Digital Drive: REVIEW: Eastern Electric Minimax CDP CD Player/Recorder by Salby

Model:	Minimax CDP
Category:	CD Player/Recorder
Suggested Retail Price:	$899
Description:	Tube CD Player
Manufacturer URL:	Eastern Electric
Model Picture:	View

Review by Salby ( A ) on February 28, 2005 at 17:18:14
IP Address: 64.136.27.229

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A few months ago my old Jolida 601A died, and I started researching new CD players. I hoped for tubes, but was willing to hear and consider what solid state could do. The Rega Planet 2000 didn't do it for me and went to the Jolida JD100 to try tubes again, but I wasnâ€™t too excited about the Jolida JD100 either. I really hoped I could find a machine that would sound beautiful to my ears without pouring time and money into upgrades, and for less than a thousand dollars.

The MiniMax has a small footprint, a solid build, a good-looking case, and a very stable and quiet transport. It read a number of CDRs I own that have not played well on other machines. This is a great bonus to me because I thought I'd never be able to litren to those recordings again. Cue time is quick. There is a soft click heard when the player starts the disc or is re-cued. There is a technical explanation for that (see the 6 Moons review) and it doesn't bother me.

The remote has good range and is a solid aluminum piece that seems quite durable. It has a button to dim the display by two levels, but the display doesn't disappear. I don't think the sound improved with the dimming of the display.

Of good news to tube rollers is the easy access to the tubes--they are located in a protected area at the back of the machine. There is no need to pull off the cover of the player in order to roll tubes. A flashlight is necessary to help me get the tube pins lined up without a lot of hassle, but it is still a LOT easier than pulling off a cover all the time.

The soundstage is vast. I think that pace and timing are great as well. Symphonies and rock are fun to hear, chamber music poised and elegant. My perception is that the Eastern Electric MiniMax is a musical machine and forgiving of bad recordings. The player sounds open and fast to me with good cable choices. Truthlinks were too warm, Belden 89259 DIY's were better, but not very refined. --I like it best with Nordost Blue Heaven IC's and a Harmonic Tech Pro AC11 power cord with Hubbell plugs. I tried the same power cord, newer version, with Furutech plugs, and I thought the machine was too smooth and lost detail. It has been a lot of fun tweaking with the cables I have on hand and I've almost got the sound where I want it

I certainly found that Amperex white label 7308's were musical in the player, but detail was not there. Things were too warm for me. I put in some Electroharmonix 6922's and the machine really came to life with a lot of pop and clarity. Unfortunately the Electroharmonix tubes also added some grain. I just installed a pair of Siemens 7308's. They sound great in the Mini Max and I am very happy I spent the $$ to get them.

All in all, this machine sings for me in a way that the Jolida JD100 did not. That it comes at an affordable price is great. I specifically hoped for a machine that would not demand extra cash outlay for internal mods. This is that kind of machine, and I am relieved to now stop researching hardware and just enjoy the music. YMMV.

Product Weakness: Display doesn't dim completely. Wish the case screws were recessed.
Product Strengths: Detailed but musical, very large soundstage. Stable transport. Has PRAT. Great with rock and symphonies, but elegant with chamber music.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Jolida 1501RC
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	CDP
Speakers:	Totem Sttaf
Cables/Interconnects:	Nordost Blue Heaven IC's, Mapleshade Double Golden Helix speaker cable
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Acoustic, Rock
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio Ultimate Outlet
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Display doesn't dim completely. Wish the case screws were recessed.
Product Strengths:	Detailed but musical, very large soundstage. Stable transport. Has PRAT. Great with rock and symphonies, but elegant with chamber music.