Audio Electronic Supply AES/Cary AE3 MkII preamp

Sorry about the late response to your question.

I have used the DJH pre with solid state amps with excellent sonic results. The only drawback is its high 20 db output. The volume will max out at about the 10-11 o'clock volume knob position.

If you want it more normal with finer adjustments you will have to add and attenuator at its output or do a mod on the inside. Cary can supply the mod info. This preamp was originally designed for their tube amps w/o the input griver stage so hense the high output. The new AES mk11 has a normal output voltage and will work with a wider range of amps.

I had a DJH and auditioned an AE3- MKII after I sold my DJH. Bottom line..

DJH - Very direct, dynamic and has some pop/slam. Soundstage width is sort of small-ish.

AE3 MKII - MUCH warmer, fuller and bigger bass. But the bass is a but loose when compared to the DJH. I was shocked at the fullness of the sound when compared to the DJH. You lose some clarity but the soundstage is wider.

Build goes to DJH. The AE3 MKII is 7lbs, DJH 12. Also, if I tap on top of the MKII, the taps transfer to my speakers. the DJH did not do that.

Now the odd thing...

My six pacs seem to have doubled in power with the MKII. The DJH has more gain, but my music can play louder and cleaner with the MKII. Not sure what was up with that. In any case, I am sending the MKII back as it can be a bit too warm in my system.

Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento Speakers
Six Pac Amps
Cambridge Audio Azur 840C CDP
Clear Day Cables Shotgun speaker cables and cardas IC's.

Stevehuff1,

That is a nice comparison.

The extra dynamics of the DJH con probably be contributed to the non-capacitor coupled output. The DJH has transformers potted in wax while the MkII has a decorative cover over the transformers, but the MkII is supposed to have better transformers. You can upgrade the caps in the MkII to improve the sound. The DJH is a signature version and already has upgraded oil caps.

As you described the MkII, I liked it better. It just needs to be upgraded into a signature vs. like the DJH is.

Agreed, Stevehuff1, very good comparison. Thank you!

Stupid questions, but I need to ask... Are you accounting for the inverting of phase for both versions, and are you sure the latter iteration still inverts?

Thanks everyone one who posted on this thread, as I initially started it. There has been some excellent comments and inputs so lets keep it going. My system has moved to a smaller listening room so I'm going the passive preamp route.

I'm so impressed with the Superamp MkII that it is staying with me for the long hall. If I was going to get an AES preamp I'd go for the MkII. I think it has more potential in the long run by upgrading caps and feet. I think it might give the DJH a run for the money.

Everytime I've talked with Cary we talk about the Superamp 2 they can't go on enough about it. I'm wondering if it is a stripped down CAD120 with a similar circuit design (this is just a guess). I will be upgrading the caps (they highly recommend it) and feet somewhere down the road. I have tried other solid rubber feet to replace the stock rubber coated plastic feet with a large noticeable difference in sound clarity and air. The Cary soft shoes may be even more prnounced. I'll bet the same translates on the MkII preamp.

With Regards fellow audiophiles,