Eastern Electric Mini Max vs AE-3 DJH preamps

The DJH preamp is a giant killer! It is dead quiet, has a smooth top end that goes on forever and a bottom end you have to experience to believe. I can honestly think of nothing negative to say about this little gem. Do yourself a favor and buy one!!

Visit UpscaleAudio.com for comprehensive info on this preamp. My comments are taken from their website because they are spot on!

I have owned the Eastern Electric Minimax preamp & one of the ss power amps that it sounded best on was the Odyssey Stratos. A superb combination!

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 have previously owned a AE-3 ( non DJH ) & have now upgraded to a Supratek. Yes the Supratek is in another league. BUT I still cannot beleive how good this low priced pre sounds. I would highly recommend that you take a listen!

If you really need that much power and would like an awesome SS amp, try Frank Van Alstine's OmegaStar 440 EX (220 wpc - $1499). Seriously. And if you decide you don't like it within 30 days you can return it for a full refund, less shipping ($38). IMO you cannot get a better SS amp for $2,000 or less. Not just my opinion, but obviously other well respected audio manufacturers, such as Dave Ellis ( ... "I feel VERY comfortable recommending the VanAlstine gear to anyone thinking about new gear. Frank does very good work for very little $. The vast majority of the $ spent on Frank's gear arrives where it matters the most - under the hood. Frank's cases aren't fancy, but the guts of his products are extremely well built." )

http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/amplifier/omegastar_440.htm

And for a real treat, if you do not absolutely require SS, then check out Frank's Fet Valve Ultra 550. A few more bucks than your budget, but IMO the most musical 250 wpc amp for around $2,000 out there.