Is the Eico HF 81 really that good?

I have one mated with some university 315c (like Altec 604s)... Doesn't get too much better and if it does one must ask themselves at what cost...

Can't speak for the HF81 but my HF35 6L6GC monos with new caps are outstanding. Lovely musicality, timbre, and delicacy and decent clean articulate bass.

Yes, it really is that good. Its basic design was conceived during a time that tubes ruled and provided a very good foundation for superb sound but many of it's older parts need to be upgraded to realize its full potential.

I have an HF81 which was restored and modified by Sam's Audio.
He changed the mode of operation to triode, I believe, so it now outputs just 7 watts per channel instead of 14 watts, but it sounds amazing.
For sometime I was running it with a pair of Wilson Audio Duettes - not a speaker most would recommend for this amp, but the sound was glorious! Even large scale symphonic works sounded great at moderate levels. Visitors couldn't believe they were hearing just 7 watts!
Lately I have had this amp driving a pair of GoldenEar Technology Triton 2 Floorstanding models which have their own amps for the woofer sections. Since the HF81 is only powering the mids and highs, this is a perfect application for it and the result is terrific.
I don't imagine I will ever recoup my $ 2000+ investment, but it is a experience worth having.
It may be of interest to know that this particular amp was originally used in the sound system of a community club in Winnipeg where Neil Young grew up. Neil's band would practice at this club using the sound system with this amp. A volunteer at the club acquired the amp when the sound system was upgraded years later and I purchased it from his son several years ago.

Dennis Penner
Winnipeg Canada

Amhifi, I think its pretty darn cool that your Eico is associated one way or another with Neil Young. You truly do have a very special piece of gear.