven Holland. They are a little tough to find as most of the Phillips 6X4s were made in Argentina, but if you can find one of the Eindhoven ones, they are well worth it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    Thanks Dawg, just so happens I have a source for all those, NOS too.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited December 2013
    Awesome! Sounds like you're set. I'll be interested to hear your impressions of the MiniMax. That one has been on my short list of ones to try.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited December 2013
    Stock or modded?
    Congrats
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    Stock I believe. But lookineg to do the mods at some point.

    How about a 1958 G.E.C. Genlax CV4001 black plate square getter for a rectifier?
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    I have a single 1945 Tung Sol 12AU7 black plate w/ vertical D getter. They are very rare and very hard to find. I have been looking for an identical mate for over a year. Since the MM doesn't need both 12AU7s to be the same I can finally get my ears on this supposed superbly wonderful tube. Can't wait
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited December 2013
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Stock I believe. But lookineg to do the mods at some point.

    How about a 1958 G.E.C. Genlax CV4001 black plate square getter for a rectifier?

    Brock-- I think I still have the GEC rectifier when I had my minimax-- I'll look when I get home from work.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • pearsall001
    pearsall001 Posts: 5,068
    edited December 2013
    Congrats & enjoy the new pre!! I thought you were chasing that Rogue Magnum in the FS section. It also sounds like you've got a ton of tubes to roll in & out with that bad boy. Interested in your findings once everything has been up & running for awhile.
    "2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    The Rogue didn't work out in the end Phil. This popped up on Audio Asylum and the guy seems solid and he;s only 1 hour away. I do have a A LOT of tubes for rolling
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    george daniel wrote: »
    Brock-- I think I still have the GEC rectifier when I had my minimax-- I'll look when I get home from work.

    Cool beans, let me know.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Oldfatdogs
    Oldfatdogs Posts: 1,874
    edited December 2013
    Congrats on the new Pre,will it be bumping the Dared?
    Dan
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    That's the million dollar question!
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    DSkip wrote: »
    If you end up with some 12AU7 singles that you want to part with, keep me in the loop. My Shuguang uses a single 12AU7, currently filled with an RCA clear top. Mine uses a Chinese 6Z4, but I've been thinking about having it modded to use the 6X4 instead - the only difference is the pin-out locations AFAIK.

    Congrats on the new preamp! Selfishly, I'm a little sad you didn't get the Rogue. I would've been VERY curious on your impressions on that particular preamp.

    I will keep you in mind. At current count I have 17 pairs and few triples of different 12AU7 and equivalents. The triples are very rare tubes so I doubt I'd part with those, but it's not out of the question. Just couldn't come to terms I was satisfied with concerning the Rogue. I really wanted to try it out, but that's how it goes.

    I honestly wasn't really in the market for a new tube pre, but things come along you just can't pass up. I think I got a pretty good deal on the Mini Max. If for some reason it doesn't synergize with my rig or doesn't float my boat it has great resale potential.

    I am excited

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • FTGV
    FTGV Posts: 3,649
    edited December 2013
    Enjoy your new pre.It's always fun trying out new pieces.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    edited December 2013
    Nice pick up Brock.

    btw- don't make us chase you down for a review either. lol
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • kcoc321
    kcoc321 Posts: 1,788
    edited December 2013
    Some eye candy ;)

    minimax3.jpg
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    george daniel wrote: »
    Brock-- I think I still have the GEC rectifier when I had my minimax-- I'll look when I get home from work.

    Shout out George, do you have one?

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited December 2013
    I've heard it's very good for the price; congrats!
    Jake
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited December 2013
    I like the design style too! Congrats!
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited December 2013
    Have heard only glorious things about it. The only reason I didn't buy one last month was no remote. Enjoy!
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    I bought this strictly based on all the stellar reviews, both professional and private. I was kinda, sorta looking for something new and I found this at a very good price. I really wanted remote as well, but it seemed to have everything else I was looking for so I bypassed that one criteria.

    Hope it lives up to all the reviews and I should have fun rolling tubes since I have a great stash of 12AU7/5814/5963's to try. Also just purchased a couple 6X4 rectifiers. Some have suggested one needs to get out of the Chinese tube gear realm and into something made stateside to really jump up a notch, I guess it remains to be seen. Many here have no love for the Dared because it's Chinese, diminutive, inexpensive and not manly enough, but I don't worry about those things. I evaluate on how it performs.

    This purchase is no exception.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dhart86
    dhart86 Posts: 1,594
    edited December 2013
    Brock... congrats on you new pre-
    Like mentioned b4 ....please let us know your thoughts on it. I agree with you on the Dared Sl200a, its a very very nice pre-amp based on price and performance. I thought you may have liked the Rogue also. I never heard the 66 magnum but I have the 99 magnum with 6sn7 tubes and
    to my ears....the rogue is hard to beat at a comparative price
    Main Rig:
    Antipodes DX > Roon > PS Audio Directstream Jr.>deHavilland Ultraverve 3 >Belles Reference 150a >Harbeth C7 ES3


    Second Rig:
    Roon> PS Audio Directstream Jr Bridge II > EE Minimax pre (Tutay mods) >Belles 150A Ref >Monitor 5 (Westmassguy-modded)


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    Just a quick Christmas Eve update: So far I am very impressed, it's tone is seductive but at the same time very natural. It does respond very well to tube rolling and for me that's a way to fine tune it in my system. It has a much blacker background than the Dared, it is dead silent and when the music is playing it's crystal clear and one can really see "into" the recording better. There is a strong sense of focus to everything, especially vocals. My favorite word applies here "effortless". The music flows rather than being forced out of the speaker, if that makes sense. The sound stage is superb.

    So far after about 20 hours of listening, my impressions are very positive and I can see why it garners all the praise it gets. Still need to spend more time with it to see if it all holds up after the newness wears off.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • brianle
    brianle Posts: 572
    edited December 2013
    Sounds like a winner. How was the bass?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    brianle wrote: »
    Sounds like a winner. How was the bass?

    The bass is outstanding!

    Right now in the rectifier position I have a 1959 Mullard Blackburn made w/D getter - cathode follower 1955 Sylvania 12AU7 short black plate w/SQ getter - gain stage 1956 Valvo ECC82 long plate made in Hamburg w/D getter with foil strip.

    It's like the musicians are right in the room with me :smile:

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2013
    It seems to have the same issue the Dared does in some systems, a little too much gain. Can't get it much past the 9:00 position w/o it being really loud. I hate throwing away all the rest of the vol pot.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter