Review: Eastern Electric Minimax Tube CDP

BlueMDPicker · 11-19-2004, 11:54 AM

Eastern Electric MiniMax CD Player

My initial interest in the MiniMax product line was sparked by a “mini review” contained in an ebay listing for a dealer demo CDP. Dennis of Cape Ann Audio in MA was the author of that review. He and his wife Colleen deal primarily in quality used gear and are people who, quite simply, “know audio.” They have been very helpful to me in the past with unbiased opinion based on decades of experience. Their ad for the MiniMax CD Player was notable for two reasons: it was the first offering of “new” equipment I’d seen by them; and, their review of the unit left little doubt that they were very impressed. I had to learn more.

First stop was the web site for Morning Star Audio Imports (www.morningstaraudio.com), the exclusive North American distributor/retailer. I learned that the CDP had recently (February 2004) joined the existing MiniMax product lineup consisting of a tubed, linestage preamp and a pi-filtered, 5AR4/GZ34-rectified push-pull pentode amplifier (both featuring point-to-point wiring.) After a thorough read of the distributor’s site information, the surfing began to linked reviews and from there to audio forum user reviews. My curiosity was piqued.

I was finally nudged into taking the plunge and auditioning the MiniMax when I discovered an auction, by Morning Star, for a new MiniMax CDP on AudiogoN. As luck would have it, I was the successful bidder. I didn’t realize how lucky until the unit arrived!

First Impressions – Fit, Finish and Features

Although mini in footprint and name, there’s nothing gimpy about this unit. It is solidly constructed of cast aluminum and steel – no plastic is to be found in its front-mounted controls. Light weight equipment that slides on the rack shelf when touched is irritating to me. At 14 lbs. Minimax isn’t going anywhere. It sits atop four conical rubber feet that provide a measure of vibration dampening. The chassis cover is easily removed with four bolts which are easily accessible on the sides, but you don’t need to remove it for tube access – a very nice feature. Output RCA jacks are gold plated. Its full-featured remote is a solid block of aluminum that feels good in the hand. The remote buttons are a bit on the small side, but I don’t find it in the least inconvenient to use.

I’m a “vinyl sorta’ guy.” I cut my teeth in two channel audio in the early ‘70’s - long before digital. To be honest, I’ve always considered CD audio a compromise of convenience. My vinyl collection (of some 1500 titles) dwarfs my CD collection. A quality turntable, tone arm and stylus have always been the source components on the top tier of my audio rack. This “new kid on the block” was unpacked and installed lower down the rack and burned-in, rather unceremoniously, by running it on repeat for a few days. I did sneak a listen now and then during that period. Right out of the box it was apparent the “new kid” came to play.

While Mini was breaking in, I took the opportunity to familiarize myself with its features and specifications:

One piece, block aluminum remote (AAA’s included)
Cast aluminum faceplate and transport face
Adjustable brightness, multi-function operational display
Power and HDCD indicator lights
Tube output headphone jack with volume pot
RCA tube analog output
Digital coaxial output (75 ohm S/PDIF)
Burr-Brown 1732 DACs
Two 6922 or 6DJ8 tubes, with a pair of the 6922s included and pre-installed
Custom toroidal power transformer
Supports both conventional and HDCD-encoded compact discs
Output Level: 2 Volts +/-3dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz~20kHz +/-0.5dB
Distortion and Noise: less than -60dB
S/N Ratio: 90dB
Dynamic Range: 93dB / 100dB (HDCD)
Channel Separation: 90dB @ 1kHz
Power Requirements: 1117VAC +/-5%, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption: 30Watt
Dimensions (W x D x H) - 12" x 13" x 3" (316mm x 338mm x 95mm)
Weight: 13.25 lbs (6kg)
Warranty: 2 years – 30 day “Money back” trial period
MSRP: $1350 – Direct web sales price $899

The equipment line-up used in my audition of the MiniMax CDP consisted of:

Anthem PRE 2L preamplifier (tubed - dual 6922/6DJ8, with stock Sovtec 6922’s installed)

PS Audio 200 Delta power amplifier – 200 wpc@8 ohms, 375 wpc@4 ohms

Polk Audio SDA-SRS speakers, bi-wired – Nominal 4 ohms

Audioquest Diamondback RCA IC – source to preamp

Monster RCA IC – preamp to power amp

PS Audio Statement Bi-wire speaker cables

Electro Harmonix 6922 Gold Pins (for tube rolling)

