[audiojerry]

Hi folks!
This is for fellow Minimax owners, and anyone else who may be interested. I'm not sure if this should go in the Critics circle, because it is somewhat of a review, but since I've already reviewed the Mini, it's more of a followup of my experiences trying various tube combinations in the middle and far right 12au7 sockets.  I plead my ignorance in not knowing the roles of either of these two sockets in the signal path. My only concern was the effect they had on the overall sound using different tubes. I presently have a Tungsol 6x4wa in the left recifier slot, which I'm very satisfied with, but Gordy recommended that the 6x4w is a step up. I'll have to look into that soon.

Bill O'Connell of Morningstar Imports is an amazing guy. He read that I was looking for feedback on tubes for the mini, and he sent me a box with a half dozen vintage tubes to try out:

Amperex  12au7 1958 d getter (what's a d getter?)
Raytheon 12au7 circa 1950's square getter (whats a square getter)
CBS Hytron JHY-5814A, 1956 d getter
Raytheon 7730 goldpin
Tungsol Blackglass 12au7
Tungsram E80CC[/list:u]
I was using vintage Telefunken 12au7, which I like very much, but I wanted to see if I could dial in a slightly warmer sound, which I enjoy at certain times depending on my mood. I'd characterize my Telefunkens as having great clarity, dynamic authority, and punch.  I must say that Bill's tubes are exceptional, and each impart their own distinct character. I was shocked and delighted to see how much influence they have on the overall sound.  

It was difficult keeping track of all the possible combinations, athough I had great fun  trying. The most dramatic tube I think was the Raytheon 7730. It had even greater punch than my Telefunkens, and definitely a tube for those who want their systems to rock. The Amperex was lovely - so smooth and warm. To be honest, I loved them all and wished I could have kept them all, but my budget said nada.

But I found a combination that for me was magical: The CBS Hytron and Raytheon square getter. They produced a slighly warmer sound that I was seeking, but definitely not syrupy or soft. There was great harmonic bloom and texture. Listening to cd's, it was much like listening to vinyl - you just kind of melt into your listening chair and think "now this is music". Listening to good vinyl, it was Oh My God! I've died and gone to heaven. Not quite as dynamic as my Telefunkens, but for me they delivered more content and emotion, and are definitely my preferred choice. I'll still listen with the Telefunkens from time to time, the the Hytron and Raytheon are here to stay.

The end result is I am now thinking that a preamp couldn't get any better than the Minimax. It is so transparent and delivers everything that your tubes have to offer. Anyone stll using the stock tubes in their Mini have no idea how much better this little preamp is capable of becoming.  I am extremely happy that Morningstar Imports showed up on Audiocircle. Thank you Bill!

Anyone interested in a pair of Telefunken's? I've got four and only need two.

[tybee]

I have been doing alot of Mini Max tube rolling recently, and I really like the Raytheon Square Getter with the Valvo E80CC in the middle buffer.  I have not heard the CBS Hytron/Raytheon combo, but you have motivated me to obtain some Hytrons.

The Mini Max Pre continues to amaze me.  I can only echo your comments.  Another happy EE MM owner!

[nature boy]

Audiojerry,

Thanks for sharing man!  The EE Minimax is one nice preamp, especially for a two-channel set up.  For anyone with three or less source inputs  - for me just two a CDP and turntable - it's a no brainer to audition one of these preamps.

It is pretty amazing how you can "tune" this preamp with different tubes.
Enjoy.

NB

[8thnerve]

I have been doing alot of Mini Max tube rolling recently, and I really like the Raytheon Square Getter with the Valvo E80CC in the middle buffer!

That is my favorite combo as well.  With a Tungsol in the left-most slot.

[John Casler]

Seems the Raytheons are "good"  in the EE MM PA.  I too use the Raytheon 5814 (dated March 1953) NOS with the Tungsram E80CC.

If you don't have "matched" tubes in the middle and right slots, try reversing them for fun.  Strangely enough my combo has "very" different qualities when switched, and even stranger, I can't decide which I like best.

And for those who have the EE MM CDP, I have recently installed a matched pair of "cryo'd" Electro-harmonix 6922's and while the stock Sovtek aren't bad, the EH's (once burned in) after 50 hours are excellent

I have heard a rumor that the Electro's are either the same or very similar to the Sovteks, so maybe the "improvement" is in the "cryo treatment"

[tybee]

I have been burning in a pair of Amperex Orange Globe, Holland, (A Frame, steel pin) 6922 tubes in my EE CDP this weekend.  A major improvement over the stock tubes.  In my system, the stock tubes seem to be too hot in the highs with unimpressive bass.  These Amperex tubes are very sweet in the highs with great tight bass. Compared to the stock tube, the Amperex is much warmer, vibrant, transparent, and lively.  Definately recommended for EE CDP owners.

