jazman

FYI anyone. This EICO HF87 is posted on eBay at present, not tube rectified, but reported as a good amp on the EICO Home page. eBay HF87

cbr FYI. There were two HF-81's sold with the last 24 hours on eBay. The jewel was this one. Good to go immediately. The real deal This one was posted after I left work here, PST, and was sold by the time I logged on after arriving home from the long commute and errands. Notice the two hours from post to sale close. The other unit was nowhere close to this one. Both sold quickly with the "Buy it now" option. So they do exist. I bought mine the same night it was posted. mobile, I sent you an email as a personal Thank You. Normally I don't get to check the Forum from work because I'm too busy, but today for some reason I did. Thank you again and Michael also expressed his thanks to you for your work done with that picture post here which created our connection on this deal. I had become a member of AudiogoN and previously made an offer to another seller who posted Moondogs for sale on the site, but he decided not to sell and withdrew the posting. Believe it or not, I searched that site almost every night looking for Moondogs but had not the last few nights. An HF-14 would be a great find, but I haven't seen one for sale. For my own purposes, the HF-12 has the same tubes as the HF-81, were verry cheap to buy and the EICO Home page reports "The power amp section of the HF12 is essentially the same circuit."(as the HF-14) Hopefully it will provide great hands on training to provide understanding and knowledge of what's under the hood and what makes it and other tube amps and preamps work. . HF14 I once did not know much about Alfa Romeo's. Now after many years of owning, rebuilding and partially restoring them, I know quite a bit. Their secret is good engineering and combining the right parts for the right applications. Good audio equipment should be much along the same principles, I hope. BTW, You are right again! The Monoblocks are absolutely beautiful. A complete Art statement themselves just looking at them. The Moondogs are assembled,... of course will ship with the tubes out, fully insured via FedEx. He will install the BG cathode bypass caps and Caddock resistors. The assembly manual and schematic will accompany the unit. As stated earlier, I chose the least expensive Sovtek tube configuration. I know you use a Cary preamp. What would be some additional preamp and phono stage recs from entry to utimate choice? That's it for the present. Klipsch out. This message has been edited by jazman on 01-10-2002 at 03:33 AM

woa guys, Thanks for the input and help. This was an opportunity to put something in place for the future end upgrade. I have not abandoned my EICO and will not. In fact I'm more interested than ever with what makes it and other tube amps the audio instruments they are. What I have is the desire and opportunity to build two great 2 channel systems for use in my home. Excess, maybe, but home is where I spend my time and my money. I know how to study, have a plan to practice doing hands on upgrades, and generally increase my knowledge. Believe me, I will get up to speed. There's no way to express how long I've saved to get to this point and try to pull this off. mike, Part of my homework is, I am planning to rebuild two HF-12's which are basicly the same components as the HF-81, just mono. Buying books on tube amp fundamentals etc. At present the HF-81 has to stay in place. I'm already very attached to it. I will hopefully find ways to improve it based on what I learn working on the 12's. If I sell any of these, I will let you know. Selecting a preamp and phono stage must still be done before deploying the Moondogs. Make no mistake. I know I am a humble grasshopper with much to learn. I depend a lot on the help I receive here. Klipsch out. This message has been edited by jazman on 01-09-2002 at 07:41 PM

mobile, I've asked him the configuration questions. Waiting for his reply. The upgrade bug hit him. He says he has purchased an Audio Note Kondo Neiro (parallel 2A3), but has used Rons products for 10 years. I only went for the Sovtek setup,(the conservative setup and a money thing). I don't know if they are currently assembled or diassembled. mike, of course I did not purchase these to cut off another Klipsch devotee. I just happen to log in at work and there was mobile's post. My decision to purchase the Belles a couple of months ago set many things in motion, this being one. I even mentioned my lust for the Moondogs in another posting. (I thought mobile might sell his.)The ideas, opinons, and suggestions of the members of this 2 channel forum have been invaluable and if I see another pair, I will contact you ASAP. BTW, I purchased a used AH! TJoeb 99 and like what it's done for sound of my CDs. I have some Amperex 7308's I'm installing tonight to replace the original tubes. I already have purchased Amperex Bugle Boys, stock with your 4000, to roll in after learning what the 7308's present. The 4000 also has all the new mods from Upscale. Saving a few hundred on the used CD player and used Rega planar3 turntable helped make the Moondogs possible. Klipsch out.

mobile, We're working out the details to complete this deal. Would you mind providing some advice for me with this question from the seller? "Would you like the amps configured with Blackgate or Cerafine cathode bypass caps (your choice), or the NiMH rechargeable battery bias supply?" Thanks Klipsch out.

I am! I am! Klipsch out.

If he's wants to give them away, I'm willing to help. Tell him I'll pay for shipping all the way to CA, regardless of the what anyone thinks they are worth. Just leave me his phone number, and I'll give him a call first thing in the morning. That's just the type of nice guy I am. Klipsch out.

FYI All, http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1315421375 This pair of Cornwalls is listed on The Soundwells web site, if this is the same pair, for $850. Berkeley is my neck of the woods, I work in next door Oakland and live in Antioch, and assume that since now the price is over $850, a person can't walk into their shop and expect their old $850 asking price to be honored. Putting them out for bid certainly got a higher price. I would have gladly acted as a proxy purchaser. Oh well.... Maybe next time. Klipsch out. This message has been edited by jazman on 01-03-2002 at 04:20 AM

All, Please accept my humble apologies.I am certainly a newbie to the area of tube amplication and hopefully learning a little each day.. I owe my pursuit and purchase of my HF-81 to mobile's high rec. I also know it was a typo, but the HF-81 uses the EL84 output tube not EL85. That said, I was fortunte. The past owner had completed some updates and replacements to the amp so it's heart beat is strong. Once the cover was off, I found only one set of tubes are the same brand/series, and that set is an fairly unknown one. To restore the true original audio character of this vintage classic will require quite a bit more dollars than the $200 entry fee through the purchase of NOS tubes. Of course it's working now, so why spend anything? After appreciating and enjoying what this amp has done for the sound character of my 1975 Belle's, I have decided to accept the task to restore as closely as possible that original sound character. And yes mobile, it will get an ample treatment of NeverDull. So there's goes my budget! And since the budget is blown, I'm also going to add a pair of 1980 vintage Cornwall's to the household very soon. Then I'll look forward to ....... (saving for Moondogs maybe???) Someone please send a doctor quickly so my illness does not infect others(Klipsch Disease). Help me? Help me? Klipsch out.

NOS440, Sorry about the busy site. I do most of my surfing late hours or I would have warned you. Klipsch out.

soundog, Troubleshooting did lead me to regrounding which helped, but swapping cartridges was the solution. Damn, I hate that,.... The one I swapped of course isn't as good sound wise as the one sending the hum, but beats not listening to vinyl. The Rega planar 3(used), hopefully will arrive the first of next week with a decent cartridge in place if it does not get damaged in shipment. Good fortune continues to smile my way so far. Sooner or later there will be a gotcha. I already know I'm going to eliminate all of the mismatched tubes and replace them with near as possible NOS tubes used when this thing was designed. Something this old, this good deserves it. All of that to say that the large gush of wind you just heard, was the sound of future cash leaving my pocket for matched vintage tubes from Tube World to achieve that original sound as close as I can get it. Boys and their toys! Klipsch out.

soundog, Troubleshooting did lead me to regrounding which helped, but swapping cartridges was the solution. Damn, I hate that,.... The one I swapped of course isn't as good sound wise as the one sending the hum, but beats not listening to vinyl. The Rega planar 3(used), hopefully will arrive the first of next week with a decent cartridge in place if it does not get damaged in shipment. Good fortune continues to smile my way so far. Sooner or later there will be a gotcha. I already know I'm going to eliminate all of the mismatched tubes and replace them with near as possible NOS tubes used when this thing was designed. Something this old, this good deserves it. All of that to say that the large gush of wind you just heard, was the sound of future cash leaving my pocket for matched vintage tubes from Tube World to achieve that original sound as close as I can get it. Boys and their toys! Klipsch out.

NOS440, Here's some additional reading and possible choices to add to mobiles suggestions.(How does one guy retain so much 411?) Buying Turntables Klipsch out.

mobile, soundog, The phono inputs are working. It's going to be a vinyl New Years Eve. Happy New Year to all! Klipsch out. PS. Noticed slight hum from right channel with TT idle. May not have noticed before when idle in AUX. More listening time required using the additional inputs. Still sounds great overall.

Mobile, I'm on a roll. The phono inputs are working. It's going to be a vinyl New Years Eve. Happy New Year to all! Klipsch out. PS. Noticed slight hum from right channel with TT idle. May not have noticed before when idle in AUX. More listening time required using the additional inputs. Still sounds great overall. This message has been edited by jazman on 01-01-2002 at 12:35 AM

Jobman, I guess it's just us two in the NorCal area. BTW, what happened with the setup help with my 1975 Belles? :> ) Anyway, if you've been in the Forum, you know I had them shipped in from PA, hooked them up and immediately began looking for ways to make them sound better, thus the Bi-wiring Belles post where you can get up to date on that 2 channel, music only system. My HT setup has KLF-20's, RS3-II's, KSW-15, KSW-12, KLF-C7 and sometime I add KG-4.2's to fill in the blanks. I'm pretty tied up until the ice hockey season is over, but we should definitely hook up. I'll forever want KHorns and would love to hear yours. Drop me an email so we can stay in touch to hook it up sometime in the spring. The same goes for anyone else who hit's the "Delta" in northern CA. Klipsch out.

Here are some extracts from recent postings I've made to other posts on this site, all relating to my quest to improve the sound quality of my 1975 Belle Klipsch; HF-81 Updates ........."To say I'm all smiles is an understatement. This amp has completely transformed the quality of the sound of music from my Belles. I don't think anyone could blindly A B the ss 100 wpc Nak, vs the 14 wpc HF-81, and not pick the HF-81 as more of everything. A dramatic difference!" (from Amp match for La Scala's ? On a Budget) Lyle, Take the plunge to throw out your past ideas about amp power sources and treat yourself to some tube power. Since Belles and LaScalas are so close in design, you will certainly be pleasantly surprised if as not blown away with the result as I have been. ........"I'm still in a pleasant state of awe of this HF-81. I can't believe how tight and full this makes the Belles sound. I feel no need for a sub at this point, as many sugggest I will need to, as the bass bottom is very defined and tight. I'm sure most would not believe how good this vintage piece is, but I can't say enough. I have already ordered new EL84's, the Ei Yugo and Sovtek matched quads from Triode Elec. to roll the Tesla EL84s(unmatched,3and 1) to experiment with what my ear reports from each. Also planning to add new rectifiers, probably NOS from Tube World. May get present B&O TT connected to test inputs tonight or tomorrow while waiting for the Rega to arrive. (Amp match for La Scala's ? On a Budget) This continuation of my post is not intended as the magic potion for all Klipsch speaker ills, but a chronicle of the path I have chosen to pursue, along with any perceived benefits. Thus far my Belles are still stock, while their sound characteristics have become exceptional. Klipsch out

Lyle, Take the plunge to throw out your past ideas about amp power sources and treat yourself to some tube power. Since Belles and LaScalas are so close in design, you will certainly be pleasantly surprised if as not blown away with the result as I have been. mobile, HF-81 Update. I mis stated what was loose. It's only the Treble pot and minor. I'm still in a pleasant state of awe of this HF-81. I can't believe how tight and full this makes the Belles sound. I feel no need for a sub at this point, as many sugggest I will need to, as the bass bottom is very defined and tight. I'm sure most would not believe how good this vintage piece is, but I can't say enough. I have already ordered new EL84's, the Ei Yugo and Sovtek matched quads from Triode Elec. to roll the Tesla EL84s(unmatched,3and 1) to experiment with what my ear reports from each. Also planning to add new rectifiers, probably NOS from Tube World. May get present B&O TT connected to test inputs tonight or tomorrow while waiting for the Rega to arrive. Klipsch out

soundog, Yo, I was considering that HF-81 as source for parts but I slept through it. :-) Glad it went to someone who takes their sound seriously. I purchased an HF-81, mobiles suggestion,(see Bi-wiring Belles) connected it today. The seller had already updated some components, some of which can be found on pages linked to mobiles page. The only small negative with this unit is a loose volume control post,(no problem). To say I'm all smiles is an understatement. This amp has completely transformed the quality of the sound of music from my Belles. I don't think anyone could blindly A B the ss 100 wpc Nak, vs the 14 wpc HF-81, and not pick the HF-81 as more of everything. A dramatic difference! Mobile's page link has a ton of HF-81 informational links. I'm only half way through reading them, hoping to find any recs for tubes to further improve this already incredible sound. I hope your HF-81 is up and operating soon to experience what I have. It's forever changed my mindset with respect to tube power and it's sound. This is a day I will not forget. Future additions to this music only system; AH!Tjoeb 99 CD player to replace current Phillips: Rega Planar 3 TT, RB300 tonearm; Elys cart.: I'm excited about hearing my music(Jazz) collection again, both CD and vinyl. Klipsch out.

I'm repeating this latest post I've made to my original posted question, "Bi-wiring Belles". I think it applies here. Mobile, First, I must say a HUGE Thank You to you and all of the contributing members of this thread. I have connected the HF-81. What a difference the amp makes! Did I say what a huge difference the amp makes? Ok, I wont repeat it again. For all those who dont believe that quality low wattage tube power can make a difference, I can say that Im truly blown away with the difference in the sound from my Belles. I preceded connecting the HF-81 with playing a CD of acoustic Jazz (Joe Henderson so near, so far). Played it after connecting. WOW! Theres so much more music to be heard. The instruments are rich and alive. The sound fills the room with warmth. I could babble on and on. Mobile, you are correct about this combination of tubes and Heritage line! Lookout world, Ill be selling all my other speakers to add a pair of Cornwalls and Klipschorns, using tube power. Thanks to mobile also for the HF-81 tip. Im so happy with what it has done for my speakers. It may be the best $200 Ive ever spent. Im presently listening to Terrence Blanchard, Lets Get Lost with female vocalists Diana Krall, Jane Monheit, Dianne Reeves, and Cassandra Wilson. It will be hard to leave home when I have music like this playing inside. Klipsch out. This message has been edited by jazman on 12-29-2001 at 02:44 AM

