[rklein]

Hello:

I am interested in getting a vintage amp or integrated amp to compliment a recent purchase of an Empire 598 turntable.  I would appreciate if any of you could give me your opinion on the following equipment. 
 

Scott 299B

Eico HF-81

 Pilot SA-232

Both the Scott and Eico are very much on my short list as they include a phono stage (in reading the Scott apparently has a very good phono stage)

Here is some other info as well:

Room             16 x 13

Sources:         Boulder digital modded SB3 going to a Zhalou 2.0 DAC, Empire 598 TT w/AT440 Cartridge

Speakers:       Currently Odyssey Nightengales(91db) – looking to either build my own or looking to other                                 
                    tube friendly models such as Omega or even go to Open Baffle.
         
Listening:      Classical, Jazz(lots of female vocals), Bluegrass.  Also like R&R but it comes in last.

Also, I am considering having whatever I choose to be sent to either NOSValves or Hot Glass Audio.  I would appreciate and feedback on these two vendors as well.

Thanks,

rklein



 

 

 

 

 

[kbuzz3]

Im a pilot fan but have thought about buying the eico as well.  Ryan at Hotglass did a great job on my pilot pre amp.  I have not heard the integrateds mentioned, but best bet is to review the vintage forum at AA. that particular area is a lot less nasty then the others and the vintage guys seem to be consistent with their postings and views.

I would also say that as a higher powered option the Sherwood tube integrateds are IMHO very underrated.  Mike Samra in Mich. does a stellar rehab on those units with PIO caps.

Good luck dont think you could lose with any of the choices

[Wayner]

Of course, Scott has been around for a long time. It was considered fairly high end in its day and some still swear by the stuff. I never was fond of Pilot, but then that's just me and the Eico stuff was usually offered in a kit. Dynaco was too, but don't confuse the two. Eico is junk next to a Dynaco piece, IMHO.

You may consider this advice that what ever you chose, may not be plug and play. Capacitors are old and have changed values and a lot of volume controls (if you need one) are not available anymore. I went thru my vintage years and finally said screw it. I'm just tired of the old stuff, as great as it may be (or have been). Anyway, If your lucky enough to find a nice one somewhere, I'd suggest going thru it a little. Make sure the guy you bought it from says it works good. I have no idea if all of the tubes are available, either. I plead ignorant on that one.

Hope you find what you want. (nice empire, huh).

Wayner