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review of Eastern Electric M520

I am very surprised not to see a review on this amplifier on Audiogon.
The model I purchased about 4 years ago was a special one with upgraded
coupling caps with Mundorf Supremes with the work done by Eastern Electric.
I have had many amplifiers and integrated over the years including very expensive ones by Jeff Rowland, Cary, Arcam, Mesa, VTL, VAC and this is my favorite. I have always preferred tubes overall and I believe that with the upgraded caps and some tube rolling that this is one of the best integrated
amps. anywhere near their price. The construction is excellent, reliability has been perfect, and the sheer beauty of the amp is very impressive. With the variable outputs between ultralinear/triode, variable feedback, and outputs this is a very tunable amplifier. I used fairly efficient speakers and the 24 watts/channel was very ample. Overall, highly recommended integrated with the upgraded caps. Call Eastern Electric for other mods available.
nita
rshak
419 posts
 
I own three EE components: the M520, purchased in 2005; the wonderful phono stage; and the (now discontinued) CD player. The tube driver circuit on the right channel of the M520 shorted out in 2008 (trashing an expensive pair of NOS Mullard EL34's) but otherwise I've had no problems. These EE components get daily use, usually two or three hours per day, and sound great. I hope to continue to enjoy them for many more years.
mikecohen
4 posts
 
Love my M520 and my minimax integrated too. Use with Omega Compact Hemp, Hoyt Bedford Type 1, Jean Marie Reynaud Twin Mk II and Green Mountain Audio Europa Max. Awesome sound. I have had a lot of other gear in the past, the Eastern Electric integrateds are keepers because I am always happy with the sound.
khwarezm
18 posts
 
Hi Mike
I'm looking at both the M520 and the Minimax integrated but cant decide. Could you please advise which one to go for? Thanks.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Just go for the one that fits your budget, not all that much difference in sound.
mikecohen
4 posts
 
Hi, sorry for the delay in responding, I just noticed your question today. Both are nice. On an overall basis, I'd go with the M520. More power so more flexible with a wider variety of speakers and a fuller sound. A bit slower i think than the minimax. Minimax definitely needs an efficient speaker with higher (8 ohm) impedance to present an easier load to drive. Minimax only uses just four 6BM8 tubes so relative to the M520 which uses a lot more tubes including the 5AR4 which you'd probably want to buy vintage Mullards. All those tubes get expensive especially if you buy NOS. My opinion only, ymmv. Good luck!
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