I have not heard the minimax. I have tried the ASL Wave 8 amps, which are a similar design but in monoblock form and without a preamp. The 6BM8 provides quite extended tops and warm low end but without much low end extension. They are not as sweet sounding as the EL84 tube. The best entry level EL84 amp I have heard is the Jolida 102 and it has a bit more drive.
You could also look at Vista Audio - they make a decent EL84 amp.