H.H. Scott 340(a) Tube Receiver -- For Restoration, But Really Nice

Description: FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: A SUPERIOR UNRESTORED SCOTT 340 RECEIVER ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY I came into possession of this Scott 340 (sometimes called the 340a) receiver several months ago. It needs a typical, light electrical restoration, but the buyer will be beginning with a very nice and well cared for specimen. COSMETICS Due to the soft metal faceplate that Scott used on the Model 340, decades later they commonly suffer from dirt, oxidation, scratches and gouges. This specimen, however, while not mint, has only the slightest mars; it’s really clean (see photos). Clearly this receiver had not been dumped in an attic or garage, or sitting in a junk shop. Rather, it had to have been held at room temperature, perhaps on a display shelf. The chassis is also very clean, no corrosion. A few of the chassis items (some tube numbers and adjustment pot labels) have had fresh labeling applied. This was done in a very neat and professional manner ---- absolutely excellent (see photos). The top of the power transformer has some scratches in the black paint; almost certainly this was due to installation or removal from a cabinet. Another clue as to the care taken for this unit is with respect to the rear chassis terminal screws and RCA input jacks: not the slightest sign of oxidation. Again, my guess is that this unit must have been stored at room temperature (maybe in a sealed plastic bag)! Yet another clue: Most Scott 340s have some, or quite a lot, of worn-away faceplate print, including the “Scott” logo. By contrast, this specimen has 98% of the original faceplate print; there is some labeling worn off around the volume knob and power switch, and that’s it (see photos). MECHANICAL Soon after acquiring this Scott 340 I took it to our local technician for examination, recommendations and overall opinion — not for the restoration itself. Electrical restoration shall be the responsibility of the buyer. Our local technician has more than forty years of experience repairing and restoring audio electronics, including lots of Scott amplifiers, tuners and receivers, both tube and solid state. The following information is a summary of what he told me. The technician was familiar with the unusual tuning wheel and mechanism used on the Scott 340. He inspected these components closely and gave them a thumbs up, stating that it looks and feels that the bearings in the tuning capacitor as well as the tuning-shaft bushings were properly cared for (a drop of oil every few years) and are very smooth. He said the same about all the knobs and switches, as they all rotate very smoothly. Nonetheless, if this receiver is going to be restored and the bottom plate is already off, go ahead and spray clean the pots and switches. ELECTRICAL Our technician did not undertake any electrical testing of this Scott 340 receiver. His comments were all from observation. One of the two 5AR4 rectifier tubes is obviously bad. He guessed that the problem was caused by a bad filter capacitor. Replacing that filter capacitor will probably do the job. He added: If the underlying problem is that filter capacitor, the second 5AR4 should be tested as well. Might be good, might not. So, first check the filter capacitor; replace if necessary. And 5AR4 tubes, if one is needed, are plentiful and inexpensive. As far as the other electrolytic capacitors, the technician was quit emphatic: He disagrees with those who recommend automatically replacing all original capacitors. His view: If capacitors, including electrolytics, test good, if they measure in spec and there is no leakage, generally leave them alone! For this unit, the one likely bad filter capacitor aside, he’d bet that the other can-capacitors are good, typical of Scott. But since he could not be sure, he recommended that they should all be tested, but don’t automatically assume that they will need to be replaced. (The only components he always replaces, even without testing, are (i) a selenium bridge rectifier, (ii) paper and wax capacitors showing their age or where there is obvious bubbling or leaking wax, (iii) can-capacitors that show physical leakage, and (iv) a few brands of capacitors that (after a half-century of service) he recognizes will almost always be bad. The technician then removed the bottom plate for a look around. He was pleased with what he observed. After this unit left the factory, it does not look like anyone attacked it with what he called “a golden screwdriver.” He pointed to a bunch of white capacitors having black lettering, which he explained were made by American Radionic. From his experience, some of these will have to go. Fast and easy, no big deal. As far as other capacitors, resistors, etc., he noted that a test measurement is always in order. Likely a few will be out of spec., but don’t assume so until tested. Then he turned to the 7591 power output tubes. These were a good brand of 7591 tubes, but one of them was obviously dead. He could not be sure what caused it because the other 7591s looked pristine, hardy used. Maybe the one tube had a latent fault, such as a crack. In any event, likely that only one replacement output tube will be needed and it is readily available, even on ebay. However, whenever an output tube is replaced, the outputs must be re-biased, though it is an easy matter on this unit. Then came a bit of information and a recommendation based on his years of experience: Scott and Fisher biased their power output tubes to the max. Those were the days when tubes cost one dollar! When biasing a vintage Scott or Fisher tube amp today, back it off a slight bit, maybe five percent from the original setting. You will not hear a difference and the output tubes will last longer. He removed a few of the metal shields from the smaller tubes and looked over all of them. They must be tested, but he bet that most were good. The pre-amp tubes are the usual stuff. Scott, he said, used one unusual tube in their FM section; he has seen a few that were weak, but many are still good. If needed, know that they are readily available. TECHNICIAN’S SUMMARY This Scott 340 receiver might have been owned by a collector; he kept it very clean but did not undertake an electrical restoration. THE WOOD CABINET The wood cabinet is original OEM Scott. The metal ventilation grate is not original, but a nicely made substitute. The wood cabinet is not mint condition; there are a few small marks and dents. But overall the cabinet is absolutely excellent, even superb. Doubtful that one would find an old Scott or Fisher wood cabinet much better than this. I realize that a purchaser of this Scott 340 receiver may wish to install it in a custom cabinet or wall system, and thus would not need the original walnut cabinet. If so, let me know and I can reconfigure the ebay listing to NOT include the wood cabinet. These wood cabinets for the Scott Models 340, 340B and 380 receivers are in great demand. I believe I would be able to sell the cabinet alone for around $150 - $175, so the purchaser may have the receiver without cabinet for $150 off of my current listing price. Again, let me know and I’ll re-work the ebay listing. SO THERE YOU HAVE IT All-in-all, from my understanding and some comments from a technician with forty years experience, I doubt there is a previously owned, unrestored Scott 340 receiver out there much better than this. But it is sold for restoration only; we did not plug it in. There are no hidden faults of which I did not mention; I have done my best to describe everything. I paid an experienced technician for his visual examination and opinion, and provided his thoughts in this listing description. Furthermore, I’ve done my best to provide sharp, well-lighted photos from various angles. Any imperfections, the few as there are, are visible. You KNOW what you will be purchasing. My goal: a happy buyer. SHIPPING Local inspection and pick-up are ok. I will ship, but only to locations in the continental U.S. Continental U.S. only. Not knowing in advance to where I will be shipping requires that I estimate. I set a shipping charge that I believe will get this heavy receiver west. If, however, the purchaser is located east of the Mississippi River or thereabouts, I will send a personal check or PayPal (your choice) refund, possibly $10 - $20. Please feel free to ask any and all questions.

Price: 875 USD

Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

End Time: 2024-08-29T15:30:46.000Z

Shipping Cost: 69 USD