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View Full Version : Wanted - EAR Amplifier


JohnJo
15-08-2016, 16:59
I'm looking for an amp to drive my 15" Tannoy 385 HPDs and I'm thinking of an EAR 534, 834, 8L6, 890 or 899.

Has anybody got one going spare?

Thanks.
petrat
15-08-2016, 19:30
No, but I fully endorse your choice. Any of those will be perfect for the Tannoys.
Floyddroid
15-08-2016, 20:04
Ann ear amplifier? Is that a bit like a hearing aid? tee hee.
JohnJo
15-08-2016, 20:11
No, but I fully endorse your choice. Any of those will be perfect for the Tannoys.

Thanks Peter, any experience in the difference between the 534 and the 890 apart from the higher power?
JohnJo
15-08-2016, 20:18
Ann ear amplifier? Is that a bit like a hearing aid? tee hee.


https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.M0fe678dbed5d30768dcef9584e6fd8e5o2&pid=15.1&P=0&w=270&h=180
petrat
15-08-2016, 22:09
Thanks Peter, any experience in the difference between the 534 and the 890 apart from the higher power?

Well, I chose, bought and used the 534 as a personal preference for a few years. Often I find EL34 valve amps have a slightly 'fuller' tone than KT88 or 6550 ones, which I find more realistic. All the ones you mention double-up the valves, so all deliver more than enough current for big Tannoys, giving tons of control. They all seem to use the same circuit and transformers as far as I know, and the power amp versions work best with a passive pre ... so, if I was buying again, I'd have one of the integrated ones for preference, and not bother with a pre. The differences between all models are very marginal, and would hardly be noticed unless you put the EL34 and KT88 amps side by side ... so, go with whatever bargain comes your way! Lovely amps, but run a bit hot if that's an issue ...
marec
16-08-2016, 09:21
I'm looking for an amp to drive my 15" Tannoy 385 HPDs and I'm thinking of an EAR 534, 834, 8L6, 890 or 899.

Has anybody got one going spare?

Thanks.

I was at Retro Reproduction in Edinburgh the other day (0131 558 9989) and I thought I saw some EAR stuff there... Not sure what it was though. Graeme is a nice guy to deal with in my (limited) experience.
JohnJo
16-08-2016, 09:45
Well, I chose, bought and used the 534 as a personal preference for a few years. Often I find EL34 valve amps have a slightly 'fuller' tone than KT88 or 6550 ones, which I find more realistic. All the ones you mention double-up the valves, so all deliver more than enough current for big Tannoys, giving tons of control. They all seem to use the same circuit and transformers as far as I know, and the power amp versions work best with a passive pre ... so, if I was buying again, I'd have one of the integrated ones for preference, and not bother with a pre. The differences between all models are very marginal, and would hardly be noticed unless you put the EL34 and KT88 amps side by side ... so, go with whatever bargain comes your way! Lovely amps, but run a bit hot if that's an issue ...

Thanks Peter. I like EL34s too. Heat not an issue, my room is north facing and is the coldest in the house so waste heat is rarely wasted!
JohnJo
16-08-2016, 09:45
I was at Retro Reproduction in Edinburgh the other day (0131 558 9989) and I thought I saw some EAR stuff there... Not sure what it was though. Graeme is a nice guy to deal with in my (limited) experience.

Thanks Mark, I'll give them a phone.
ovlov854
16-08-2016, 14:47
Having owned an 8L6 for a number of years I can fully endorse Petrat's advice.
EL34 are plentiful and can befound at reasonable prices and 50 WPC is more than enough for most speakers

Please see PM for further info
Arkless Electronics
16-08-2016, 14:56
Papworth amps are also designed by TdP and of the same basic design as the EAR 509 etc but use EL34's. I'm working on some 100W monoblocks ATM...
JohnJo
16-08-2016, 17:47
Having owned an 8L6 for a number of years I can fully endorse Petrat's advice.
EL34 are plentiful and can befound at reasonable prices and 50 WPC is more than enough for most speakers

Please see PM for further info
pM sent. Thank you.
JohnJo
16-08-2016, 17:49
Papworth amps are also designed by TdP and of the same basic design as the EAR 509 etc but use EL34's. I'm working on some 100W monoblocks ATM...

That's interesting Jez, there's been a couple of sets on eBay lately priced around £1600. Would be interested in your feedback on sonics and build quality.