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Last Edited:
12-Sep-2004

 
To make your vintage H.H. Scott amp, preamp, tuner, or receiver perform as it was originally designed to, avoid modifications unless they are absolutely required to replace an obsolete and unavailable part. Resist adding additional switches, controls, or indicators that will devalue the originality of the vintage H.H. Scott designs. Usually, modifications by "so-called" experts can be costly and seriously de-value vintage hi-fi equipment.

Personally, I believe in using this equipment on a daily basis. A lot of the vintage H.H. Scott gear was originally sold without cabinets, for custom installation. The factory-original (optional) cabinets came in two types: "leatherette"-covered metal and genuine wood. One modification, that will enhance your equipment is the addition of a custom wood cabinet.

Generally, speaking vintage H. H. Scott products were conservatively designed and use quality sub-components, but any product that is 40+ years old can and will have certain sub-components that are extremely likely to fail or degrade. Use the following pages as a handy guide to your restoration. The ideas and procedures outlined in this guide have been gathered and shared in the Vintage H.H. Scott Hi-FI Web Forum, by other vintage H.H. Scott enthusiasts, so they are not simply the editor's opinions.

!WARN!NG!  All vacuum tube devices contain lethal voltages; certain components can store lethal electrical charges for days. Before you attempt to look around inside any amp, tuner, or receiver; read this! A lot of the information this publication has an equal potential for good and evil. 

Poking around inside high-voltage amps or tuners can be dangerous, fun, corrective, damaging, rewarding, creative, and life-threatening.

The material within this publication is offered only as a guide. In time, and with practice your troubleshooting and restoration skills will develop. In the meantime, heed the advice of an old carpenter: "Measure twice and cut once."  You should not be afraid to try something, but always understand what it means to cut a hole or wield a soldering iron. If you are "newbie" or an experienced "filament-head" just wanting  a refresher on sound troubleshooting techniques, may we suggest you read Samuel M. Goldwasser's excellent guide:

  Troubleshooting and Repair of Consumer Electronic Equipment

The restoration and troubleshooting of vintage H.H. Scott gear can be a time-consuming, slow process. If you can't solve a problem, take a break or post a message on the Vintage H.H. Scott Hi-FI Listserv. Chances are someone else has seen the same symptom and can offer their solutions. If you do not feel at ease performing your own restoration or maintenance, the information here will at the very least make you a more informed and educated consumer.

Is it worth it? If you are still skeptical, may we suggest you view:  "The Cool Sound of Tubes," By Eric Barbour, as published in the IEEE Spectrum, August 1998 edition.

Vintage hi-fi is not for everyone, but you owe it to yourself to at least give vintage tubes a critical listen. There's something very satisfying about restoring, preserving, and listening to a quality piece of vintage hi-fi history.