When I first heard a valve (tube to US followers) amplifier around 1990 I was blown away. So much that I traded in my Naim amplifiers 42.5 preamplifier Hi-Cap/250 power amplifier. The first thing I did was to buy as many tubes for my 'new' Croft preamplifier/Croft Head Amplifer (for MC cartridges) and a Croft Series 4 power amplifier, which was added to about a year later when another Croft Series 4 amplifier came my way. I managed to get loads of tubes back then, which has kept me going all these years. Enjoy the 'sound' of tubes!
Perfect timing! I had very nice speakers delivered today via FedEx. They had signature required. The window was 1:30-3:30. Driver showed up at 11:30. He just dropped them off at the door. Luckily he actually rang the bell or I wouldn't have known they had arrived. I've had multiple signature required deliveries with FedEx and never had to actually sign. No vintage tube stuff here. Keep on keeping on!
Nice vid Tim and congrats on riding down the vinyl river tube style! I fell in love with an 8-watt single ended triode tube amp. Wish my listening room was larger for Klipsch Forte IVs. Best to you👍👍
You have me thinking. I have a collection of gear and haven’t put it together. Need to get moving on it. I’m happy for you and the new experience with the tube amp! I’m looking for one now Lol
It was great had premier seating 4 feet from the stage! So funny Emma was working the merchandise table didn’t realize it at first then I was like hello Emma!
I knew you’d dig it. Mine runs 7591 tubes as well. I was surprised when my tech said the old vintage ones inside still tested well. The only issue is the heat it generates. My room does get noticeably warmer when it’s been running for a few hours. Nice video. Enjoy!
Congrats Tim on your acquisition of the HH Scott int amp. Looks like a real beauty of an amp..and almost new, I might add!! Anyway, my first experience with tubes was the classic DYNA 70 tube amp ( a DIY kit circa 1967 or so) that I was fortunate to acquire from an audiophile friend of mine. At the time my system consisted of a Crown 300A solid state amp with 150 WPC. Of course I was thinking that no way could this small DYNA amp compete with the bigger Crown in an AB comparison and I was right!! The power and dynamic ability of the Crown blew the DYNA away for sure...especially when listening to rock music which was my fave at the time.. However I still had jazz and classical music recordings which I also gave a listen to for comparisons sake...and wow!!!..what a difference with tubes. One thing I must clarify however is that for testing and comparisons, I chose to audition jazz and classical music recordings instead of rock because these two genres rendered more natural sounding recordings as they are/were mostly recorded using unamplified musical instruments as opposed to their rock counterparts. Anyway the differences between both amps were not subtle but very noticeable indeed. The DYNA with both jazz and classical presented a realistic soundstage with good depth, width and good separation of players (if any) and instruments. But for me the biggest difference heard was an improved tonality to all vocals and instruments, which for me anyway, made the music more engaging, with surroundings more palpable and live sounding. Needless to say that was my initiation into the world of audiophilia and now fifty years on I finally have a system that brings out the very best of all genres of music. But I will say this: differences between tubes and solid state have become much smaller these days with the many new developments in audio technology that it would be hard to make a bad choice with any piece of musical gear these days...Addendum: my current amp is the Evolution 20 circa 1992 by Conrad Johnson: a hybrid with tubes for input and transistors for output rendering a more controlled low end, as I still luv my rock hard and heavy but at the same time, still has a nice subtle way with jazz and classical recordings.
Hi Louis, I had the Dynakit under consideration as well and was tracking a few on EBay before the HH Scott turned up! Can't go wrong with Conrad Johnson - congrats. I've been auditioning both Rock and Jazz and so far not finding this set-up lacking in any way which I'm happy about. I'll keep my McIntosh MA 6100 because it's so damn clean -- maybe it will get more duty in the future or in my office set-up.... Thanks for telling me your journey and watching as always. Tim
@Universityofvinyl Hey Tim, if you're liking what you're hearing that's all that matters. You are very fortunate to have come across a unit so pristine as yours...nothing like tubes and jazz...made for each other!!
I have been considering something along these lines but the cost considerations have held me back. So far I have only been looking at Marantz, Pioneer, and Sansui. I did not know HH Scot made anything like this. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for a nice video. I also run Klipsch speakers (Forte III) but I went (with help from the Klipsch forum…) with the combo Dynaco Pas 2 preamp and Stereo 35 poweramp. I think they will be there forever. So damn good! 17,5 watts per channel, perfect for Forte, Cornwalls etc.
Great records to test the system. I’ve had a tube amp for about 4 years running through wharfedale lintons. Sound so good but been after either klipsch Cornwall or JBL as a replacement
@ could I ask, how far apart do you have your Cornwall’s ? Look quite close together. Just asking as I have a large room, but look quite suited to a smaller set up also
Keep your Mac! It’s good to switch amps/receivers now and then. Certain albums call for certain systems. I’m running a McIntosh MA 230 from 1963: the first amp to have a preamplifier and amplifier in the same system. Integrated baby! The tubes make certain albums shine to the heavens. But there’s certain albums that call for my Sansui 7070 or other amplifiers or receivers.
Congratulations on picking up such a beautiful unit, Tim! The first "real" stereo I ever owned was an HH Scott 222B, purchased from a friend in 1977. Back then I wasn't aware of "critical listening", I was just a teenager cranking out my rock and roll records with a Garrard mid-level turntable my parents got me for Christmas that year. Sold it 2 years later. Then last year I picked up another 222B, this time with the stereomaster wide band tuner and original faux-leather metal covers. Minty condition. The sound is fabulous, smooth and buttery, but for me, it was lacking in power when I wanted to crank it up. I also have Klipsch Cornwall speakers-very efficient. Traded the Scott for a restored Pioneer SX-980. But you can't beat that sound. HH Scott were high-quality units made about an hour away from where I live in central MA. My latest pick-up - a fully restored one-owner Sansui 9090db- talk about a sweet sound! Looking forward to your further thoughts on the Scott as you spend more time with it.
Great video as always! Fantastic score on 'Spirit of Eden'! After spending years trying to get a clean UK first pressing (and I live in the UK) I gave up (so many visually M or NM, but with intrusive crackle on playback) and went with a US first press. Ron did a lovely job, here!
Great video, Tim! I am using a Fisher X202-B with 7591's for several years along with Cornwall 1's. Very satisfied with the setup. Can you please post a link to your spade to banana connectors? - Jerry
That's lovely Tim! Oh yes... Once you've 'Had' Tubes, you'll never go back! 😁 (so they say...) Seriously, even though there is quite a spectrum of 'Tube' sound, from the very vintage, 'Warm' to the ultra-sharp, modern tube sound of say the Primaluna, usually you find a very nice, 'enveloping', 3 dimensional sound that you normally don't get with SS. Some say it may not be the most 'Accurate', especially in lower cost systems, but just like vinyl, that's not the point. If it's connecting with you on an emotional level that is what you want, and this sure sounds like it is! Nice choices in listening too... Especially the Beatles and Miles (and SUPER especially that UHQR! - and YES, 'Cornerstone' is right!) I would think these particularly would lend themselves to that lovely tube sound. Interesting that you didn't seem to want to try the tube phono section with this new tube amp...? Sounds like you have decided to take it out of your system, did you? Also too... something you might consider especially since you have that nice McIntosh amp, is using the tube amp to drive the mids and tweeters (if yours are 3-way, IDK...) and have the Mac drive the woofers. I promise you, that will indeed give you tremendous power for the low end, and, something that I really like, thus my ALWAYS using a biamped system, is it gives you tremendous control over the balance between the lows and highs, BUT... without the dastardly use of an EQ! 😨 You can simply bump your Mac up or down to give the lows more or less volume, which is a lovely pure way to balance the lows and highs without anything degrading the signal chain.
Interesting insights! Will have to research bi-amping.. I’m going to likely use my tube phono pre in my second system for the time being. I’m sure I’ll also eventually throw it into the main chain to gauge sound/differences.
I enjoy your channel!! I saw Devon Turnbull's OJAS set up at the San Francisco MOMA earlier this year and it was mind blowing. The speakers and all the tube amps and mono blocks. I don't even know what fully was going on but they had a DJ with a turntable spinning vinyl and it was like bathing in sound and they weren't even tapping into the full output of the system. I have been intrigued by tube amps as well but don't know how they would work in my listening room that usually runs a little warm. Do they throw off a lot of heat?
This little unit definitely gets warm but not exceedingly so. I think it helps that it doesn’t have a case and I don’t plan to source one. I had similar reactions to the listening room in NYC. 👍🏻
I’m over 18 months wait on my Decware Amp and Phono. After hearing a tube system with horn type speakers i changed my dream system goals. Going from having predominately Japanese SS amps and British speakers in the past. To now i have a MC cart with SUT, waiting on my Decware items. Also waiting on Klipsch Forte IV speakers since June, unfortunately in Australia I had to special order them from my local hifi shop. Hoping next week or 2 i can pick those up.
