Eastern Electric Mini Max vs AE-3 DJH preamps


I've been looking around for a good tube preamp for some time. I've looked at new and used on Audiogon and on E-bay and wanted to keep the price around $1000. I keep coming back to these two, Eastern Electric Mini Max and AE-3 DJH. Their price new is about $1100 and I've read some good reviews on both. Any opinions about these two preamps? I need some help making up my mind.

I will also be looking for a 200 w/ch SS amp to go with one of them, if anyone has any suggestions.

thanks
winggo

Showing 2 responses by mrtennis

i would avoid both preamps. i had the minimax and the ae preamp. i heard the special edition at a dealer.

i found the sound of both placing too much emphasis upon the treble region.
i heard the ae-3 djh with the cary six pacs and vandersteen model 2( don't remember what version) at a very reputable audio dealer, Audio Connection in New Jersey.

it was only after changing the 6sn7 tubes in the preamp to a nos ge 6sn7 that the sound seemed more spectrally balanced.

i have owned a cary preamp and a tube cd player. i don't find cary products particulary spectrally balanced.