montesquieu
07-11-2016, 00:37
*** now on hold pending payment ***
A few months back the opportunity presented itself to pick up an EAR 899 - this is the version of the EAR 890 that incorporates a (by-passable) passive preamp section. I bought it to compare to my existing power amplifier, a 1967 vintage Radford STA100 that while originally built for KT88s, now sports KT90s too (though only 2 per channel rather than 4), and for use while the Radford was away having work done on it.
The EAR 899 is a truly wonderful amplifier and brings the big Tannoys to life, bass is solid, deep and beautifully placed in the mix, midrange is clear, punchy and engaging, the fine level detail is fantastic and it also has a wonderful way with subtlety.
Some fantastic reviews on the web for the EAR 890 which is this same amplifier minus the switchable passive preamp section:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0903/ear890.htm
http://www.stereophile.com/tubepoweramps/404ear/
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue9/ear890.htm
Why am I selling? Well, I’ve become romantically attached to the Radford, which while not quite so robust at the bottom end is considerably rarer and in which I’ve invested quite a lot of time and effort already. (It came originally from Finland!). It’s too much outlay to keep both.
I originally bought this with the intention of using it while the Radford was away for full scale restoration, including re-painting, at Radford Revival, but I now think that will be some time away and it’s hard to justify having it sitting around as a backup or even for part-time use. Also the Radford is really all I need - I probably don’t need 70w of Class A welly from 8 x Kt90s. (Incidentally the EAR is really in cruise mode at 70w, the Radford puts out 100w in Class AB with just a pair of KT90s each side, rather more highly stressed!).
I had the EAR thoroughly checked out and fettled by Valvebloke/Ampregen when I got it - I bought it from a guy who said he had been too busy with work to listen to it other than occasionally. Graeme confirms that the all-original EAR-branded valve set tests close to new, both power and signal valves. Under the covers, it’s near-mint. However by the time he reported back, I had already acquired replacement NOS Siemens ECC85 valves for driver stage - these will be included (the other stage uses easily available ECC83s). Signal valves can be easily fitted by removing the base, though it's a bit harder to fit new KT90s so it's useful that they won't need replacement for a long time.
Like the 890, the 899 can be bridged as mono to give 140w but it’s seriously hard to think of a pair of speakers that would actually NEED two of these. The preamp section can be clicked in or out at the flick of a switch, and in power amp mode it has a balanced/XLR input option - both very handy indeed.
The new price of the EAR is currently £6,100 - I’m looking for £2650. I’m prepared to look at a part-trade for a push-pull amp from the KT88/90/120 family (to keep as a backup) plus cash my way - or perhaps an outright trade for a high-end valve preamp, preferably with a tape loop (though tape loop is not a show-stopper).
I have the original (huge) box and could ship at a push but I’d rather meet up if at all possible, I’m happy to drive a fair distance to accommodate this.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/montesquieu61/ear1_zpszng2ca1l.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/montesquieu61/ear2_zpsczyejdy8.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/montesquieu61/ear3_zpsjpylwnr1.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/montesquieu61/ear4_zps50tqfwoz.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/montesquieu61/ear5_zpsrwyirf6x.jpg
A few months back the opportunity presented itself to pick up an EAR 899 - this is the version of the EAR 890 that incorporates a (by-passable) passive preamp section. I bought it to compare to my existing power amplifier, a 1967 vintage Radford STA100 that while originally built for KT88s, now sports KT90s too (though only 2 per channel rather than 4), and for use while the Radford was away having work done on it.
The EAR 899 is a truly wonderful amplifier and brings the big Tannoys to life, bass is solid, deep and beautifully placed in the mix, midrange is clear, punchy and engaging, the fine level detail is fantastic and it also has a wonderful way with subtlety.
Some fantastic reviews on the web for the EAR 890 which is this same amplifier minus the switchable passive preamp section:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0903/ear890.htm
http://www.stereophile.com/tubepoweramps/404ear/
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue9/ear890.htm
Why am I selling? Well, I’ve become romantically attached to the Radford, which while not quite so robust at the bottom end is considerably rarer and in which I’ve invested quite a lot of time and effort already. (It came originally from Finland!). It’s too much outlay to keep both.
I originally bought this with the intention of using it while the Radford was away for full scale restoration, including re-painting, at Radford Revival, but I now think that will be some time away and it’s hard to justify having it sitting around as a backup or even for part-time use. Also the Radford is really all I need - I probably don’t need 70w of Class A welly from 8 x Kt90s. (Incidentally the EAR is really in cruise mode at 70w, the Radford puts out 100w in Class AB with just a pair of KT90s each side, rather more highly stressed!).
I had the EAR thoroughly checked out and fettled by Valvebloke/Ampregen when I got it - I bought it from a guy who said he had been too busy with work to listen to it other than occasionally. Graeme confirms that the all-original EAR-branded valve set tests close to new, both power and signal valves. Under the covers, it’s near-mint. However by the time he reported back, I had already acquired replacement NOS Siemens ECC85 valves for driver stage - these will be included (the other stage uses easily available ECC83s). Signal valves can be easily fitted by removing the base, though it's a bit harder to fit new KT90s so it's useful that they won't need replacement for a long time.
Like the 890, the 899 can be bridged as mono to give 140w but it’s seriously hard to think of a pair of speakers that would actually NEED two of these. The preamp section can be clicked in or out at the flick of a switch, and in power amp mode it has a balanced/XLR input option - both very handy indeed.
The new price of the EAR is currently £6,100 - I’m looking for £2650. I’m prepared to look at a part-trade for a push-pull amp from the KT88/90/120 family (to keep as a backup) plus cash my way - or perhaps an outright trade for a high-end valve preamp, preferably with a tape loop (though tape loop is not a show-stopper).
I have the original (huge) box and could ship at a push but I’d rather meet up if at all possible, I’m happy to drive a fair distance to accommodate this.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/montesquieu61/ear1_zpszng2ca1l.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/montesquieu61/ear2_zpsczyejdy8.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/montesquieu61/ear3_zpsjpylwnr1.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/montesquieu61/ear4_zps50tqfwoz.jpg
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x440/montesquieu61/ear5_zpsrwyirf6x.jpg