Vintage (from 1959) EICO HF-81 tube integrated amplifier (EL84 output tubes)

[ronniemarker]

Hello fellow HFV-ers !

A few days ago, I obtained (from a long-time friend) a wonderful EICO HF-81 tube integrated amplifier - manufactured in 1959 in Long Island, New York, USA.
It looks like a nicely built unit - has a nice brass cover ("cage") and it was quite well-received in vintage audio enthusiast circles, it seems. I was wondering IF anyone else here on this forum has had any kind of experience (ownership, listening, etc.) with it. Feel free to chime in and thanks (in advance) to anyone that does !

Best wishes,

R. Marker

 

[yogibear]

Hello fellow HFV-ers !

A few days ago, I obtained (from a long-time friend) a wonderful EICO HF-81 tube integrated amplifier - manufactured in 1959 in Long Island, New York, USA.
It looks like a nicely built unit - has a nice brass cover ("cage") and it was quite well-received in vintage audio enthusiast circles, it seems. I was wondering IF anyone else here on this forum has had any kind of experience (ownership, listening, etc.) with it. Feel free to chime in and thanks (in advance) to anyone that does !

Best wishes,

R. Marker

Very nice amp. I have a similar Pilot 240, EL84 PP.

 

[Nikhil]

EICO HF-81 integrated amplifier | Stereophile.com

If you spotted an EICO HF-81 at the local Goodwill, you'd think nothing of this plain-Jane integrated amplifier in its nondescript gray case. But if you kept on walking, you would have passed up one of the best-kept audio secrets of all time. The HF-81 hails from hi-fi's pioneer days, before...

www.stereophile.com

Found the above link via Google search ... looks like you have yourself a very interesting amp!
Please do share more on your listening impressions starting with what speakers you plan to pair them with.


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[ronniemarker]

Hello and thanks to those who responded to my recent EICO post - I intend to put in full service after I have fully sorted it out - in all likelihood, it will sound really nice with any of my several pairs of vintage (1960s) Tannoy loudspeakers and I also imagine when hooked up to my 1960s Made in USA 2-way vintage Harman-Kardon bookshelf speakers which are very, very nice and warm sounding in any case. Eventually, I imagine that I will serendipitously stumble upon the best sounding speakers-amp pairing (combo) and thereafter, I hope to derive some musical bliss and enjoyment out of the lovely old EICO - let's see - fingers crossed ! Then, perhaps, I'll share my findings and thoughts on / about this wonderful vintage American amp and perhaps, along with some others, we could share notes and exchange impressions.........for now, thank you anyway and all best wishes !