the minimax has been in situ now for 2 years, and i have no complaints.  i have said previously, that the only thing i'd bother changing it for, would be for a VAC pre. (i think the Renaissance Preamplifier Mk II)  although, i have recently discovered a problem relating to the use of a mc cartridge, head amp with valve amplification, but i'll start a seperate thread about that. 

as far as the silver bullets go, i also think the whole locking collar thing is a pain in the backside.  i have wbt "like" plugs on the cables i made up to run to my dvd player.