So Many Great Inexpensive Preamps!

audiojerry · « **on:** 19 Dec 2003, 08:56 pm »

I've been noticing a few budget priced preamps that seem to be getting a fair amount of praise.
Dodd, IRD, and now the Minimax from Eastern Audio...am I leaving some out?
Has anyone done any comparing lately?

I just got a Minimax audition sample, and all I'll say for now is
HOOOWHAH

Mad DOg · « **Reply #1 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 09:03 pm »

i'm hoping i'll have the minimax and IRD at the same time in January so i can compare the 2...

as usual, anyone who is interested in hearing these is welcome to come over...and as usual, i'll most likely host a session...

nathanm · « **Reply #2 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 09:09 pm »

I'm extremely pleased with my Monolithic PA-1. No idea what's in this box of bolts that makes it cost 500 clams; (if that is what can be considered "budget") but hey - it's small, it looks swanky, (attractive script logo and blue LED too) has four inputs, tape toop, mute switch and two pre-outs. And the volume knob is smooth and creamy.

Stepped pots may be theoretically superior, but I prefer the smoove feel of these. If it had a balance control I'd be set. Oh yeah, it "sounds" just awesome.

Not to slight IRD and their full-ass, brick shithouse amps

, but I would have no trouble whatsoever choosing this over the Purist.

Carlman · « **Reply #3 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 09:19 pm »

I will be comparing the Purist, Minimax and Dodd at my place fairly soon... Anyone (from AC) is welcome to attend. I'm in Durham, NC.

The Dodd and Minimax will be here very soon. I'm way down the list for the Purist, though. I don't know how to get it here sooner.

I'm also having a speaker comparison of the Diluceo's and Onix Ref 1's. There will be no sub present. I will have the Dodd and Minimax to use for this comparison. That will be in mid-January. Again, all are welcome to attend.

If you're interested, PM me. I'll start a new thread for these things after Christmas.

Thanks,
Carl

PS, edited for major typo on the date... oops. Both comparisons will be in January... one in mid Jan and the other in late JAN...

byteme · « **Reply #4 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 09:29 pm »

Even though I don't know if Philly is still doing the Blues 7b that's a pretty killer preamp for $350, plus upgraded tubes, power cord and herbies tube dampers for those damn microphonic 396a tubes (but OOOOOH they sound good!!) All told, about $450 bones when they had the special.

John Casler · « **Reply #5 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 09:36 pm »

Quote from: audiojerry

I just got a Minimax audition sample, and all I'll say for now is
HOOOWHAH

Hey AJ,

I have a MiniMax sample coming this way too. Looks like I'll have to put 40 hours or so on it and then clamp my ears on it.

Are you saying HOOOWAH! even as its breaking in? I'm looking forward to this one.

Tyson · « **Reply #6 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 09:59 pm »

I'll toss out the AVA T7R as another great pre at a reasonable price. The AVA stuff is the first gear I've owned that I didn't upgrade after about 6 months, that says a lot.

Mad DOg · « **Reply #7 on:** 19 Dec 2003, 10:57 pm »

Quote from: Tyson

...The AVA stuff is the first gear I've owned that I didn't upgrade after about 6 months, that says a lot.

tyson,

i know the feeling...i've been through 4 preamps in the last 8 months!

if i like the ird or minimax better than my current preamp, that'll be 5!

i haven't changed out my transport in over 3 months!

i haven't changed out my speakers in 12 months!

and i haven't changed out my amps in over 12 months!

wreilly · « **Reply #8 on:** 20 Dec 2003, 12:05 am »

Quote from: Tyson

I'll toss out the AVA T7R as another great pre at a reasonable price. The AVA stuff is the first gear I've owned that I didn't upgrade after about 6 months, that says a lot.

I'll give it another vote. Really outstanding. I had some time today to spend with it and I'm very impressed.

