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View Full Version : FS...Iconic EAR 869!!!



Reffc
20-09-2013, 11:24
Regrettable sale of my stunning EAR 869 amplifier, but go it has to to help fund a new project and new stock for the business.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7187_zps723c8b4d.jpg

This is possibly Tim-De-P's most iconic design, having its roots in the original EL519 amplifiers and using similar circuit topology to the 859, but with a revised output transformer and modified input stage giving 15 of the most powerful, punchy and sublime single ended watts available.

This amp currently retails for £4,800 and build quality is second to none. It's also extremely heavy!

More pictures:

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7197_zps18be4da0.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7193_zps8e3bb1af.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7190_zps8766886d.jpg

As can be seen, the amplifier is in PRISTINE condition. It was FULLY SERVICED by EAR this year and I have fitted new NOS Mullard and Telsa input and driver valves, plus the previous owner fitted BRAND NEW EL519 valves and valve caps earlier this year, so for all intents and purposes, this amp is absolutely as new. The only way you'd know it didn't come fresh from the factory is the slight rubbing to a couple of the letters on the front aluminium fascia, the result of past cleaning no doubt, but its hardly noticeable.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7192_zps6005017e.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7194_zpsd92a33da.jpg

For those unfamiliar with the 869, it is an integrated amplifier which has a bypass switch on the top plate allowing it to function as a stand alone power amplifier. The output wattage can be largely ignored as it will drive VERY difficult speaker loads with ease, including speakers like Quad electrostatics. It drives my big Tannoys to ear splitting levels without breaking out in a sweat. Part of this is due to the huge current on tap but also to the small amount of negative feedback employed to maintain a stable output stage. This results in very low distortion so you get the best of both worlds...the sublime midrange of a SET with the punch and control of a P-P design. Anyone who read the lengthy amplifier selection and testing thread I conducted a while back will note that of all the amplifiers tested from 15 to over 100 WPC, the EAR came out on top. It's not for nothing that its regarded as a world standard and future classic.

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7199_zpsede3454e.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7200_zpsb29bdd8c.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7205_zps625ef6e8.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7211_zpsd8148ee9.jpg

http://i1140.photobucket.com/albums/n577/24pacman/Hifi/_MG_7208_zps68eb3885.jpg

I am going to miss this amplifier and may well make a return to one in the future, but for now, business needs must come first.

Rather than mess about with listing an unrealistic price then haggling, this £4,800 amp can be yours for £1500 cash on collection, or I can courier at cost. I think that you'll struggle to find one as good as this anywhere for so little, so grab a bargain while it's available!

It could be pricey due to weight, possibly up to £50 plus insurance. Please note that if couriered, it will be SOLEY at the risk of the BUYER. I cannot be held responsible for any damage that occurs once out of my care. It will however be packaged in the original packaging and is well protected. It comes complete with instruction manual and receipt for the recent service from EAR. I have some additional spare NOS Mullard valves for it which can also be purchased as extras if wanted.

dantheman91
20-09-2013, 11:43
HI


WOW what a stunning piece of kit & a bargain but i have a feeling you may live to regret letting it go..

synsei
20-09-2013, 11:44
What an amp, such a shame you have to sell it Paul :(

southall-1998
20-09-2013, 14:01
SEXY!!

Reffc
20-09-2013, 14:24
Hi guys, thanks, and yes it will be missed. The way I look at it though, having taken a great deal of time and trouble selecting what I believe to be one of the best valve amps available, I can always go back to one at a later date funds permitting.

killie99
21-09-2013, 07:47
I recently sold a 534 line and 864 pre. 1st time I've ever regretted selling some kit. What was I thinking.

Tarzan
21-09-2013, 08:36
l can echo Paul's comments on build quality, l had one of these a while ago, in the middle of the night heard an almighty crash downstairs in the lounge and found my EAR869 having detached itself from the rack:scratch:,( the fall must have been 4' l would guess- plugged it back in and it still worked happily) :scratch:, never did find out how it came of the rack....:sofa:

Sovereign
21-09-2013, 12:17
Seen and heard this amp. Yes it is in pristine condition, and the sound is very grand and involving.

Audio Al
22-09-2013, 17:21
never did find out how it came of the rack....

Magnets ;)

Reffc
27-09-2013, 11:29
Now SOLD