• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Any Eico guys out there?

vendo81

vendo81

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Hi all. I'm trying to get a few things done while on vacation. I'm waiting on parts for another project and thought I'd start on this Eico amp. I have a mate in storage but only think I'll have time to do one.
These sound great with more power than I'm used to having. Nice as is but I'd like to get it rebuilt and reliable. Both amps have nice early Mullard tubes in them that have lots of life left.
Anyone out there into Eico amps? Any tips or mods that work well on these? :scratch2:
 

Attachments

  • Eico amp.jpg
    Eico amp.jpg
    95.1 KB · Views: 81
  • Eico amp2.jpg
    Eico amp2.jpg
    83.3 KB · Views: 90
Register to hide this ad
Those HF-60s are the Holy Grail of EICO Amps. I built one over 50 years ago. It was great. It is amazing that you still have the metal base Mullard EL34s and GZ34 in that one. Does the other have the same tubes, or have they been replaced? Apart from replacing some of the old capacitors and checking the resistors for drifted values, I would do nothing to change it.
 
... maybe...

P1020749.jpg

AF-4rfront.jpg

ST40frontsanstop.jpg

DSCN5831.jpg
 
Last edited:
bkmcallister said:
Those HF-60s are the Holy Grail of EICO Amps. I built one over 50 years ago. It was great. It is amazing that you still have the metal base Mullard EL34s and GZ34 in that one. Does the other have the same tubes, or have they been replaced? Apart from replacing some of the old capacitors and checking the resistors for drifted values, I would do nothing to change it.
Click to expand...

Yes... the other one has the same original metal based tubes.
Thanks for your thoughts on keeping the circuit original. I'm leaning that way as well....these seem to sound really good.
 
bkmcallister said:
Those HF-60s are the Holy Grail of EICO Amps. I built one over 50 years ago. It was great. It is amazing that you still have the metal base Mullard EL34s and GZ34 in that one. Does the other have the same tubes, or have they been replaced? Apart from replacing some of the old capacitors and checking the resistors for drifted values, I would do nothing to change it.
Click to expand...

+1

The output transformers on those are VERY highly sought after. As I understand it, the only difference between the HF60 (yours) and the HF50 was the output transformer. If true it means that that transformer would account for an additional 10 watts output from that amp. I would leave the circuit just as is and do what you must to keep it healthy.
 
shelly_d said:
+1

The output transformers on those are VERY highly sought after. As I understand it, the only difference between the HF60 (yours) and the HF50 was the output transformer. If true it means that that transformer would account for an additional 10 watts output from that amp. I would leave the circuit just as is and do what you must to keep it healthy.
Click to expand...

Yes...the more I think about, the more I'd like to keep them original. :yes:
 
shelly_d said:
+1

The output transformers on those are VERY highly sought after. As I understand it, the only difference between the HF60 (yours) and the HF50 was the output transformer. If true it means that that transformer would account for an additional 10 watts output from that amp. I would leave the circuit just as is and do what you must to keep it healthy.
Click to expand...

hey-Hey!!!,
That would be a 3k5 load on the TO-330 and a 5k for the 32007 in the HF50. Power aside, the 32007 would be my preference.
cheers,
Douglas
 
The other vacuum tube integrated I posted is an ST-40. Found that one on the scrap metal pile at our dump. All original tubes 'cept one 7591. Haven't had the nerve to put it on a Variac yet, though...
 
I really like my Eico HF81 and HFS4 speakers. There are no modifications; just replacement of the electrolytic and paper caps. I also put in NOS Telefunken 12AX7's and RCA 6BQ5's.
 
mhardy6647 said:
The other vacuum tube integrated I posted is an ST-40. Found that one on the scrap metal pile at our dump. All original tubes 'cept one 7591. Haven't had the nerve to put it on a Variac yet, though...
Click to expand...

That's an incredible scrap metal find! The original tubes are a bonus. Very nice amp!
 
Its been awhile but I still want to replace my fisher 800C with this set up, all the tubes are original and I have all the manuals and receipts. Just need to get my lazy but down stairs and order the caps :D

k2zkzs.jpg
 
hey,
I've got a pair of HF-32's.. ( that's 4 El 84's each!) and I recently finished a HF-85 Pre....and like Jay says its great!
 

Attachments

  • eico studio view.jpg
    eico studio view.jpg
    80.6 KB · Views: 32
  • eico two.jpg
    eico two.jpg
    51 KB · Views: 26
I'm rebuilding an HF-89 which I snached-up after falling in love with the sound of an HF-87 (which wasn't for sale) a number of years ago.

Needless to say: I expect great things out of this amp after the rebuild is completed.

I'd love to hear those units though.
 
I got the little brothers to the OP's amps:

attachment.php


Truthfully, I've liked the 6L6 Eico amps better than any of the others. Just sound more like a "modern" hi-end amp, to my ears. Neutral to the end and back.

Would have to agree with Pak, too. HF50 is a great sounding amp. Does need to have the bias circuit tweaked a bit, to avoid red-plating those valuable tubes (they will oftentimes be right on the verge of red-plating in stock form)...

Regards,
Gordon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom