Audio Electronic Supply AES/Cary AE3 MkII preamp

Mjcmt -

I bought my Six Pacs new, have had them since January, so I'm assuming they're the most recent edition. I don't know about any changes that they've made to the driver stage, but mine came stock with 12AX7's and EL-84's. I've since swapped the 12AX7's with 12BZ7's, which definitely add more punch. If someone's linestage is a bit "hot" gain-wise, using a 12AX7 or 12AT7 might help.

I added the Cary soft shoes to the Six Pacs shortly after buying them. I'm thinking about putting a set on the AE-3 or trying vibrapods/cones.

I wouldn't mind trying the DJH version of the AE-3 with the SixPacs, but for now am happy with the MkII.

Roblanger,
I understand that the new 6pacs (yours) are improved from what I read on AudioAsylum. Email or call Cary, they would be able to answer it.
They only make the DJH pre for Kevin Deal, probably until their supplies for production run out, as it really is discontinued. The new AES products have better transformers according to Cary. Also talking to Cary the DJH many be better in some ways but not all.

Would one of these or similar tube-pre go well with a Bryston 3b?

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.