Source material used:

Robben Ford – Supernatural (HDCD)
Little Feat – Dixie Chicken
Diana Krall – When I Look In Your Eyes

A Marvelous Listening Experience

The source material chosen is all very familiar to me, or so I thought. Beside the fact of familiarity, the selections were chosen for their excellence in engineering. The Minimax rendered every detail of these well recorded selections impeccably, and provided new levels of depth and separation that were, obviously, there all along and waiting to be experienced. Lead vocals breathed with a level of realism that was breathtaking. Backing vocals and tight harmonies emerged from murkiness that I honestly never realized I’d been experiencing. Instrument separation was superb with no blending of register and no instrument “walking on” another.

The stock Sovtek tubes had a hint of softness at the upper end of the mids and a slight loss of bass clarity. In went the EH 6922 gold pins. Fresh from the box they are extremely weak in bass punch. But, within 12 to 18 hours of play that issue evaporated and a new level of warmth, without softness, and clarity emerged that put a smile on my face. The Minimax can definitely benefit from tube rolling and I look forward to auditioning other combinations.

Lasting Impressions

My Minimax tubed CDP is now on the top shelf of the audio rack. In fact, my vintage turntable has been carefully packed and stored in my basement record storage room. I no longer feel that CD’s are a compromise of convenience and I’m having a ball working my way through (and thoroughly enjoying) the CD collection. If a tubed CDP is something you’ve been contemplating, the Eastern Electric Minimax is very worthy of your consideration. For price, features, quality of sound, and a 30-day no risk trial period you just can’t go wrong giving it an audition yourself.

Happy listening,

Mike

F1nut · 11-19-2004, 12:48 PM

Have I read your reviews in Stereophile before.....

Well done sir!

organ · 11-22-2004, 03:08 AM

Excellent review! Tubed CD players are getting really popular here. I heard great things about Jolida and now we've got the Minimax. Whenever I'm ready to get a tube CD player, I'll consider this unit along with the Jolida. They're pricey but one day I'll own a tubed source

.

The guts on that thing looks awesome. Big power supply there!

Thanks for posting the review. Now I'll have people to blame whenever I go broke

.

Keep us posted on the sound quality as the unit breaks in or whenver you get to try some new 6922. This is a tube I'll be rolling for some time.

Maurice

Tour2ma · 11-22-2004, 03:19 AM

Wow... and it's a little under $66/ lb....

Nice write up, Mike...

So exactly what has been "retired" to the basement?

BlueMDPicker · 11-22-2004, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tour2ma
Wow... and it's a little under $66/ lb....

I'm finally coming to understand that's the entry level price to pound ratio of anything in high-end audio. A true bargain when compared to the price to pound ratio of bass I've caught with a $25K boat and the $45K SUV that hauled it around.

Quote:

So exactly what has been "retired" to the basement?

My MiniMax sent a Technics SL-120 DD turntable with Mayware Formula IV tone arm and ADC XLM (all, save cartridge, circa 1977) to the showers.

Thanks for the kind words. This CDP is well worth a listen. I'm so impressed with it that I'm hoping Santa will bring me the matching tubed preamp.

Tour2ma · 11-23-2004, 07:08 AM

Hope you've been "good"...

If you can sometime, I'd love to see a pic of that TT/ arm combo...

BlueMDPicker · 11-23-2004, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tour2ma
Hope you've been "good"...

Santa just grabbed one NIB from Audiogon last night...
I must be doing a few things right.

dorokusai · 11-23-2004, 12:25 PM

Nice read, thanks for taking the time to post it for us animals.

BlueMDPicker · 12-04-2004, 11:06 AM

Just browsing AudiogoN this morning and noticed Bill (Morning Star) is running a "holiday special" on these units @$750. You might send Santa the link if this is on your Christmas list.

No affiliation

MiniMax CDP on AudiogoN

BlueMDPicker · 03-09-2006, 10:11 AM

I thought I'd reprise this thread with a tweak update. I received a pair of 1965 Amperex USN-CEP 7308's from a friend recently and they've found a home in this CDP. In fact, they've taken it to a level that is absolutely embarrasing to the other CDPs in the mix around here (one of which retails new for well more than double the EE's MSRP.)

