[miniwatt]

Hi Caar,

Thanks for your comments and suggestions on MiniWatt!   

Hi Pez,

We will think about the power amplifier and change the binding posts in next model  . Thx!

Hi shep,

I totally agree your point that a low power amplifier can't handle some inefficient speakers well. However, if the listening environment is not large, a low power amplifier with a fairly high sensitive speakers can sound great and full of details. Generally speaking, a low power amplifier sounds better than a traditional higher power push-pull amp, but definitely it depends on what types of music you like.

HiFi is mix and match, I can't say it's senseless, but it's fun to try matching speakers, amplifier, music sources in a system to make it sounds right.

Cheers
Derek

[cryoparts]

Derek,

Looking forward to using my headphones with my MiniWatt!


Ken

X2!

Lee

[Mariusz]

Derek,

Looking forward to using my headphones with my MiniWatt!


Ken

X2!

Lee

X3!!!

Also, monoblocks would be nice. (put me on pre-order list right now)

Mariusz

[Ed Schilling]

I'm happy ya'll like the suggestions to the modification of the Miniwatt that was posted on my forum. You know, the one that can't be named. Well, I'm not sure why that is..... so here's a link to the original post. http://www.audiophiletalk.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1248108891

Ed
www.thehornshoppe.com


 

[earplay]

this is a welcome thread for a welcome product. I'm swallowing my pride to ask a very unreasonable question: is it totally senseless to expect this amp to drive a pair of fairly inefficient (86db) Transmission line spkrs? They are an easy load with a simple crossover. I've been sitting on the fence and with the contributions here and the quick response, I'm leaning dangerously towards...but if they will do nothing more than a gentle whisper, there's no point (except to own a nice piece of audio jewelry) ps I don't use headphones so maybe two versions could be offered for those who don't either?

Shep, I've got a set of 85db two-ways and found that flea amps can drive them IF you don't try to rock the house. They get loud in a small space on just a few watts. Forget whisper quiet, it's not in the cards. If you were afraid of that, you will be pleasantly surprised.

[srb]

Derek,
 
Will the enclosure silkscreen also be modified from Amplifier to Amplifier?
 
Steve

[miniwatt]

Hi Srb,

Yes, what's a shame...

The case factory made a big mistake, and they already made the case, and we can't change it. 

Cheers
Derek

[earplay]

Derek,

I like the idea of having an amplifer. It has a cache of exclusivity. 

[Caar]

Hi,
Just wanted to complement yesterday's comment:
1)MiniWatt now replaces 2 monoblocks (200rms pentode, 100rms triode per channel, 38 kg each, KT88x8 each, 5700 $US both) specially because of the hum noise that was driving me mad while hearing the monos. I lacks the punch of the monos but, as we all know because we all have the same behaviour, first thing I was doing beginning of each audio session was to confirm, once again, that the hum noise was unacceptable. Now the monos are driving "normal" 86 dB, 6 ohm, KEF Reference 205 and, as expected, hum noise is no longer a problem;
2)MiniWatt (280 $US after taxes) is a almost perfect match for the Avangarde Duo Omega (26 000 $US) and it can rock more loudly than I can physically resist;
3) I listen, mainly, to female vocal jazz and instrumental jazz. For me, the medium and high frequencies of MiniWatt are simply perfect for this type of music.

And now my wishing list for future Miniwatt project:
- mono;
- SET - 1st option 845x1; 2nd option 805x1; 3rd option 300Bx2
- zero negative feedback;
- frequency at 1W:15Hz-40kHZ;
- THD at 1W: <0,5%;
- THD at full power: <2%;
- S/N ratio:> 95 dB;
- Output terminals: accepts banana and forks, gold plated, heavy duty;
- Input terminals: RCA is enough, gold plated;
- Power cord: detachable;
- Chassis finished: simple, black colour (for me);
- Logo: MiniWatt followed by model name. forget the Amplif(i)er word;
- Price: that does not add Miniwatt to the already existing, crowded bunch of over-priced hifi manufacturers. Otherwise, what would be the point?

