MiniWatt Amplifiers

[MasterBlaster]

Has anyone ever tried tube amps made by MiniWatt?
They seem to have been getting attention from a number of audio critics including Stereophile, and Tone Audio.
I may pick one up out of curiosity...

Product Page:
http://www.miniwatt.com.hk/amplifiers.html

MiniWatt N3 Reviews:
http://www.tonepublications.com/review/miniwatts-latest-the-n3/
http://www.audiovideo2day.be/index.php?page=index&id=6515&title=Miniwatt%20N3%20:%20Integrated%20Tube%20Amp&ln=NL
http://www.digitalaudioreview.net.au/index.php/audio-reviews/amplifier-reviews/item/96-miniwatt-n3-integrated-tube-amplifier


Specs:

Tubes
• Driver - TungSol 12AX7
• Power - Sovtek EL84 (Matched Pair)

Specifications
• Power Output: 3.5W+3.5W @ 8 ohms
• Frequency Response: 30-40Khz (+-1db)
• Input Sensitivity: 500mV
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -80dB / 3.5W
• Residual Noise < 1mVac
• Input AC Voltage: 100-250Vac
• Power Consumption: 38W
• Input Impedance: 50K ohms
• Output Impedance: 8/6/4 ohms (Japan Z11-EI48*24 Output Transformers)
• Dimensions: 130mm (w) x 130mm (d) x 130mm (h)
• Weight: 2.6kg
• Input: RCA Jacks
• Output: Banana Jacks
• AC: Standard IEC Jack with Fuse protection (2A Fuse)

[bmwr75]

I've looked at the N3 many times.  Last time I was interested, research revealed there was some controversy about who could sell the units.  Maybe that has gone away.

Bought this Ming Da amp instead for a few more dollars. 

http://www.pacificvalve.us/MDMC84C07.html

[MasterBlaster]

I've looked at the N3 many times.  Last time I was interested, research revealed there was some controversy about who could sell the units.  Maybe that has gone away.

Bought this Ming Da amp instead for a few more dollars. 

http://www.pacificvalve.us/MDMC84C07.html

It is available in the US through ALO Audio

http://aloaudio.com/miniwatt-n3-tube-amp.html

[Falcon]

Looks cool!
  What speakers are you going to use with it?  3.5 watts, they better be efficient.




______
Mike

[MasterBlaster]

Not sure about speakers mike. What would you suggest?

[Falcon]

I have no clue.  I do not have much experience with flea watt amps.  I have a Kenwood 18 w.p.c. tube receiver.  It sounds good with the pair of DCM speakers I have.  They hit 97db with 1 watt!! And they sound pretty darn good.
  I would look into some of the vintage Klipsch speakers.  They do well with little power.  I am sure that some other members can recommend some speakers.  I know someone on here was using flea watt amps, but the name escapes me at the moment. (to many prescription narcotics has my brain in a daze) Hey, that may be a great user name..  Braindaze. 


_____
Mike 

[bmwr75]

Those huge Altecs OCCD had at the old shop last time I was there would mate up good with a low power tube amp.  My Klipsch KLF-20s sound good with a EL84 tubes amp I have that put out 5-6 watts.

http://www.musicalparadise.ca/mp/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=75

The driver tubes on these amps are hum prone though......something to watch out for if you go with this one.