Cuprajake thanks for the response.

I’m deep in the rabbit hole right now so your input is helpful.

It all started because I had a MaraX for few days and really liked it compared to my Oscar II when using lighter roast. It was really sweeter and I’ve been trying to understand why exactly. So I’m in a similar position then you were. I’ve installed the MaraX pump in my Oscar II to reduce the noise so I’m worried the Minima would be similarly loud to the Oscar II. I also hopes the slow pressure ramp up would do some sort of preinfusion and allow finer grounds but it’s not as the MaraX (also installed an OPV in my Oscar II).

It all closed the gap between the Oscar II and MaraX but still not there. But the steam of the MaraX was a bit slow. I like putting a tad of milk (Cortado/Piccolo latte). So I do steam a small amount of milk.

The cost of the Minima is a big incentive but at the same time I may be better getting an “end game” machine like the Bianca instead of getting the cheaper option.

Anyhow, if you have other inputs to share, I’m all ears!

    I’m glad my wife won’t read this. I’mtelling her the Minima is end game! I don’t want her to know there is an upgrade path 🤫

      Anyone had or have the MaraX and ACS Minima side by side to compte noise level? Is that much different?

      From @DavecUK Minima review I understand it’s quieter than most machine with vibe pump but is it as good as the MaraX?

      I think that was already answered somewhere so sorry if it’s the case. I just didn’t find it.

        simonc hahaha, same here! Although it would be true once a flow controller would be added.

          Id say the minima is pretty much end game, add flow control and theres nothing it cant do that much more expensive machines do, id argue the solenoid group actually gives it the edge.

          The pump isnt the quietest, the mara x is quieter.

          Regardless a grand plus on a machine is mental, im close to 2 🤣🤯

          Decent De1pro v1.45 - Niche Duo - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -

          Minima is end game for me. The mere suggestion of getting anything else will be the end of me. The bonus of being able to add the flow control kit leaves me with an upgadeable option

          The performance of the minima equals or exceeds much more expensive dual boilers especially around steaming!

          The solenoid group is something I would like to see on many more machines….warms up a little faster too!

          Contact me

          DavecUK ahh that is a bummer… it guess it may not be that far from my current Oscar II with the Lelit Silent Pump..

            I guess the question I have to ask myself is if the extra money to get the Bianca is worth it, even if I get a deal on it.

            Well if you plan to add flow control at any point then thats another 200, which measns your paying another 400 for a rotary pump, tamper , 2 pf and 3 baskets haha

            Decent De1pro v1.45 - Niche Duo - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -

              Cuprajake

              To be fair, my Minima came with 3 portafilters (including bottomles) and baskets. I won’t mention the tamper it came with

                Thats good, mone came with a standard and naked was provided by black cat from memory

                Decent De1pro v1.45 - Niche Duo - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -

                Yes that’s correct, Black Cat threw in the bottomless - it’s not in the ACS accessories, but it came with a double and single spouted portafilter and baskets. The blanking disk was rubber as opposed to a metal basket.

                Cuprajake I’m in contact with ACS about potentially buying a Minima and they have been investigating ways to make the pump quieter and if it works, they could put it on the machine I would order. To me that may tilt the balance toward the Minima!! They also suggested that changing the pump for the MaraX pump would be doable. The person I’m exchanging with is also investigating other options with Paolo so there may be other options.

                So I’ll wait until I know more from them. But so far I’m glad I didn’t get the Bianca too quickly since I may save some money to improve my grinder.

                BTW, what do you guys consider a necessary upgrade to a Eureka Silenzio? I may move this question to the grinder section since I don’t want to derail this thread.

                    Snooze Do you have details for the ACS? If I can’t get the used Minima I want to discuss with them an alteration to the power supply on a new one.

                        simonc I went directly on their website for that. I will not post their email here to avoid potential spamming. Unless the moderator wish to do it.

                          simonc Do you have details for the ACS? If I can’t get the used Minima I want to discuss with them an alteration to the power supply on a new one

                          I think this is probably your best bet