I think it’ll be at least a year more. I.m a quarter way down page 3. Started on p12. I’ll be running Wharfedale Lintons and hoping that at 90db they will be sensitive enough.
@@jonathanmackenzie2570 excellent. I think you shouldn’t have an issue running the Lintons. Might not be able to have them rock concert loud. But for normal listening should be great.
If they don’t work out I’ll check out the Klipsch Hersey but I do t really have the budget for them. Fingers crossed the Lintons will be okay. I figured getting the amp was more important, given the scarcity. Good luck with your setup.
What is the difference between an intergraded preamp and a receiver preamp combo? Advantage Disadvantage? The 233 H.H. Scott appears to be difficult to find any suggestions for a comparable unit? What should I expect to pay for one? Thank You
An Integrated unit is a combo unit including the Preamp and the Amp - The 233 is pretty rare. The appeal here is that you're "one and done" - you don't need to have both an amp and a preamp or receiver. Let me do some research on comparables for you...
Congrats on your new amp, enjoy it. I would not sell the McIntosh nor the Harman Kardon, 2 great units as well, if you do, you'll regret it. Just find another room, add a source and speakers and never look back!
Great Video Tim- I have a reconditioned Dynakit ST-70, Tubed pre is a Quicksilver - Just received a re-capped (Mundorf Evo Oil) Phase Linear Series 2 Solid State Amp- tests 390 Watts a side- w/ spkr protection. 😊
Maybe the problem isn't with UPS but with impatience and living in a world where people demand instant gratification . The author makes it sound like his entire world collapsed because he didn't get what he wanted .💤💤💤
great video.. i have the primaluna EVO 300 tube integrated.. love the sound..
When I first heard a valve (tube to US followers) amplifier around 1990 I was blown away. So much that I traded in my Naim amplifiers 42.5 preamplifier Hi-Cap/250 power amplifier. The first thing I did was to buy as many tubes for my 'new' Croft preamplifier/Croft Head Amplifer (for MC cartridges) and a Croft Series 4 power amplifier, which was added to about a year later when another Croft Series 4 amplifier came my way. I managed to get loads of tubes back then, which has kept me going all these years. Enjoy the 'sound' of tubes!
Perfect timing! I had very nice speakers delivered today via FedEx. They had signature required. The window was 1:30-3:30. Driver showed up at 11:30. He just dropped them off at the door. Luckily he actually rang the bell or I wouldn't have known they had arrived. I've had multiple signature required deliveries with FedEx and never had to actually sign. No vintage tube stuff here. Keep on keeping on!
Yep, never had issues with FedEx, just UPS. Enjoy the new speakers, exciting!
Nice vid Tim and congrats on riding down the vinyl river tube style! I fell in love with an 8-watt single ended triode tube amp. Wish my listening room was larger for Klipsch Forte IVs.
Best to you👍👍
You have me thinking. I have a collection of gear and haven’t put it together. Need to get moving on it. I’m happy for you and the new experience with the tube amp! I’m looking for one now Lol
How was Robyn?!?
It was great had premier seating 4 feet from the stage! So funny Emma was working the merchandise table didn’t realize it at first then I was like hello Emma!
I knew you’d dig it. Mine runs 7591 tubes as well. I was surprised when my tech said the old vintage ones inside still tested well. The only issue is the heat it generates. My room does get noticeably warmer when it’s been running for a few hours. Nice video. Enjoy!
Thanks - I did notice the heat those tubes generate but not too concerned, no case = great ventilation. Sweet sounds!
Do you like prog rock at all?? Check out Gentle Giant "Free Hand" if so..
Congrats Tim on your acquisition of the HH Scott int amp. Looks like a real beauty of an amp..and almost new, I might add!! Anyway, my first experience with tubes was the classic DYNA 70 tube amp ( a DIY kit circa 1967 or so) that I was fortunate to acquire from an audiophile friend of mine. At the time my system consisted of a Crown 300A solid state amp with 150 WPC. Of course I was thinking that no way could this small DYNA amp compete with the bigger Crown in an AB comparison and I was right!! The power and dynamic ability of the Crown blew the DYNA away for sure...especially when listening to rock music which was my fave at the time.. However I still had jazz and classical music recordings which I also gave a listen to for comparisons sake...and wow!!!..what a difference with tubes. One thing I must clarify however is that for testing and comparisons, I chose to audition jazz and classical music recordings instead of rock because these two genres rendered more natural sounding recordings as they are/were mostly recorded using unamplified musical instruments as opposed to their rock counterparts. Anyway the differences between both amps were not subtle but very noticeable indeed. The DYNA with both jazz and classical presented a realistic soundstage with good depth, width and good separation of players (if any) and instruments. But for me the biggest difference heard was an improved tonality to all vocals and instruments, which for me anyway, made the music more engaging, with surroundings more palpable and live sounding. Needless to say that was my initiation into the world of audiophilia and now fifty years on I finally have a system that brings out the very best of all genres of music. But I will say this: differences between tubes and solid state have become much smaller these days with the many new developments in audio technology that it would be hard to make a bad choice with any piece of musical gear these days...Addendum: my current amp is the Evolution 20 circa 1992 by Conrad Johnson: a hybrid with tubes for input and transistors for output rendering a more controlled low end, as I still luv my rock hard and heavy but at the same time, still has a nice subtle way with jazz and classical recordings.