Mobile, First, I must say a HUGE Thank You to you and all of the contributing members of this thread. I have connected the HF-81. What a difference the amp makes! Did I say what a huge difference the amp makes? Ok, I wont repeat it again. For all those who dont believe that quality low wattage tube power can make a difference, I can say that Im truly blown away with the difference in the sound from my Belles. I preceded connecting the HF-81 with playing a CD of acoustic Jazz (Joe Henderson so near, so far). Played it after connecting. WOW! Theres so much more music to be heard. The instruments are rich and alive. The sound fills the room with warmth. I could babble on and on. Mobile, you are correct about this combination of tubes and Heritage line! Lookout world, Ill be selling all my other speakers to add a pair of Cornwalls and Klipschorns, using tube power. Thanks to mobile also for the HF-81 tip. Im so happy with what it has done for my speakers. It may be the best $200 Ive ever spent. Im presently listening to Terrence Blanchard, Lets Get Lost with female vocalists Diana Krall, Jane Monheit, Dianne Reeves, and Cassandra Wilson. It will be hard to leave home when I have music like this playing inside. edster, The upgrade tubes with the AH! Tjoeb(Amperex 7308) are recommended by Kevin as a less expensive upgrade than Bugle Boy. I think Kevin will only sell BBs to you if you by your player from him. I have order two matched BB's from Richardson Electronics based on your rec and a review posted on the Upscale site. Of course I will play the 7308's before inserting the new tubes. Klipsch out. This message has been edited by jazman on 12-29-2001 at 04:24 AM

Conductor, Let me start by agreeing with you. I had the horse before the cart. When I first hooked up my Belles, something was missing from the sound I had never forgotten from my first audition of a pair many, many years ago. My first thought was to bi-wire to achieve the musical definition I believe is there. Thank goodness I posted on this site for advice. Mobile immediately suggested improved amplification. The more I've read these last 2 weeks, from so many sources, the more convinced I am that it's the correct path to explore first. I am about to begin my "electronic" journey, seeking to sweeten the sound of my Belles. No tweaking the speakers, instead I am revising my equipment inventory, then will try tweaking the upstream electronics which will be mostly tube based. I'm new to tubes, learning more each day, but willing to learn as I journey(sort of like on-the-job training). Rolling tubes seems to influence the sound from Heritage series speakers. It's got to be easier with the horse in front! Klipsch out. PS. I've got to do an AA page soon. This message has been edited by jazman on 12-27-2001 at 05:04 AM

mobile, My TT budget was really zero to VERY limited.($400)Considered doing nothing until I found someone willing to sell me their used Rega 3 with RB300 arm with Elys cartridge for a tad under the $400, $392.50 to be exact. An affordable upgrade, though not ultimate. Income tax refund time will present the opportunity to start looking for "The One" to keep, so email those recs. I don't have a problem with mltiple TT's in the house, I've got three systems, soon four. The information you've provided on the HF-81 is incredible! To paraphrase from "The Matrix", ..."everything a body needs". It definitely seems the prior owner was on the right path with some upgrades. Tomorrow is "D" day, HF-81 due. I'm glad I was around to benefit from your participation on this site. BTW, if you do decide to sell your Moondogs, give me a shout first. I will revise my budget. Klipsch out.

mobile, The HF-81 is due to arrive Thursday. Here's what the seller had to say. "This one has had several minor cap and resistor upgrades from stock. Caps used include Vitamin Q, Sprague Orange Drops, Cerafine, and Panasonic polypropylene. Several key "in signal" resistors have been replaced with metal film resistors." What are your suggestions, if any, for upgrading this unit with sweeter tubes? Should I look for another HF-81 to insure original parts availability like I would when restoring an auto? I've found a site that has tube layout, but that's about all. Would you be willing to have a copy shop reproduce any user/repair manuals you have if I reimburse you for your time and the expense? BTW, analogue update. Located a Rega 3 TT. Best I can do I think with my limited budget. You can email me direct if you prefer. Klipsch out.

firejim, There is a total of 5 Cornwalls for sale on eBay. Good hunting if you're interested. What a Home Theater that would be! Klipsch out.