If you can come by one of these in the used market, I highly recommend giving it a try. Even new, it's competitively priced with the competition. And, by all means, plug-in a pair of 7308's if you acquire one.

If I can make it to SC this fall (which is the plan), I'll bring this piece along. I'd love to see how it's reviewed by others.

pjdami · 03-09-2006, 08:45 PM

Thanks for the update Mike. Isn't it great that tube rolling makes a significant difference in these machines? I find it much more affordable than changing ICs and wires and such. I have a Jolida JD100. Tube rolling helps me match my speakers to the tone that I want.

Don't you also have a Shandling cdp?

organ · 03-09-2006, 09:07 PM

Super cool!!!! How does this unit compare to your Shan Ling?

I agree about the Ampex 7308. My fav from all the 6922/6DJ8 I've tried so far.

BlueMDPicker · 03-09-2006, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pjdami

Don't you also have a Shandling cdp?

Yes, I have a Shanling CD-T100A.

Quote:

Originally Posted by organ

Super cool!!!! How does this unit compare to your Shan Ling?

In the head-to-head shootout, the Shanling was left in a pool of blood.

Zero · 03-09-2006, 09:35 PM

Blue,

Thanks for the review. I would love to take the Rotel RCD 1072, EE, and Naim Nait 5 and have a little shoot-out. That would be a HOOT!

Congrats on the new player and re-discovering redbook.

organ · 03-09-2006, 09:42 PM

"In the head-to-head shootout, the Shanling was left in a pool of blood."

OMG!!!! Are you serious????? I've been planning to get a tubed cdp for some time. Just waiting for the cash to come in. If this EE is as good as you say it is, I'm going for it! I also love the way they mount the tubes. No need to undress her for tube rolling. That saves a lot of time and did I mention the 6DJ8 family of tubes kick serious musical ass?

.