I have to confess that I wasn't sure at first, I suspect that I'm so used to SS that the difference took some getting used to. But the Combination of the 550 EXR and the T-7 EXR is truly outstanding. A full and rich sound and I prefer it without a Sub.
The HT bypass is great as well, just a push of a button and you are back to your Pre/Pro. Nice touch.

Regards,
Bill

nature boy · « **Reply #9 on:** 20 Dec 2003, 12:13 am »

CAUTION - Listening to the Eastern Electric Minimax amp is extremely addictive. When you roll some tubes, it becomes even more addictive.

This warning has been brought to you by the Sturgeon General.

Happy listening fellow circle members.

NB

Carlman · « **Reply #10 on:** 20 Dec 2003, 12:22 am »

Quote from: nature boy

This warning has been brought to you by the Sturgeon General.

So, I guess the Minimax should be bought caviar emptor? har har

I'm really looking forward to getting it! Hope it gets here tomorrow or Monday.

DARTH AUDIO · « **Reply #11 on:** 20 Dec 2003, 12:53 am »

This Preamp is a "GIANT" Killer. I'm using now with the MiniMax 8 Watt Amp. This amp will blow you away. This amp is driving a pair of Von Schweikert VR-2's with NO problem. I will spend more time on the amp in the Critic's corner. I have the local Classical station on. All I can say is WOW!!

I hope you all enjoy the preamp as much as I do..

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #12 on:** 20 Dec 2003, 05:04 am »

Wow !! Seems like a lot of Mini's running around on tour

. I have a new unit arriving Mon. for my home audition. It will need some break-in time. I'll match it up with my Krell KSA-100 mkII and the Scott Nixon Mono amps that I got from Hantra . Nixon/Mini-Max sounds like a good inexpensive match...... We'll see how it works out !

Captain Humble · « **Reply #13 on:** 20 Dec 2003, 03:34 pm »

I'm in the market for a preamp.

Is there a reason there is no mention of the Odysessy Tempest?

I'll want HT passthough and remote.

audiojerry · « **Reply #14 on:** 20 Dec 2003, 06:30 pm »

Quote:

Quote

Are you saying HOOOWAH! even as its breaking in? I'm looking forward to this one.

Yes, JC

I mistakenly thought the Minimax was priced at $495, which I considered a budget price. I guess it's acutually $1195; definitely not "budget" in my
price range. So, I guess it's not fair to compare it to budget units.

The only thing I'll add now is that the Mini has me seriously thinking about living without a remote.

mattybumpkin · « **Reply #15 on:** 21 Dec 2003, 01:41 pm »

I too have rec'd a Mini Max to audition. Bill is a great guy, I mentioned I would like to audition his pre and he had it shipped out to me that same day! I had it by this past Friday and I have been enjoying it this weekend. My current pre is an Audible Illusions L-1.

Besides the pre being gorgeous, it is sounding mighty nice!! I can see how it is getting all of the positive press. Well, off to listen some more...

Regards,

"M"

Zero · « **Reply #16 on:** 21 Dec 2003, 03:13 pm »

edit: Where can you find this for the killer price??? Can only seem to find the thing for over a grand..

hifitommy · « **Reply #17 on:** 21 Dec 2003, 04:08 pm »

were i looking for one, i would consider the clearaudio basic or micro basic blindly feeling that clearaudio has a very good chance to be good sounding, and the price is very attractive.

i am not in need of a phono section as i have an arc sp3c, i AM in need of a relatively high gain (30db) headamp, the arc is noisy with the 20db variety.

MMs are just fine thank you, nice and quiet.

Tonto Yoder · « **Reply #18 on:** 21 Dec 2003, 04:19 pm »

Quote from: Carlman

Quote from: nature boy

This warning has been brought to you by the Sturgeon General.

So, I guess the Minimax should be bought caviar emptor? har har...
.

You're on a roe!

nature boy · « **Reply #19 on:** 21 Dec 2003, 04:38 pm »

All this audiophile equipment discourse is starting to sound a little fishy to me.

Where is that fish emoticon when you need it.

NB