Favorite H H Scott Tube Integrated Amplifier

Hey, thought I would wake up this old thread. You see, just for kicks I got a second old Scott on these very pages, a 222-D. This D had some work done to it including the replacement of resistors mentioned in this thread. I know this is hardly scientific, but I'd like to offer my comparison to the never touched 222-A (I bought a few months ago and this repaired 222-D. One will win out for the living room while the other will go in my wife's studio (she is an art teacher).

A few caveats - the 222-D needs to have the bias set and I need to go get a voltmeter (this is all new to me). The 222-D has adequate tubes, but the seller told me I might want to look into better tubes. The description of the work on the 222-D is: "Replaced coupling caps and bias resistors, replaced selenium rectifier, cleaned all controls and switches, replaced power filter cap, repaired solder connections."

Okay, so though these are not the exact same amps I have to say right out of the box (40 years after it was in its original box!), the 222-D just does not sound as musical and warm as the 222-A. There is something about the A that instantly blew me away, but is not quite there with the D. The D has a great soundstage, way more bass, but there is something in the tone of the A I can't describe. I could go on with all kinds of totally subjective audiophile terminology here ("liquid smooth mids and tight responsive bass... blah blah blah..."), but I won't do that.

However, one of my "test" CDs is Glenn Gould's Goldberg Variations (his later/older version from the 1980s). I have listened to this recording a million times and with the 222-A, the piano sound is wonderful and brings out "piano-ness" to near perfection to my ears. FYI, I have a real Steinway grand sitting 12 away feet from the amp, so I know what a piano sounds like!!! The D sounds nice on this same recording, but after the A, it is really no comparison. It's nice, it is all there, but there is no "magic."

However, now I will go out and set the bias, try some better tubes and report back. In the mean time, any thoughts or suggestions?

P.S. You might be able to figure out who I bought this D from and I want to clearly state he was a fantastic seller and I am 100% satisfied with the purchase. My comparing the D to A is in no way a commentary on anything about the seller of this D. He was perfect and a class act for sure. Couldn't find a better seller anywhere.

It may be an old thread, but it's a good thread. I would also suggest that you look into different tubes, because I have experienced major sonic differences between brands and between new and old tubes. Suggestion: previous participants in this thread agreed that selenium rectifiers and coupling caps should be replaced. However, you had to be careful changing resistors as the old carbon types gave these amps a special magic. I am not sure whether or not they were including the bias resistors, or if your new bias resistors aren't similar carbon types. Perhaps you should look into this. Also, setting the bias correctly can make a huge difference. It might be worthwhile to see if tuning the amp up optimally can bring the lost "magic" back.

Hi JBG!

Okay - I am a complete neophyte here to electronics, so I am simply and dumbly parroting what I have been told! :-)

I think he only replaced resistors that measured bad and then used some type of higher quality resistors he has a supply of. As to getting magic back, I never heard this amp before it was repaired, so I will never know what it used to sound like. The only think I can do is compare it to the 222-A which is untouched and sounds great. Maybe not the best comparison, but what the heck. I think new tubes are the way to go for now. Can I ask another newby question - who do you recommend for tubes, meaning a place to shop from who can offer honest advice?

Hi Guys, welcome to the wonderful world of vintage audio. No, this thread has not influenced the demand for vintage scott amplifiers. If you have been paying any attention at all..... scott amps and tuners always sell very quickly here and elsewhere and rightly so I might add, they have for a very long time. I have collected, repaired and restored many of them over the years. I still own an original stock 310d tuner[circa 1964???] that has provided us with great FM radio for more than 25 years. When properly aligned and adjusted... it's performance even surpasses the legendary Marantz 10b.It will also go to the grave with me! Regarding service... The earlier poster who mentioned replacing the selenium rectifier is right on the money.... not only are they dangerous to the health of your beloved vintage equipment,but they are mediocre sounding as well.Also... replacing the electrolitics in the power supply section of any vintage amplifiers is manditory.Most of them have leaked or dried up and are enevitably way out of spec. The best of the vacuum tube gear from this era were almost always tubed rectified. Swapping out coupling caps and resistors will change the sound of any amplifier[vintage, modern or otherwise]and can be a good or a bad thing depending on system synergy.... sometimes a hit and miss proposition. There are also many other amplifiers from this era that can capture that same musical magic. The Fisher 400 is another good example,a dandy sounding amp with a terrific sounding tuner to boot. This particular receiver also employed a junky selenium rectifier that constipated the dynamics of a great amplifier section. Updating the power supply of all vintage amps can [and will] only make a good amplifier a whole lot better. Best of luck out there gang. PS: there is currently a Scott 270 power amp listed here on the Gon. For those in search of a more powerful vintage power amp.... that one is a honey of an amp, employing a pair of 6550 beamed tetrodes/channel, pushes about 70 watts/side and is tube rectified to boot. The seller states that he has never heard a better amp that is under $2500. I wouldn't go quite that far, but would add that his enthusiasm is not to far from the musical truth. A genuine bargain for the doe,ray,me.

Thanks Ecclectique,

My only question now is where is a non-technical neophyte to go to to have his old Scott checked out? Who can I trust to have the same kind of knowledge and care I find here on audiogon? My little 222 A has such a nice sound I am loath to risk it, but at the same time, the thing has not been touched in 40 years!