11-19-2004, 11:54 AM	#1
BlueMDPicker Old Polk Member Sales Rating: (7) Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 3,448	Review: Eastern Electric Minimax Tube CDP Eastern Electric MiniMax CD Player My initial interest in the MiniMax product line was sparked by a “mini review” contained in an ebay listing for a dealer demo CDP. Dennis of Cape Ann Audio in MA was the author of that review. He and his wife Colleen deal primarily in quality used gear and are people who, quite simply, “know audio.” They have been very helpful to me in the past with unbiased opinion based on decades of experience. Their ad for the MiniMax CD Player was notable for two reasons: it was the first offering of “new” equipment I’d seen by them; and, their review of the unit left little doubt that they were very impressed. I had to learn more. First stop was the web site for Morning Star Audio Imports (www.morningstaraudio.com), the exclusive North American distributor/retailer. I learned that the CDP had recently (February 2004) joined the existing MiniMax product lineup consisting of a tubed, linestage preamp and a pi-filtered, 5AR4/GZ34-rectified push-pull pentode amplifier (both featuring point-to-point wiring.) After a thorough read of the distributor’s site information, the surfing began to linked reviews and from there to audio forum user reviews. My curiosity was piqued. I was finally nudged into taking the plunge and auditioning the MiniMax when I discovered an auction, by Morning Star, for a new MiniMax CDP on AudiogoN. As luck would have it, I was the successful bidder. I didn’t realize how lucky until the unit arrived! First Impressions – Fit, Finish and Features Although mini in footprint and name, there’s nothing gimpy about this unit. It is solidly constructed of cast aluminum and steel – no plastic is to be found in its front-mounted controls. Light weight equipment that slides on the rack shelf when touched is irritating to me. At 14 lbs. Minimax isn’t going anywhere. It sits atop four conical rubber feet that provide a measure of vibration dampening. The chassis cover is easily removed with four bolts which are easily accessible on the sides, but you don’t need to remove it for tube access – a very nice feature. Output RCA jacks are gold plated. Its full-featured remote is a solid block of aluminum that feels good in the hand. The remote buttons are a bit on the small side, but I don’t find it in the least inconvenient to use. I’m a “vinyl sorta’ guy.” I cut my teeth in two channel audio in the early ‘70’s - long before digital. To be honest, I’ve always considered CD audio a compromise of convenience. My vinyl collection (of some 1500 titles) dwarfs my CD collection. A quality turntable, tone arm and stylus have always been the source components on the top tier of my audio rack. This “new kid on the block” was unpacked and installed lower down the rack and burned-in, rather unceremoniously, by running it on repeat for a few days. I did sneak a listen now and then during that period. Right out of the box it was apparent the “new kid” came to play. While Mini was breaking in, I took the opportunity to familiarize myself with its features and specifications: One piece, block aluminum remote (AAA’s included) Cast aluminum faceplate and transport face Adjustable brightness, multi-function operational display Power and HDCD indicator lights Tube output headphone jack with volume pot RCA tube analog output Digital coaxial output (75 ohm S/PDIF) Burr-Brown 1732 DACs Two 6922 or 6DJ8 tubes, with a pair of the 6922s included and pre-installed Custom toroidal power transformer Supports both conventional and HDCD-encoded compact discs Output Level: 2 Volts +/-3dB Frequency Response: 20Hz~20kHz +/-0.5dB Distortion and Noise: less than -60dB S/N Ratio: 90dB Dynamic Range: 93dB / 100dB (HDCD) Channel Separation: 90dB @ 1kHz Power Requirements: 1117VAC +/-5%, 50/60Hz Power Consumption: 30Watt Dimensions (W x D x H) - 12" x 13" x 3" (316mm x 338mm x 95mm) Weight: 13.25 lbs (6kg) Warranty: 2 years – 30 day “Money back” trial period MSRP: $1350 – Direct web sales price $899 The equipment line-up used in my audition of the MiniMax CDP consisted of: Anthem PRE 2L preamplifier (tubed - dual 6922/6DJ8, with stock Sovtec 6922’s installed) PS Audio 200 Delta power amplifier – 200 wpc@8 ohms, 375 wpc@4 ohms Polk Audio SDA-SRS speakers, bi-wired – Nominal 4 ohms Audioquest Diamondback RCA IC – source to preamp Monster RCA IC – preamp to power amp PS Audio Statement Bi-wire speaker cables Electro Harmonix 6922 Gold Pins (for tube rolling) Source material used: Robben Ford – Supernatural (HDCD) Little Feat – Dixie Chicken Diana Krall – When I Look In Your Eyes A Marvelous Listening Experience The source material chosen is all very familiar to me, or so I thought. Beside the fact of familiarity, the selections were chosen for their excellence in engineering. The Minimax rendered every detail of these well recorded selections impeccably, and provided new levels of depth and separation that were, obviously, there all along and waiting to be experienced. Lead vocals breathed with a level of realism that was breathtaking. Backing vocals and tight harmonies emerged from murkiness that I honestly never realized I’d been experiencing. Instrument separation was superb with no blending of register and no instrument “walking on” another. The stock Sovtek tubes had a hint of softness at the upper end of the mids and a slight loss of bass clarity. In went the EH 6922 gold pins. Fresh from the box they are extremely weak in bass punch. But, within 12 to 18 hours of play that issue evaporated and a new level of warmth, without softness, and clarity emerged that put a smile on my face. The Minimax can definitely benefit from tube rolling and I look forward to auditioning other combinations. Lasting Impressions My Minimax tubed CDP is now on the top shelf of the audio rack. In fact, my vintage turntable has been carefully packed and stored in my basement record storage room. I no longer feel that CD’s are a compromise of convenience and I’m having a ball working my way through (and thoroughly enjoying) the CD collection. If a tubed CDP is something you’ve been contemplating, the Eastern Electric Minimax is very worthy of your consideration. For price, features, quality of sound, and a 30-day no risk trial period you just can’t go wrong giving it an audition yourself. Happy listening, Mike Last edited by BlueMDPicker; 12-02-2004 at 07:33 PM..

