General Asylum: REVIEW: EICO Classic Series 2200 Tuner by JIMMY

Model:	Classic Series 2200
Category:	Tuner
Suggested Retail Price:	$unknown
Description:	FM Stereo Tuner
Manufacturer URL:	EICO
Manufacturer URL:	EICO

Review by JIMMY on February 22, 2005 at 15:17:29
IP Address: 207.89.249.148

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for the Classic Series 2200

The EICO Classic Series 2200 is a vacuum tube type FM stereo tuner manufactured in the early 1960s. The I.F. section and built-in multiplexer is reported to have been designed in Denmark. As any vacuum tube equipment, peak performance is dependent upon the tubes. Additionally, upgraded components contributes to quality sonics.
The Classic 2200 tuner under review has been modified from stock. In stock form the tuner provides good sonics, however after modification the tuner becomes a stellar performer with regard to quality sonics. Upgrades includes replacing seven coupling type capacitors with AuriCap. The best performing tubes are Telefunken 6AQ8, RCA 6HS6 (replaces 6AU6), three RCA 6AU6 black plate, Tung Sol 6AL5. In the multiplexer, RCA 6AU6 black plate, RCA 12DW7 and about any high gain NOS 12AX7. Finally, the 12AU7 in the audio output position was replaced with a Sylvania 6SN7GT 'T' type plate using a DIY socket adapter. The reason for replacing the 12AU7 is after auditioning many various 12AU7s, peak performance just was not found in this circuit. The Sylvania 6SN7 quickly placed that concern to rest.
Two main concerns regarding vacuum tube type tuners are sensitivity and adjacent channel rejection (selectivity). Another concern is the quality of the multiplexer. Some FM stereo tuners sound better with less distortion products in monaural even with a top quality FM broadcast signal. This usually results in a less than best quality multiplexer. The EICO Classic 2200 sounds best in stereo attributive to the quality multiplexer.
The EICO Classic 220 FM tuner sensitivity is excellent. Tests were performed with a unidirectional attic mounted antenna. Many FM broadcast stations at 90 miles distance were received with full quieting. Although I did not use lab equipment, placing the antenna lead 1" from the antenna terminals resulted in reception. Obviously, this tuner is quite sensitive. As for selectivity, the tuner is no match for later solid-state quality tuners. The EICO has three tuned I.F. stages. Although FM stations will 'lock-in' due to the capture effect of FM design, a strong adjacent signal will cause distortion artifacts in the received signal. Fortunately at my location, this was not an issue. The only practical way to increase the selectivity is using a directional yagi type FM antenna. The up-side of wide I.F. passband reception is quality sonics. Practical wide I.F. bandwidth without ceramic or crystal filters does produce quality sonics without any filter skirt ringing due to the gentle slope of the passband.
I can report the EICO 2200 FM stereo tuner with the modifications approaches lower to perhaps mid quality CD quality playback on top quality FM broadcast stations. The term 'lower to perhaps mid quality' is loosely defined as a good quality CD recording on an inexpensive CDP. I have heard poor quality CDs that provide less quality sonics than the best sonics from the modified EICO Classic 2200 FM Stereo tuner.
My location is on a high hill in the country. Due to multipath issues and wall to wall FM stations in city environments, it may put the tuner at risk regarding top performance. However, the tuner was marketed to persons living in large cities.
Additionally, a tube based RF amp can not compete with the 'hot' MOS-FET front-end designs of quality vintage FM tuners for long distance reception often referred to as DX. On the other hand, I seriously doubt any solid-state FM stereo tuner could provide the quality sonics of the modified EICO Classic 2200 tuner.

Product Weakness: Selectivity is wide thus not affording a narrow passband in difficult reception ereas.
Product Strengths: Superior audio sonics.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	DIY 'Poinz' 6V6 triode Amplifier
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	none
Speakers:	ProAc 2.5 Response
Cables/Interconnects:	Vintage Hammond
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	All except rap
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	none
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Tripp-Lite conditioner/regulator
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Selectivity is wide thus not affording a narrow passband in difficult reception ereas.
Product Strengths:	Superior audio sonics.