Eico HF-81 with Klipschorn

Eico HF-81 + Klipsch = Beautiful Music

I recently upgrade new Cap 12uF and 2uF for crossover ($80 for upgrade crossover kit). I followed procedures on www.critesspeakers.com/crossovers.html. The sound is big difference when I play LP with more details on vocal and bass deeper than before. I hooked up Klipschorn with Dynaco ST70 and PAS3. Sound is much warmer than Eico HF81. For vocal, HF81 is winner as EL84 but ST70 with EL34 is classical symphoney.

I am surprised somewhat by your findings.

I know the Dynaco sound very well. I still own the Dynaco ST70 I built as a kit in 1968. Mine has been in continuous use up until 2005 when I had to rebuild it due to deteriorating circuit boards and dying electrolytic capacitors. It sounds very pretty, but is not up to the standard of many of today's best amplifiers. On the other hand, the HF-81 can be very competitive if it is working correctly!

When I upgraded the power supply electrolytic capacitors in my Eico HF-81, one of the main improvements was much more powerful bass. I would expect the HF-81 to sound sweeter than the Dynaco pair.

Anyway, I think the warmth you hear may be a combination of weak mid-bass output of the HF-81 due to weak power supply caps and the very round sound that the PAS3 produces. I like the phono section of the PAS3, but it is not really all that good a line section, especially for extended treble or deep bass. On the other hand, the Klipsh speakers may be a perfect match for that combination. You may have discovered something.

Whatever works best for your ears is exactly right! Enjoy the music!