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Hello inmates,
thinking of posting the following as a review:
HH Scott just simply amazes me, I don't know how to describe how satisfying it is to listen to their vintage tube amps. Some say they are a bargain, an under-dog, or "giant killer". They run side by side with the big names of their era and continue to blow away the new gear, many seem to think of Scott as a spoiler amp, well honestly I just think HH Scott are a first class act when it comes to tubes.
Through the generosity of a friend I received a very rare early 222D in a trade for services. The amp is really just a 222C with a rare 8-knob 222D faceplate. It was all stock and still running with the selenium rectifier. I had a tech bring it up and get it in running condition. I played this amp, stock, in a secondary system with some modest speakers.
It didn't stay in the secondary system for long, it became my main system after a short time. That little EL84 18 watt amp had better bass response than a KT88 amp I swore, or was I just going delusional? Well it bested my tube separate systems, which were all professionally restored. The over all sound spectrum just surprises the hell out of you. It sounds very natural and "musical" I felt. The sound spectrum features an ultra-wide open sound stage, this just made it feel like it could belt out a much bigger sound than you'd ever imagine from this little compact (and nice looking) unit.
Of course after some years of service the original components started to fail and I starting making plans for a major restoration. I decided it was also time for me to start learning more about DIY here at Audio Asylum. It was time to make a move in that direction after owning some tube gear and not really being able to get under the hood.
Fortunately, in a post about my plans for the amp, I got a response from Mike Samra, who had always answered my posts before about other questions, but this was going to be different. I was actually going to do the restore and really needed help in selecting components and a few lessons on how to install them.
Mike was beyond helpful. Through e-mails, pictures, and phone calls, we worked on this unit over the course of a month in very slow, step by step, sections. Mike had already done a number of these amps and developed a formula of components that would bring this amp to its full potential while preserving its vintage sound. This formula would also stay within a cost range that was completely sensible. I was very nervous through the entire process as I really loved this amp and didn't want to fry it. I could handle some high voltage shock, but if I killed the amp, I could never forgive myself.
Mike's component of choice was the Russian K40 cap, which we used to replace most of the ceramic caps in the output stages. We bumped up some values in the input stages but on his advice went with vitamin Q's in that chain. Finally we did a power supply revamp using Muse caps and replaced the selenium rectifier with a silicone bridge. There were some other (straight-up) repairs that needed to be done that Mike guided me through as well. The power switch and external fuse holder were broken and by passed. I fitted a new fuse holder and rewired the switch after tests confirmed it still worked. Through some close up images I sent via e-mail, Mike also advised me as to what components would need treatment with de-ox. He then worked me through a few test power-ups and bias adjustments. I would need to write an entire essay just to describe how nervous I was to turn this thing back on after the surgery...
Under the access panel:
I didn't stop there. After the internals were set and I was convinced that little red pilot light would light up every time I pulled the switch, I spent 2 weeks de-oxing the entire chassis, and actually restored all the missing lettering on the rear and the few missing elements on the face plate. Another article would be needed to explain this, but the point is, I wanted a thorough job, and for it to look as nice as it could.
Before:
After:
De – ox:
So after much procrastination, I hooked up my source and speakers then braced myself. I ran the system low in the background for a little burn-in a few days before sitting down and listening to it. One night I grabbed my favorite CD's and opened it up. Holy F-ing Sh$%t... the sound stage, which was great before, all of a sudden had another dimension.... right smack in the middle of the room! And as the burn in continues, it keeps improving. The next night I threw in a CD where a brass section of instruments actually startled me, you could actually feel how wet the mouth piece was, the details were stunning but it still retained that classic tube vibe. The contrasts were also much improved, playing really super quiet and handling soft voices like an expensive reference amp. I love how this thing performs at low and high volumes, improved dynamics, it seems like you always get richness out of it. The bass response, which has always been a remarkable characteristic of the amp, was solid as ever, a bit more controlled and "in place" than it was stock, but hitting you like a KT88 with lots of air. How?... I thought... how is this possible from such a little amp?
I continue to be enamored with this unit, and now with the restore, I just think the best way to sum up this amp with Mike's formula is "what else do you want? what else could you ask for?"
Mike thanks again...
Jeff
Follow Ups:
...for selling the 222D w/222C internals that I had on eBay a bunch of years ago. I had gotten the amplifier for all of $10 at a flea market. Even with original worn tubes it had a nice sound. Can't even remember what I was trying to accomplish selling stuff then...sold a Roland string machine I would kill to have back now, too. Too soon old and too late smart I guess... ;-)
That's a lovely amp, you did a really nice job with it. Dig the 350 tuner, too!
Todd in Cheesecurdistan
hi,.jeff, some beautiful work there to a much deserving piece !
i know this is an old thread ,but it may be helpful to some information im in the hunt for.
i have a 222c (all orig. parts) that's needing a lil help..............is there a list of some of the parts you used ?
or better yet, is mike samra out there ? if so , mike ,do you sell parts(caps. etc.)
any help much appreicated,,,,kelly
Beautiful amp, I love the old Scotts. My 340B is one of my favorite pieces (in awesome condition and restored). I also have a 299C which is sort of a beater and a 130 which is partially rebuilt but still needs some work. They all have a characteristic sound, the cymbals just seem to float in the air. It's amazing how ugly much of the new gear is, Scott really had style without the use of fancy expensive materials. They arrangement of controls are spaced and proportioned very well.
I agree completely. The design is well thought out and very classy.
The smaller units even seem to comply with the modern trend of saving space. That little thing really packs some sound, has everything you need, and really does not take up much space.
It's a classic as it seems timeless in a way.
Very nice. K40Y-9 is a winner. I would likem to know what manufacture tubes you used?
Great caps I am discovering, and I really don't even have them burned it yet...
We used the Russian EL34M, I believe these are made in one of the eastern block plants and not Russia. They sound very good after you break them in a bit, first results are OK but needs some burn in, run very well hot and can take the abuse, very warm and detailed after the break in.
Yes absolutely!! sorry about the typo, yes EL84M!!
and yes I agree completely about the NOS tubes, especially after doing this restore myself, I totally agree with you about the tubes, and they wont cost you an arm and a leg as well...
thanks OZ...
Jeff
It always amazes me that people will witter on about various NoS EL84's and 7189's - because they sound so MUCH better, when this tube is available, and sounds fine IMO.
I CAN understand a low feedback amp or zero FB SET, letting you hear a difference within the same tube type.
Warmest
Timothy Bailey
The Skyptical Mensurer and Audio Scrounger
And gladly would he learn and gladly teach - Chaucer. ;-)!
'Still not saluting.'
http://www.theanalogdept.com/tim_bailey.htm
Mr9iron:
Great pictures. I will be receiving a Scott 222C shortly and hope to do what you have done. Can you post more details of what you did? Such as the exact parts replaced and so on?
Thanks
Kwingylee,
It's been a few months now and I forget the exact parts, however, if you look up inmate Mike Samra, he knows the exact parts, as I purchased all of them from him.
He is super helpful and responsive, he will let you know exactly, one of the best guys on AA.
I wish you the best and you are going just love that unit when you get it running.
Jeff
Nice job...those later era styled Scotts always looked really sharp....nice to know yours sounds as good as it looks. I love having an EL84-based Scott in my stable as well (299A).
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