As you see, simple and basic features.

Carlos

[JohnR]

I'll PM you links with all the details as it is posted on a competing board.

For the record, we don't have and never have had any kind of prohibition against posting links to other sites. (Except for spam and similar types of abuse, of course.)

[jrebman]

Derek,

Can you describe what the headphone version will be like, or will it be an external adaptor box that you use with the existing amp?

Another vote for monoblocks here too.

Oh, and if the red were red and not pink, I'd buy another.

-- Jim

[earplay]

And another vote for monoblocks. I enquired on another board if the MiniWatt were bridgeable, so I'm on that trail, too.

[Cheerwino]

Just installed tube upgrade CV4010 Mullard from Langrex and the sound is immediately improved over the stock Miniwatt 6J1 tubes, to my ears. 

[miniwatt]

Derek,

Can you describe what the headphone version will be like, or will it be an external adaptor box that you use with the existing amp?

Another vote for monoblocks here too.

Oh, and if the red were red and not pink, I'd buy another.

-- Jim

Hi Jim and All,

It's an external box, and connect to existing MiniWatt.

Cheers
Derek

[miniwatt]

And now my wishing list for future Miniwatt project:
- mono;
- SET - 1st option 845x1; 2nd option 805x1; 3rd option 300Bx2
- zero negative feedback;
- frequency at 1W:15Hz-40kHZ;
- THD at 1W: <0,5%;
- THD at full power: <2%;
- S/N ratio:> 95 dB;
- Output terminals: accepts banana and forks, gold plated, heavy duty;
- Input terminals: RCA is enough, gold plated;
- Power cord: detachable;
- Chassis finished: simple, black colour (for me);
- Logo: MiniWatt followed by model name. forget the Amplif(i)er word;
- Price: that does not add Miniwatt to the already existing, crowded bunch of over-priced hifi manufacturers. Otherwise, what would be the point?

As you see, simple and basic features.

Carlos

Hi Caar,

Yes, we did plan to make a higher power amplifier (300B monoblock), stay tuned!

Cheers
Derek

[Mariusz]

Yes, we did plan to make a higher power amplifier (300B monoblock), stay tuned!

Cheers
Derek

That would be something else Derek.
But I am sure that would pushed MiniWatt in substantially higher price category.
However, if your team can somehow manage in keeping it well under $999  , MiniWatt may have another winner. 300b integrated would be even better ....... integrate some NOS DAC into design with USB capabilities ............oh well we can dream can't we?

When I originally mentioned monoblock idea, I thought about something similar to S1.
It would be easy and economical to implement.

As to original S1 - extra input would be also very helpful to those into vinyl. Or .... DAC & one analog in.

That is my personal wish list.

Mariusz

[flatmap]

Looking forward to hearing about your new products.  I'm interested in just about anything I can plug headphones into. 

The idea of an affordable 300B is exciting...

[planet10]

I would also love to see more user friendly binding posts.

As long as they aren't heavy metal... some of the 4mm sockets like these are quite good... do they have standard 3/4" spacing?

dave

[miniwatt]

Thanks all for your suggestions!!

For your information, MiniWatt got a new review in Israel. Pls kindly check our website for details.

Cheers
Derek
www.miniwatt.com.hk

[Poultrygeist]

I spent much of the last two days listening to a MiniWatt (with the two bypass caps mod) drive a pair of Horn Shoppe Horns. Folks this is a marriage made in heaven. It's hard to believe this tiny 2.5 watt amp can push the horns to over 100 dbs without a hint of distortion. If I hadn't held the sound meter in my hand sitting comfortably away in the horn's sweet spot I wouldn't have believed it possible.

The MiniWatt and Horn Shoppe Horn combo has got to be the best deal in high end audio.