[dburna]

Hello,

I've been considering some pre-amp options to couple with a SS amp.  I was looking for something that would add some tube warmth and 3-D/sonic holography to the mix but would not compromise on frequency extension, tonality, and PRAT.  Budget is $2k or less, but ideally staying closer to the $1k mark would be great.  Several people have recommended the EE MiniMax pre-amp, while others have touted the benefits of octal tubes (Mapletree).  In addition to my budget, I'd prefer not to have dozens of tubes to care for and feed.  Gain is not important as I have all I need in the amp itself.....plus an attenuator on the amp to be able to dial bakc the gain if required.

And so, Question #1 is: for anyone that has had direct experience and/or ability to compare Mapletree's pre-amps versus the MiniMax, which did you prefer?  And why?  Would either fit my criteria above?  Or is one definitively better?

And that's all well and good, except then I notice that the used market (on Audiogon) is so darned flat right now.  Tough time to be selling.  Air Tight ATM-3 for less than $1500.  A Manley Shrimp went for $950 recently.  Blue Circle BC3.1 is selling for $1100+.  Many $4-5k pre-amps are fetching around one-third of list.  I was wondering if there might be a good fit for me amongst these "big boys" as well.  Of course, it's so hard having not heard many/any of these.

Which brings me to Question #2: is there a sleeper pre-amp at or below the $4-5k range that I should look for (and pounce on) if it shows up for sale around $1500 or so?  Many people might be tempted to answer ModWright 9.0SE, which is a great pre-amp (I had one), but I think too neutral for this application.  I'm looking for the right synergy here, so I do need something with a bit of warmth that doesn't sacrifice incisiveness. 
 
Too many choices, no way to demo.....


Thanks in advance for your input,  -dB

[mca]

What amp and speakers will you be using?

[dburna]

Red Wine Audio 30.2 (after I upgrade it) and Horning Perikles Ultimate speakers (96dB, 8 ohms - primary midrange driver is a Lowther DX2).  DAC will either be an Altmann Attraction or an AudioSector.

-dB

P.S. Great looking boxers, BTW.....the dogs, that is....

[dburna]

Bump - has anyone compared a Mapletree pre-amp with an EE Minimax?

[mca]

Love you're guy too, gotta get me some of them socks!

[Stercom]

Hi, as others have indicated the EE Minimax would be an excellent fit for what you are looking for. I owned one for a while and its a very high value preamp. Don't be worried about the tubes. The stock tubes sound fine and should provide you years of use. If you can find one used grab it. 

[Frihed91]

I have heard them at different times in different places.  I prefer the sonic signature of the 6 or 12SN7 that the MAD preamp uses.  The MiniMax sounded overly warm and the bass was flabby.  The MAD has very respectable bass.

A tube preamp that i own and which comes in slightly over your budget that is worth hearing is the Blue Circle SBT.  I also bought a Blue Circle SS head amp, the SBH, and had a preamp feature installed.  What a lovely sound + dynamics + OK bass for a twofer.

[carusoracer]

I have not heard the Mapletree but own the Minimax. Check out the 6moons review of the Pre Amp and another review of Tube Rollin' with the Minimax.

The PreAmp is very sensitive to Tube Rolling and PC, YMMV. Check out my system page if interested.
A great PreAmp and excellent customer service from Morningstar and Bill