flegz Posted April 10, 2005 Share Posted April 10, 2005 I've just shipped my Dyanco ST-70 and PAS 2 off to Bill Bittle,http://home.alltel.net/wbittle1, to be refurbished. As I await their return, I find myself still very intersted in the EICO HF-81. I have never had the opportunity to listen to either system, but I have read alot on both.. For those who have had the ability to A/B these two, I'd really like your feedback! I have a pair of Heresy I's. How do they compare........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted April 10, 2005 Share Posted April 10, 2005 I'm probably giving the minority report here, but I've had both (still have two HF-81's) and the Eico is my preference. Such a preference is patently subjective, of course, but I found the Eico's with plenty of power for my listening on Heritage speakers. Also, the Eico has a triode front end, which may contribute to my sound preference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flegz Posted April 10, 2005 Author Share Posted April 10, 2005 Hey DAD.D Thanks...Is it the separation, soundstage, smoothness....I know it's hard articulate these things, but what does the HF-81 do better...at 14w/channel many think it has plenty of power...Is there enough oomph...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daddy Dee Posted April 10, 2005 Share Posted April 10, 2005 To my ears, the Eico sounds sweeter. I usually don't try to say more, because I'm not sure I comprehend things like soundstage and such. It does have enough oooompfh for me, however, I should offer the disclaimer that my 2A3 at 3.5 wpc is fine, too. If you do a google on hf-81, you'll find a nice review by "mobile homeless" Kelly Holsten who is a forum member. He's not around here much now, but he is someone who really likes the HF-81 and has a well articulated review. I found what he wrote resonated pretty well with my experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marvel Posted April 10, 2005 Share Posted April 10, 2005 What refurbishing will he do on the ST-70? If he changes the front end it sure isn't an ST-70 anymore. Mine now has three 6922s working it. Sweet sound. The 7199s were okay too, but I like my new configuration. This is so subjective. Marvel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flegz Posted April 10, 2005 Author Share Posted April 10, 2005 heY! The plan is to bring it back pretty much to stock but using higher end parts ie. Auricaps etc...I really trust his judgement. I hope he sees this thread and can expand on his thoughts... Was your ST-70 working at spec prior to making the MOD? Many think the original guys got it right...I'm too much of a novice, so I'll begin with a refurbished to original ST-70 and go from there.. I think I have an HF-81 coming my way soon(might need some work), so I'll have the opportunity in a month or so to give them both an in depth listen.....I have been listening to a SS Harmon Kardon 630 and I have to say I'm really enjoying it!! I'm sure I'll totally enjoy going tube!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ben. Posted April 10, 2005 Share Posted April 10, 2005 I haven't heard either, but from what information I've read, both amps can vary so much from example to example that this type of comparison may be futile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laurenc319 Posted April 10, 2005 Share Posted April 10, 2005 Hi, I can't compare the two, I have a HF-81 driving a pair of Fortes in a 14x 25 foot room and the sound levels produced can be VERY loud. The amp is very sweet and is articulate ... great on female voice and acoustic jazz. However it can rock very well and for it's power has a very controlled bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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