Audio Electronic Supply AES/Cary AE3 MkII preamp

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,

Has anyone made any upgrades in regards to capactitors, etc to their Mark II preamps?

I have also experienced the mechanical noise that Stevehuff1 has described. Setting the linestage with its tiny stock feet on a steel shelf most likely increased the effect. I'm sure that the Cary soft shoes would help.

I've since set my AE-3 on Vibrapods/Vibracones.

Currently running it with a Mullard 5AR4 and Sylvania 6SN7's.

Any more input on difference between the DJH and the MKII, both still available through Upscale. I am looking to use with two tube amps (Music Ref MRM10 and 9s) with 1v sensitivity and 100kohm input impedance.

The MkII may work better w/ your amps. The Super Amp MkII has full output w/ 1 volt input w/ 100k impedence and the AE3 MkII is a perfect match for it. The down side of the DJH is its 20 db gain which will clip many amps at the 9-10 o'clock position on the volume control.