HF81

About the HF81

The Eico HF-81 is a complete high fidelity stereophonic control center and a pair of 14 watt amplifiers integrated into one chassis, produced between 1958 and 1963. It features the ability to select, preamplify, and control various stereophonic sources such as tape, discs, or broadcasts, feeding them through dual 14 watt amplifiers to stereo speakers. When playing monophonic sources, the two amplifiers can be bridged to deliver a total of 28 watts. The HF-81 also allows the two amplifiers to be connected in parallel, enabling one preamplifier section to drive an external power amplifier while the other drives the internal amps. It is known for its detailed, musical tube sound and can drive large floorstanding speakers effectively. The amplifier runs hot during operation and is appreciated for its frequency extension and dynamic range, often outperforming many modern amplifiers when fully restored. It uses a classic tube complement including ECC83, ECC82, EZ81, and EL84 tubes. The unit is housed in a low silhouette metal chassis measuring 15 x 4.75 x 10.5 inches and weighs 24 lbs.