Vintage HiFi Audio Forum
Audio Discussion => TUBES TUBES TUBES => Topic started by: MasterBlaster on August 20, 2011, 04:15:50 PM
-
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 (http://www.miniwatt.com.hk/amplifiers.html)
MiniWatt N3 Reviews:
http://www.tonepublications.com/review/miniwatts-latest-the-n3/ (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.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 (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)
-
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 (http://www.pacificvalve.us/MDMC84C07.html)
-
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 (http://www.pacificvalve.us/MDMC84C07.html)
It is available in the US through ALO Audio
http://aloaudio.com/miniwatt-n3-tube-amp.html (http://aloaudio.com/miniwatt-n3-tube-amp.html)
-
Looks cool!
What speakers are you going to use with it? 3.5 watts, they better be efficient.
______
Mike
-
Not sure about speakers mike. What would you suggest?
-
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. :o :o :o
_____
Mike
-
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 (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.