AES3 any thoughts

There are new SLP 88s on preamp classifieds here for around $1000-1200. That's half price.

The AES3 is very hard to beat. I disagree with the guy who said it is not up to your equipment. I think that it is a wonderful preamp. I used it with a pair of Cary CAD-805C monoblocks that have 50W output power and never felt that I didn't have enough gain. My issue with them was the number of inputs. I bought an SLP-2002 and love it. I agree with the first guy. Go talk with John Rutan at Audio Connection. He can lend you one to play with. It's hard to give back, especially for $500 or so. Never did hear the DJH version. Would love to. Good luck.

I've been using an AES AE3 for about 9 months now and am very happy with it. Be sure and get some decent NOS tubes. I've ended up eith a few pair of Sylvanias. The stock tubes were just too microphonic. The stock tubes were ok at very low listening levels, but turn it up just a little and ouch. My setup is MF X-ray CD, AE3 pre, Llano 100 S amp, Hales Rev 3's, ICs are Analisis Plus Silver ovals, and speaker cables are Cardas Cross. Buy or borrow some better tubes and get a loaner to try, my bet is that you will keep it. Happy Listening.