Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Eastern Electric MiniMax Preamplifier (Tube) by Matt D.

Model:	MiniMax
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$1195.00
Description:	3 tube linstage preamplifier
Manufacturer URL:	Eastern Electric
Model Picture:	View

Review by Matt D. ( A ) on September 30, 2004 at 09:42:32
IP Address: 204.108.8.5

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It wasn't my intention to buy a preamplifier so soon. I was going to wait and upgrade my amplifier at the same time, but while trolling through Audiogon one day I saw a Minimax dealer demo being offered for the exceedingly low price of $650. Knowing something of it's reputation and the excellent reviews surrounding it, I couldn't help but purchase it. When I received this little unit (it's really quite attractive in a minimalist sort of way), I connected it to the pre-in of my Classe integrated and was astounded by the changes. I knew that tubes give you better dimensionality and layering, I also own a little push-pull triode that doesn't have quite enough grunt for my speakers, but this was a quantum leap in improvement compared to the Classe using its own pre. The soundstage opened, there was much better transparency, and the dynamics were incredible. Upright bass now sounded like a wooden, dimensional instrument instead of the thudding background sound it was without the Minimax. Vocals were captured with all the minute inflections and microdynamic shadings that really connect you emotionally to the singer. More than once during my listening sessions, I laughed out loud at how much better my system sounded. I guess the reason I was inspired to write about this product is because it gave me so much bang for the buck. It is a rock bottom value yet there is nothing about it that telegraphs "budget" gear, or compromise in the slightest way.

Being a naturally lazy man, the only fault I could find with it is it's lack of remote, but I'm going to fix that and create my own Rube Goldberg style remote fashioned out of a long stick and some sort of rubber gripping device. Wish me luck. For now, all I can say is that the Audio Gods have smiled upon me and the only sacrifice required was a (relatively)paltry $650. I should also add that I found out recently that Morningstar is now selling direct and you can pick up a brand new Minimax for the mind boggling low price of 800 clams. I couldn't be more pleased with this component.

Product Weakness: lack of remote
Product Strengths: soundstage, transparency, dynamics, ridiculous price

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Classe CAP-151 (150 wpch)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Minimax Pre
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Cairn Fog
Speakers:	Gallo Ref 3
Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber, Alpha-Core
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	jazz, classical, pop, world
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	lack of remote
Product Strengths:	soundstage, transparency, dynamics, ridiculous price