11-19-2004, 12:48 PM	#2
F1nut Polk Guru Member Sales Rating: (10) Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: The Mars Hotel Posts: 19,094	Have I read your reviews in Stereophile before..... Well done sir! __________________ 'Political Correctness'.........defined "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end." President of Club Polk

11-22-2004, 03:08 AM	#3
organ Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Deep in the Amazon Posts: 4,118	Excellent review! Tubed CD players are getting really popular here. I heard great things about Jolida and now we've got the Minimax. Whenever I'm ready to get a tube CD player, I'll consider this unit along with the Jolida. They're pricey but one day I'll own a tubed source. The guts on that thing looks awesome. Big power supply there! Thanks for posting the review. Now I'll have people to blame whenever I go broke. Keep us posted on the sound quality as the unit breaks in or whenver you get to try some new 6922. This is a tube I'll be rolling for some time. Maurice __________________ Rega Apollo Audio Zone Pre-A1 Audio Zone Amp-D2 Magnepan MG 12/QR "I would rather have a cup of tone than an ocean of power" Dr. Harvey Rosenberg

11-22-2004, 03:19 AM	#4
Tour2ma Old School Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: SE Texas Posts: 9,025	Wow... and it's a little under $66/ lb.... Nice write up, Mike... So exactly what has been "retired" to the basement? __________________ More later, Tour... SOPA-PIAS Taste Good "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul" - Dennis Gardner "Life's been good to me so far" - J. Walsh Stripped down system flooded by Ike (thanks alot motherf----r) ... SDA CRS+ (floaters) - Carver C4 Pre (anchor) - Carver M4.0 (survivor by ~1")

11-23-2004, 12:25 PM	#8
dorokusai Hardcore Member Sales Rating: (41) Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: 6 Feet Under Posts: 17,640	Nice read, thanks for taking the time to post it for us animals. __________________ Death is my set, guess my religion

11-23-2004, 07:08 AM	#6
Tour2ma Old School Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: SE Texas Posts: 9,025	Hope you've been "good"... If you can sometime, I'd love to see a pic of that TT/ arm combo...

12-04-2004, 11:06 AM	#9
BlueMDPicker Old Polk Member Sales Rating: (7) Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 3,448	Just browsing AudiogoN this morning and noticed Bill (Morning Star) is running a "holiday special" on these units @$750. You might send Santa the link if this is on your Christmas list. No affiliation MiniMax CDP on AudiogoN

03-09-2006, 10:11 AM	#10
BlueMDPicker Old Polk Member Sales Rating: (7) Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 3,448	I thought I'd reprise this thread with a tweak update. I received a pair of 1965 Amperex USN-CEP 7308's from a friend recently and they've found a home in this CDP. In fact, they've taken it to a level that is absolutely embarrasing to the other CDPs in the mix around here (one of which retails new for well more than double the EE's MSRP.) If you can come by one of these in the used market, I highly recommend giving it a try. Even new, it's competitively priced with the competition. And, by all means, plug-in a pair of 7308's if you acquire one. If I can make it to SC this fall (which is the plan), I'll bring this piece along. I'd love to see how it's reviewed by others.

03-09-2006, 08:45 PM	#11
pjdami Polkhead Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: down da bayou Posts: 1,890	Thanks for the update Mike. Isn't it great that tube rolling makes a significant difference in these machines? I find it much more affordable than changing ICs and wires and such. I have a Jolida JD100. Tube rolling helps me match my speakers to the tone that I want. Don't you also have a Shandling cdp?

03-09-2006, 09:07 PM	#12
organ Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Deep in the Amazon Posts: 4,118	Super cool!!!! How does this unit compare to your Shan Ling? I agree about the Ampex 7308. My fav from all the 6922/6DJ8 I've tried so far.

03-09-2006, 09:35 PM	#14
Zero Stronzo Member Sales Rating: (4) Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Over Yonder Posts: 7,390	Blue, Thanks for the review. I would love to take the Rotel RCD 1072, EE, and Naim Nait 5 and have a little shoot-out. That would be a HOOT! Congrats on the new player and re-discovering redbook.

03-09-2006, 09:42 PM	#15
organ Polk Expert Member Sales Rating: (1) Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Deep in the Amazon Posts: 4,118	"In the head-to-head shootout, the Shanling was left in a pool of blood." OMG!!!! Are you serious????? I've been planning to get a tubed cdp for some time. Just waiting for the cash to come in. If this EE is as good as you say it is, I'm going for it! I also love the way they mount the tubes. No need to undress her for tube rolling. That saves a lot of time and did I mention the 6DJ8 family of tubes kick serious musical ass?.

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