I joined the MassDrop six weeks ago or so for the Miniwatt, in orange, $99 shipped. I have it installed on my desktop behind my U-Turn Orbit and Pluto preamp, driving a pair of Klipsch R-15Ms. It has temporarily replaced a Gemtune X-1 that I've been using for several months, and which I really, really like a lot.
First, this little Miniwatt is...well...mini indeed. The desktop footprint is comically small, which in my office application is much welcomed. I fired it up, achieved glow and it was off to the races. First, in near field, these 3.5WPC are way more than I need. Whodathunkit? I have the volume at 10 o'clock and it's a little too loud. Cranked all the way up, there is no distortion and it's much too loud to listen to anywhere in the room.
The sound with supplied Chi-tubes is solid, maybe a little bright compared to the EL34 sound I get from the X-1. I bought a pair of Russian power tubes and will install them in a week or two, after the OEMs have had their chance to shine. I also have a pair of GE JANs for the pre slots that I may install to see if I can hear a difference. Still, the sound right out of the box is very nice, surprisingly full and balanced in the midrange and bass.
For $99, this is an absurd and wonderful deal for a nice looking, very small and great sounding tube amp. For Poultrygeist, GREAT CALL on your repeated recommendations of this little wonder. Driving high efficiency speakers it's an absolute winner.
First, this little Miniwatt is...well...mini indeed. The desktop footprint is comically small, which in my office application is much welcomed. I fired it up, achieved glow and it was off to the races. First, in near field, these 3.5WPC are way more than I need. Whodathunkit? I have the volume at 10 o'clock and it's a little too loud. Cranked all the way up, there is no distortion and it's much too loud to listen to anywhere in the room.
The sound with supplied Chi-tubes is solid, maybe a little bright compared to the EL34 sound I get from the X-1. I bought a pair of Russian power tubes and will install them in a week or two, after the OEMs have had their chance to shine. I also have a pair of GE JANs for the pre slots that I may install to see if I can hear a difference. Still, the sound right out of the box is very nice, surprisingly full and balanced in the midrange and bass.
For $99, this is an absurd and wonderful deal for a nice looking, very small and great sounding tube amp. For Poultrygeist, GREAT CALL on your repeated recommendations of this little wonder. Driving high efficiency speakers it's an absolute winner.
