Review: New York Audio Labs Minuet in Tube preamp

Category: Preamps

I have a Minuet in A which has been completely modified by Stephen Sank. In it's original state it was an interesting preamp, not a CAT, or even an AI Modulus 3, but interesting.

Adding Hexfreds locks you into Bugle Boys, and gives you small glimmers of the potential magic which can be heard after a Sank mod. Once Stephen mods it, it will eat a CAT or an AIM3 for lunch. It sounds very much like a Spectral on steroids.

I have never heard anything better. While Stephen's work may seem expensive to some, it is not when you understand all the high quality parts that go into these mods and the level of skill necessary to accomplish such dramatic mods, not to mention the labor involved! In fact, I believe it to be the greatest deal going in audio today.

I listen to nearly anything that is not depressing and remains music, sorry Rappers, C/W and Blues fans.

I like to use too many CD's to mention for testing. If I had to use only one, it would be Linda Ronstand with Nelson Riddle, the collection of their 3 works on 2 CDs. There is enough content in these to tell you just about anything you need to know about a system/component.

As I own electrostatic dipoles, bass, while great to have, is not necessary for me in abundance, though the 3300's are full range, and with Sank moded NYAL gear, they have reasonable bass. Mids to me are critical, and highs should never be bright or forward.

I had a loaner prior to having my Minuet in "A" modified fpor a time, and now my own. Prior to receiving my moded preamp I had one in my system which I had moded with Hexfreds, Dale RN resistors, and Theta caps to replace the factory poly caps. After replacing this with the Sank moded preamp, my sound went from pretty good to as near as you can get to wetting your pants good, while not actually wetting them!

The ONLY drawback is turn-a-round time. Stephen is generally swamped, be prepaired for a good long wait.

If I had a million dollars to dump into my system, I would buy some great speakers, a fantastic CDP, DAC, cables etc, but I would burn it (the money) before replacing this preamp, it is THAT good!

Associated gear
Acoustat 3300's
Moscode 600
Bidat, Art D I/O, various transports

Similar products
Spectral