Scott 222 B tube amp


I have the opportunity to buy a Scott 222 B power amp, in unknown working condition, for $75.00. Based on where this amp is, I have no reason to think its been abused or damaged. As with many of the other things in this house, it most likely has been sitting unused for several, if not MANY years. I've not had any tube audio equipment before. Would this be a reasonable starting point/introduction? Assuming I have it tweaked up to spec when I get it, how reliable is this unit? Thanks for your help!

Dale.
128x128dalehimself
First of all, thanks very much to all of you for your input. You obviously have far more knowledge and experience with this stuff than I do, and I'm glad I can rely on your input.

As a follow-up, there's the issue of what speakers are compatible with this. I have a variety of configurations I could use this amp in, depending on speakers and other components (I may elaborate on this later). For now, I have these to choose from: ideally, my set of ESS Heil AMT (or is that AMR?)1's; JBL L46's, JBL J216A's, or pairs of large-ish bookshelf '70's Advents or Polks (these are both in the garage, so I don't have the specific model numbers handy). Thanks again!

Dale.
Well understand that this unit, when repaired, would work well with a small pair of bookshelf speakers that are efficient. And by that I mean 88-91dB 1W/1m minimum. Generally, JBL's are efficient, but I'm not familiar with those models to know what their sensitivities are. The ESS AMT speakers, if there 1A's etc. are not very efficient and the bass would be rather sloppy and uncontrolled.
First of all what great posts by all of you. So many of you continue to impress. I cannot tell you how much you all teach and how I myself love this sharing of knowledge. You've also reawakened in me what I have forgotten and how much I love this stuff.

I too am new to tubes and have chosen the older amps as a jumping off point.

I have just received a call from the shop I brought my Scott 299 to. It is ready and as Mechans, Atmasphere and others have said having the work done by someone else is not cheap. I have not seen the invoice nor know the total scope of work yet but the cost of restoration of this unit is approx $550. I can hear the collective gasp! May be expensive but I want it right. And this guy impressed me.
I will post the work done when I pick up the unit for scrutiny.

As Atmasphere and others have said there is the question of tube replacement if necessary. I've been doing a little research and the tubes used in these Scotts seem to be a little scarce. This unit and the 299B I have (awaiting restoration) and the 350 series tuners all have some Telefunkens and Amperex. Also the few NOS tubes I have seen are not cheap.

$75 is a great price for the unit. I haven't seen any at that price. I paid for mine, including shipping $386. The reason I paid so much is not only did they work but the cosmetic condition is excellent. It was first and foremost the most important thing to me. I feel the condition of the faceplate, chassis and all screening would be most difficult to restore. That the parts and working condition of the unit would be far easier to deal with.

So that put me in the neighborhood of $936. I can hear the guffaws! Yes, I could have probably bought something newer used here for the price. But these things look so darn good!

I've even sought out original wood cases, original metal cases with the leatherette covering, NOS feet, owners manual, schematics and photofacts. So if I factor this in the unit is now over $1000.

Why? Isn't that what an audionut extremist collector is supposed to do!? Please, correct me if I am wrong! :-)

And I wouldn't/didn't turn it on until you bring it to a tech. Great advice given to you by the others.

I'm going to say as far as reliability is concerned, if it lasted this long, after restoration, why wouldn,'t it last another 50 years?

Enjoy.

Best,

Dave


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