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!