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Yesterday, I fired up an Eico HF-20 integrated mono that I bought a few years ago and the mate is coming up now on a variac. From what I can tell by hearing the first one hooked up to a CD player via Aux., is these will be decent sounding amps.
How come they sell for so little money?
(2) 6L6GB / 5U4GB / (2) 12AX7 (2) 12AU7
"I can't compete with the dead". (Buck W. 2010)
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The 32004 Eico output tranny is very fine; good for 40 watts hifi without needing any feedback ! Of course, a little feedback can only help the bandwidth with extreme frequency extension and control.
Besides console tube amp pulls, mono integrateds are THE cheapest way into tubed audio. Mono curious enthusiasts can and should take advantage of this ! Having various phono EQ positions is a bonus; not a setback ! If desired, the preamp sections can easily be upgraded; or even bypassed to use as a power amp.
Stereo with dual mono amps is outstanding ! The benefits of separate power supplies for each channel results in fantastic stereo separation and dynamic range. When one channel "peaks" in a crescendo, the other channel still strides along; as opposed to a stereo amp which can "starve" the current from one channel while the other peaks. The soundstage from dual mono is exceptional; even with a stereo preamp or simple cdp feeding it.
Agreed, I love my monoblocks!
"When the demon is at your door, in the mornin' it won't be there no more"
Steely Dan
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Mono systems sound great....especially with the large cabinets and full range drivers, or coaxial, etc.
"I can't compete with the dead". (Buck W. 2010)
and find that stereo really did supplant mono half a century ago. You're talking about a truly niche target buyer who values nostalgia over sonic performance.
You've already observed how much stuff you have that you never listen to...
I agree that it is a niche market, but nowadays, so is stereo! So it is a niche within a niche. Nonetheless, if you go to the Vinyl Asylum, you will see a lot of interest in mono (me included). You can spend many thousands of dollars on mono cartridges, and their are quite a few to choose from, both classic and new. There is quite a debate going on whether you need a mono cartage to fully realize "glorious mono" or will a mono switch/rewired cartridge give you the same performance.
There is a huge body of great music in mono, and there are still many people who desire to play it at its, best. I currently have a Brocener preamp, Bogen integrated amp, Dynaco Mark II and a Jensen speaker, all intended for mono use. I recently picked up a Garrard Type A, which is stereo, but will serve as a mono table. Remember what happened to Vinyl!
Dave
I agree that it is a niche market, but nowadays, so is stereo!
Last time I checked, iTunes offered ~ twenty six million stereo recordings. :)
If you call it stereo when listening to you phone trough earbuds. Technically it is, but...
Dave
that the stereo market is alive and well for millennials, too. It's not just about us old guys. :)
I listen to music with my iPhone, but use lossless content converted from CDs/high rez downloads.
As for earbuds, Shure SE535s do a pretty good job!
At 5-bills I would expect the Shure ear buds to be good. I generally like their products. Unfortunately, the DC subway is a little too dangerous for me to be listening to music, oblivious to my surroundings. Plus having an IPhone out is advertising that you have something of value to take, so I really don't have a place to listen. I have my stereo a home, where I do all of my listening. I have a great pair of Sennheiser HD-555 headphones, which I really like, but I still prefer listening to speakers. The Sennheisers do come in handy when I need to be quiet!
Dave
Unfortunately, the DC subway is a little too dangerous for me to be listening to music, oblivious to my surroundings
I feel the same way while running. I use them while on the lawn tractor, traveling by air or in the bedroom.
I have a great pair of Sennheiser HD-555 headphones, which I really like, but I still prefer listening to speakers.
Lots of folks like that brand.
I feel the same way about running, but when I flew to China a few month ago, I really could have used some music!
Dave
...and going the full dual mono approach for stereo has limited appeal (e.g. having to turn two knobs to adjust volume.) Some people may not even realize that stereo can be done this way.
I would enjoy having a pair of mono integrates for a system, but I just don't have the need, or room for another. These will be sold to a friend who enjoys both setups....a mono system, or a dual mono set-up for two channel.
"I can't compete with the dead". (Buck W. 2010)
as long as the transformers are good.
I don't think that the HF-20 is quite up to the standards of the HF-52, e.g., but EICO always, always seemed to invest their effort and the cost of the kit in the most important places (e.g., the output iron), and the HF-20, AFAIK, is no exception.
They always seem pretty 'spensive to me.
That said, I... ahem... wouldn't mind havin' a pair of them to help fill out the EICO part of the collection ;-)
all the best,
mrh
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