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EL84 upgrades for Eico 2510 &

AF-4 (notes)
64.12.116.141

Posted by Neff on June 2, 2008 at 18:19:52

In Reply to: Oh- the FT-3 EL84 grid caps

posted by Neff
on May 31, 2008 at
09:53:41:

I have the AF-4 amp schematic, but

missing the AF-4 PS schematic. So, I can
only assume the AF-4 to have the same
operating voltages of the 2510. The AF-4
may very well use different voltages. Also
be aware the Eico 2510 has different SE audio transformers than used in the AF-4.
The Eico 2510 is 8 ohm only output. I like that as the audio transformers uses the
entire secondary winding on 8 ohm speakers or not having part of the secondary
winding just 'hanging in the air' for the feedback circuit unless 16 ohm speakers are
used.

The Eico 2510 operates the EL84s with 365 volts plate, 250 volts screen and only 6.1
volts cathode bias with a 130 ohm cathode resistor. This is far too low cathode bias.
I changed the cathode resistors to 250 ohms to achieve 9.6 volts cathode bias. With
the lower screen grid voltage of 250 volts, that 9.6 volts is a reasonable bias point
placing the EL84s at maximum recommended plate current. (If the screen had
measured 350 volts, I would recommend 14 volts cathode bias).

I tried a few different cathode bypass capacitors. The Eico 2510 came with a
replacement capacitor likely installed in the past. The electrolytic was
manufactured in Japan by Cosmic with 50uF @ 25 VDC rating. I tried Solen
polyproplyene 50uF @ 250 volt, Panasonic FC electrolytic 50uF @ 50 VDC type and
Black Gate 100uF @ 16 VDC.

This modified Eico 2510 receiver is of high resolution and sonically outperforms
any PP EL84 receiver I previously owned. I was surprised different types of cathode
capacitors did not make any difference- go figure. If you have money to spend, I
would use the Black Gates. On a budget the Panasonic FC series will be the best bet
as these capacitors are of known high quality. As for the Solen type, the capacitors
are so large that top of chassis mounting would be required.

The amp was manufactured with 4uF screen capacitors. I changed the original
capacitors to 20uF and still heard no difference. The new capacitors were left in
place for reliability reasons.
I can recommend this Eico 2510 receiver as a great collectable. Look up the tuner
mods I posted for an Eico Classic 2200 tuner. The Eico 2510 uses the same tuner as
the Classic 2200 series. Beware, the stock tuner does not sound so great unless it is
modified. Once modified I believe the tuner can perform with the best tube type
stereo tuners that have been modified for peak performance. (I never owned
Marantz tube type tuners).

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our
sponsors:

  Kimber Kable  

Follow Ups
Full Thread

Follow Ups

EL84 upgrades for Eico 2510 & AF-4 (notes) - Neff 18:19:52 06/02/08
(3)
RE: EL84 upgrades for Eico 2510 & AF-4 (notes) - Mossback 02:06:54
06/03/08
(2)
RE: EL84 upgrades for Eico 2510 & AF-4 (notes) - Neff 16:23:29
06/03/08
(1)
Yep................No click - Mossback 02:16:56 06/04/08
(0)

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