[Carlman]

I think I may be the only person that hasn't been crazy about the Tungsram E80CC.  I really like the Raytheon 5814 in the middle slot and I've just ordered a RadioTechnique 12AU7. (French copy of an Amperex circa 1956)  It'll be here Monday so, I'll report results/comparisons.

One thing also about the E80CC, it isn't the same as a 12AU7... so, how is it OK to use it?  A lot of people successfully use it so I'm sure it's fine but... I must have missed where the flexibility of tube choices for the EE pre were discussed.

-C

[audiojerry]

The tube combinations are abundant, and it's amazing how the Minimax allows the character of the tube to be heard. Great fun fershur!

[Bill O'Connell]

The E80CC is not a direct substitute for a 12au7 as it draws twice as much current. It is safe to use in the MiniMax Preamplifier.
 I would not throw a E80CC into another manufacturers component that calls for a 12au7. Check with your manufacturer before you do.

 One of our customers from Taiwan runs a pair of E80CC tubes in his MiniMax. He claimed he has reached the 7th realm of some order of monks that usually can only be obtained after about 100 years of age.
 I have tried this in my system at home and although I would not like to listen to this tube combination all the time as it can be a little to agressive for my tastes, I will say that it is one exhilarating experience
 
 Have a great listening weekend,
 Bill

[John Casler]

Uhhh OOOOO    

Something interesting just happened.  This is not in stone and I need a few more hours here to make sure what I'm hearing is real, but here is the scenario:

I just received my new VMPS African Ebony 626R speakers.  I decided that during the "break in" period or at least the next couple hundred hours, I would just throw the MM "stock" tubes back in, so as not to waste too much time on the NOS tubes.

One other element might be important.  I keep my tubes, IN THE FREEZER!!!!  Home CRY'O anyone??

Now I know that the temps in the freezer don't even approach "real" cryo parameters, but I thought it might be fun and at least you always know where they are.

So on a lark, I thought I would just store my "stock" tubes or any extras I have around in the freezer.  

Not really expecting too much, I hauled them out and let them reach room temperature.  Then I put a small amount of "SilClear" (the silver connection treatment) one each prong, and mounted them in the MM Preamp and flipped the switch.

OK, now you have to realize that I only had about an hours worth of listening to a brand new 626R (with Auric Caps which I didn't have in my last ones) and they are already sounding much more "real".

Putting the stock tubes in the sockets definately didn't have any negative effect and with out a doubt, the system as a whole, new speakers and now stock tubes, actually sounded better than (in several ways) than my system the day before.

But the greater point is that this great sound was continued with the "STOCK" MM tubeset!!! (Home Cryo'ed in my freezer).

Now of course I have a lot more listening and breaking in to do before any "real opinions" are formed, but this certainly was fun  

And if anyone else decides to try my little "home cryo-treatment" (I must have had them in there for 2-3 months) let me know your results.

Let me know if you think the "Home Cryo Treatment" (say at least 2 weeks) makes them sound any better???

Anyhow, I'll try and post more as the results are in.

[lonewolfny42]

Wow !! The things you learn here ....who'd of thought it !!  

[zybar]

John,

You are a mad scientist out there!!

Instead of freezing your tubes, you should be painting your PR with Elmers wood glue!  

I really, really like the African Ebony finish.  If ordered my 40's now, there is no doubt that is what I would get.

George

[John Casler]

Wow !! The things you learn here ....who'd of thought it !!  

These are only initial impressions with limited listening with "fresh out of the box" speakers, so I could be "all wet".

But, as difficult as it is to do. (not) I thought maybe others could try it and see if they get any result.

[John Casler]

John,

You are a mad scientist out there!!

Instead of freezing your tubes, you should be painting your PR with Elmers wood glue!  

I really, really like the African Ebony finish.  If ordered my 40's now, there is no doubt that is what I would get.

George

I do like to tweak, and have to admit to trying a lot of "off the wall" stuff.

I only have my "aged" LARGER and I dont think it has a base that is removable.

And the African Ebony "is" a remarkable finish.  I just got mine yesterday and will be reporting soon.  I finally have had an opportunity to hear a "head to head" comparison of the "stock caps" vs the Auric Caps and will report on that too, but in the VMPS Circle

Yes, they seem to be worth every penny

[BeeBop]

Has anybody read the 6 moons review of Minimax tube rolling by David Abramson. Here's the link...

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/tuberolling/tuberolling.html

The guy writes like Richard Brautigan - sort of reminded me of reading "Trout Fishing In America" for the first time. Unfortunately, I finished the review not really being sure I understood his conclusions. A short-coming on my part no doubt.