Eico Cortina 3150 (1968)
The Eico Cortina 3150 is a solid-state integrated stereo amplifier from 1968. It belongs to Eico's "Cortina" series and was the company's budget-priced entry into high-power transistor amplification.
The 3150 uses dual FET output transistors, which was an unusual choice for a budget unit of the era. Its protection circuitry is all electronic, and Eico claimed it made overloads and shorts "impossible" without relying on fuses. The amplifier shipped with a walnut vinyl-clad cabinet at no extra cost. The front panel carries controls for input selection, plus a switch for two sets of speaker outputs. Inputs cover phono, tuner, aux, and tape, with a recording output as well. It connects to 4-16 ohm speakers.
The 3150 is rated at 25 watts per channel RMS (30 watts IHF) into the typical loads of the day. Frequency response is 20Hz-20kHz ±1dB, and THD is under 0.6% at rated output. It is a compact tabletop unit measuring 4.9" x 15.3" x 11.2" and weighing 18.5 lbs. Phono input sensitivity is 4mV with a 65dB signal-to-noise ratio. Aux input sensitivity is 400mV at 75dB S/N. There is no tuner section. This is an amplifier only, not a receiver.
The original price was $79.95. The record on the 3150 is otherwise thin. One owner describes it as "very compact and clean-sounding." A technician who repaired one recalls that the FET outputs were fine and the unit "sounded nice," though its owner chose to sell it rather than keep it. Another forum user was less kind, flatly stating the Cortina 3150 is "NOT worth more than $25." Market listings have appeared at $225 (2012) and $250, but actual sale prices are not documented. The 3150 is rarely seen on the used market today.
Known specifications:
- Power: 25W/ch RMS; 30W/ch IHF
- Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz ±1dB
- THD: less than 0.6% at rated output
- Phono input: 4mV sensitivity, 65dB S/N
- Aux input: 400mV sensitivity, 75dB S/N
- Outputs: two sets of speakers, front-panel selector; recording output
- Speaker impedance: 4–16 ohms
- Dimensions: 4.9" x 15.3" x 11.2" (HxWxD)
- Weight: 18.5 lbs
- Output devices: dual FET transistors
- Cabinet: walnut vinyl-clad, included
- Price (1968): $79.95
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