One option would be to do what I did and go with EICO HF monoblocs and a more modern preamp with a phono section. I am using a Croft 25R with rebuilt HF-35s and they are unbeatable if not somewhat hard to come by.
Eico HF-81 question for those that have one and moved on from it or returned
I've been running a restored, complete stripped chassis upgraded wiring/resistors/caps, Eico HF-81 since 2000. It's running NOS Mullard 12au7, 12ax7 and Tungsram EL-84 tubes and Telefunken 12ax7 pulls from a Fisher tuner in the phone section. Sounds wonderful with Bozak 302a and N.E.A.R. Model 80 speakers. My source is mostly vinyl on a Thorens TD 126 MkII with Ortofon Super OM-40 and a Musical Fidelity A2 CD. I do stream Pandora through a tube buffered DAC on occasion.
I've got the itch to try something else but am wondering if I'll be chasing my tail and end up right back with the Eico after having spent a bunch of money.
I'm considering a Mapletree Ultra 4C preamp as I have a good supply of NOS 12sn7/12sx7 tubes. Amps I'm looking at is a Bob Latino ST-70 or Primaluna.
Listening material I'm classical, jazz, country, opera, big band, choral, etc...
So for you that have had a HF-81 and moved on what did you go to and was it a real improvement? Those that returned why did you and from what?
Thanks
I've got the itch to try something else but am wondering if I'll be chasing my tail and end up right back with the Eico after having spent a bunch of money.
I'm considering a Mapletree Ultra 4C preamp as I have a good supply of NOS 12sn7/12sx7 tubes. Amps I'm looking at is a Bob Latino ST-70 or Primaluna.
Listening material I'm classical, jazz, country, opera, big band, choral, etc...
So for you that have had a HF-81 and moved on what did you go to and was it a real improvement? Those that returned why did you and from what?
Thanks
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- 9 posts total
- 9 posts total