Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: EICO HF-35 Amplifier (Tube) by Richard CWY

Model:	HF-35
Category:	Amplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$600 (vintage pair)
Description:	Vintage EICO
Manufacturer URL:	EICO
Model Picture:	View

Review by Richard CWY ( A ) on November 05, 2002 at 01:44:20
IP Address: 202.128.225.3

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for the HF-35

**Review of vintage EICO HF-35, HF50 and HF-60 monoblocs**

Those who love playing expensive British audio gears would love these
EICOs. Yes, we found these EICOs possess the "British sound" -
clean, natural and balanced! We attribute these characteristics to
the use of Mullard 5-20 circuit. I added that the wise choice of
tubes (EF86 in front stage and 6SN7 in phase-splitting) and the use
of high quality oversized output transformers ensure quality sound!

We all agreed that the 3 EICOs gave smooth, well defined high range,
natural mid range, and solidly clean low range. String was as real as
being played in front. Yo-yo Ma's cello was detailed (in spite of the
limitation by BBC LS3/5As). Tsai Ching's voice was just sweet
enough.. Superb!

Now the finer comparison:

a) HF-35 has slightly more relaxed sound compared to HF-50 and HF-60,
particularly in the bass, which still remained decent and matched
well with BBC LS3/5As. These mini-monitors are acknowlegedly
difficult to drive and require high damping factor amps (please don't
confuse with 'high power' amp (grin)) for reasonable bass response.
HF-35 drive speakers beautifully.

b) HF-50 had more control over the bass compared to HF-35. It also
had slightly more refined high range. I believe that the HF-50 might
have a more linear response in the audio range than HF-35. This
hypothesis awaits confirmation by an oscillioscope(?).

c) HF-60 performed as good as HF-50 through the mini-monitors. Given
everything (circuit design, tubes, voltage, bias, etc) is the same
except the choice of output transformer, we felt it amusing that the
Acrosound iron could turn out 10 extra watts. Whilst it might seem
to provide 'no edge' to own HF-60s compared to HF-50, I feel that the
true potential of the Acrosound output transformer may have not yet
been explored or exploited through these mini-monitors.

To conclude, I would say all these EICO monoblocs are wonderful
vintage amps, designed and built in the golden era of tube audio.
There seems to be a slight advantage in sound from HF-50 and HF-60 in
comparison with HF-35. However, we felt the edge is simply
insignificant. Given the price differences between HF-35 (about $600
a pair), HF-50 (about $800 a pair), and HF-60 (about $1,100 a pair),
I would say if you use mini-monitors as we used in the Party, you
could save your money by owning HF-35s, which sound almost as good as
the double-pricer flagships.

However, if you match your EICO monoblocs with larger loudspeakers,
perhaps HF-50 or HF-60 may become your worthwhile choices. But,
again, this proposition yet awaits confirmation.

Richard

(More details in EICO Fans' Newsgroup: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eico/)

Product Weakness: Nil.
Product Strengths: The entire "HF" series ultra-linear monoblocs are great value vintage amps.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	EICO HF-60, HF-50, & HF-35
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Jadis JP-200 (clone)
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	CD
Speakers:	BBC LS3/5A monitors
Cables/Interconnects:	N/A
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Female vocal, Cello concerto
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	N/A
Type of Audition/Review:	Home Audition

Product Weakness:	Nil.
Product Strengths:	The entire "HF" series ultra-linear monoblocs are great value vintage amps.