[elnero]

After reading Srajan Ebaen's review of the MiniMax and W1000 combo on 6Moons, being a headphone geek myself, I find myself very intrigued with the MiniMax CD player. I've been searching around and while there is a decent amount of information on the player it's a bit sketchy leaving me with some questions.

Most of what I've read about the player seems quite positive but I haven't figured out at what level it's peers would be. Right now I'm using a Rega Planet 2000, would the MiniMax be considered an upgrade or a sidestep? My listening preferences are for a reasonably fast, punchy and detailed bass, a liquid, organic and natural midrange and smooth highs with no traces of sibilance (Sibilance can be problematic in my system as the RS-1's can have a tendency to accentuate it if not paired properly).

Srajan felt the headphone output was exceptional with the Audio Technica W1000's even going as far as to say the Antique Sound Labs MGHead OTL32 was more of a sidestep than an upgrade per se. I've heard other people note the headpone output is exceptional as well but haven't heard any other direct comparisons to any other standalone headphone amps. This is of particular interest because at some point in the near future I'm expecting to lose my dedicated listening space for awhile and it would be nice to have a decent quality all in one solution that I could move around the house with relative ease if the need should arise. My main heaphone of choice is Grado RS-1's which like current. This is a concern as I'm not sure an onboard headphone output would be able to provide enough to properly drive the Grado's satisfactorily. Does anyone have any thoughts or comparisons on the headphone output? Has anyone tried Grado's with it, particularly the RS-1's?

Third up is tuberolling. I've read bits and pieces on peoples attempts at tuberolling the MiniMax but I'm curious if more people have tried and what their feelings are on the effects and which tubes work well. I would also be interested in peoples thoughts of pairing it with a tube amp like the PPX3.

[Carlman]

I think this topic should really be in the headphone section to get more feedback from headphone users... however, I have this CDP and find it quite enjoyable.  I've heard the Planet 2000 but not in direct comparison.  I do not use headphones at all.

You may want to contact Bill and see if he can provide a demo or trial to do your own comparison.  

I haven't seen a lot of direct comparisons either.  The only one I've done is against a Bel Canto DAC2, Museatex DAC, and Audio PC.  Of the 3 or 4 people that listened, I think 3 or 4 opinions as to which sounded best were formed.  I liked the Minimax but thought it was a little laid back.  I liked the Audio PC best.  I've since gotten new tubes and allowed for lots more break-in and am really enjoying it.  The presentation is musical and involving.

I'm using Rocket Logo Russian NOS tubes from Upscale Audio that I think have the smoothest presentation of anything I've heard.  I had Amprerex A-frames and round getters (both orange globe) that I tried but the Amperex seemed to be a little too harsh in the upper midrange which accentuated digital hash a bit.  I was thinking of having the EE CDP's signal path completely upgraded by a modd'er at some point.  I would do the Audio PC but I have decided I can't deal with another PC in my life.... especially not in the one place that's a haven away from such things.

In any case, I think the EE CDP would likely sound more natural to my ears than the Rega.  Whether it can drive your cans, I have no clue.

-C

[elnero]

Thanks for the reply Carlman. I thought about putting this in the headphone section but because it wasn't completely headphone related and the lack of traffic in that forum I felt I'd probably get the most feedback by posting here even if none of it's heaphone related it's still information that helps with a decision.

I did do a search here and have read most of the related material but I'm hoping to stimulate a little more conversation and get some more thoughts on this player.

I have contacted Bill and he has put me in touch with Alex Yeung who has graciously provided me with some of the technical information I was looking for and I'm awaiting a reply from him on a few other questions.

Because I live in Canada an audition is most likely out of the question (although I never asked Bill about that, but then the border crap usually makes it more of a pain than it's worth.) but I'm used to that so I just try to get as much feedback as I can from other people that have used the gear I'm thinking of purchasing.

[DeadFish]

Thanks for starting this thread, Elnero.
I've been running an original Planet for a good 5 years and have been generally happy with it.  But one sometimes wonders, 'What next?'.
I've been interested, but not heard the Minimax as well.
Hoping you get more input.

Regards,
DeadFish

[elnero]

Hey DeadFish, I'm hoping to see some more input as well.

[elnero]

Ok, lets try this instead. Has anyone been able to compare the MiniMax to a Rega Planet 2000?

[Carlman]

I don't think anyone has... however, I'd be interested if anyone had compared it to the Sheng-ya... I would expect the Minimax to be better but I'm still curious.

I'm contemplating what I'm going to do about my digital source.  Originally I was going to build an Audio PC but I decided against it.  The best player I've heard is a BAT... which I could easily live with for many, many years.

Then there's the option of modifying the Minimax player I have.  I can go full tilt and get about 1,k worth of mods done that would upgrade the entire signal path and clock.  So, I'd have about $1900 invested in the CDP.  A used BAT is 1800 on average.  Either one I'd live with for many years so I don't care about resale value.  Both are well-made players... the BAT has 6 tubes vs. 2 and they're more difficult to replace.

So, the most interesting comparison to me would be a BAT vs. fully modified Minimax.  I'd be interested in other results also.  I'd be willing to ship my player to someone doing a digital shootout as long as they paid shipping and insurance back to me.

I think the Minimax has a lot right... most importantly, it sounds more like music than other players I've heard.  I'd be interested to hear any comparisons besides my own.

Have you looked on AA or Audiogon?

[Bill O'Connell]

In all honesty, Not that many  sold until I went Direct sales which was just over a month ago. Sales have picked up considerably since the price reduction but the feedback you are looking for will be sparse until more units are in the homes of music lovers.
  If your in the market to audition one drop me an email.

 Thanks,
 Bill