Hi Louis, I had the Dynakit under consideration as well and was tracking a few on EBay before the HH Scott turned up! Can't go wrong with Conrad Johnson - congrats. I've been auditioning both Rock and Jazz and so far not finding this set-up lacking in any way which I'm happy about. I'll keep my McIntosh MA 6100 because it's so damn clean -- maybe it will get more duty in the future or in my office set-up.... Thanks for telling me your journey and watching as always. Tim
@Universityofvinyl Hey Tim, if you're liking what you're hearing that's all that matters. You are very fortunate to have come across a unit so pristine as yours...nothing like tubes and jazz...made for each other!!
I have been considering something along these lines but the cost considerations have held me back. So far I have only been looking at Marantz, Pioneer, and Sansui. I did not know HH Scot made anything like this. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for a nice video. I also run Klipsch speakers (Forte III) but I went (with help from the Klipsch forum…) with the combo Dynaco Pas 2 preamp and Stereo 35 poweramp. I think they will be there forever. So damn good! 17,5 watts per channel, perfect for Forte, Cornwalls etc.
I definitely considered a Dynaco also. 👍🏻
Nice video Tim congrats on your new amp😸
Thanks Bob 👍🏻
Going to make a drinking game. Every time Tim says punch, drive and slam 🤪
Fair….. 😅
@@UniversityofvinylWe would get a nice buzz off this episode. 😂😂. I work with Woodward out there. Good customer of mine.
Great records to test the system.
I’ve had a tube amp for about 4 years running through wharfedale lintons. Sound so good but been after either klipsch Cornwall or JBL as a replacement
Very cool!
@ could I ask, how far apart do you have your Cornwall’s ? Look quite close together. Just asking as I have a large room, but look quite suited to a smaller set up also
Approx 7 feet, I also have a lg space but my listening area is kind of partitioned off
@ thanks for the info
Keep your Mac! It’s good to switch amps/receivers now and then. Certain albums call for certain systems. I’m running a McIntosh MA 230 from 1963: the first amp to have a preamplifier and amplifier in the same system. Integrated baby! The tubes make certain albums shine to the heavens. But there’s certain albums that call for my Sansui 7070 or other amplifiers or receivers.
Great video. I love that Talk Talk album! Cheers
Congrats on the new kit.
I have the same HH Scott. Love it
Great to hear!
Congratulations on picking up such a beautiful unit, Tim! The first "real" stereo I ever owned was an HH Scott 222B, purchased from a friend in 1977. Back then I wasn't aware of "critical listening", I was just a teenager cranking out my rock and roll records with a Garrard mid-level turntable my parents got me for Christmas that year. Sold it 2 years later. Then last year I picked up another 222B, this time with the stereomaster wide band tuner and original faux-leather metal covers. Minty condition. The sound is fabulous, smooth and buttery, but for me, it was lacking in power when I wanted to crank it up. I also have Klipsch Cornwall speakers-very efficient. Traded the Scott for a restored Pioneer SX-980. But you can't beat that sound. HH Scott were high-quality units made about an hour away from where I live in central MA. My latest pick-up - a fully restored one-owner Sansui 9090db- talk about a sweet sound! Looking forward to your further thoughts on the Scott as you spend more time with it.
Nice Jeff! Those Sansuis are legendary. Looking forward to continued exploration…
Great video as always! Fantastic score on 'Spirit of Eden'! After spending years trying to get a clean UK first pressing (and I live in the UK) I gave up (so many visually M or NM, but with intrusive crackle on playback) and went with a US first press. Ron did a lovely job, here!
Great video, Tim! I am using a Fisher X202-B with 7591's for several years along with Cornwall 1's. Very satisfied with the setup. Can you please post a link to your spade to banana connectors? - Jerry
Will do!
@@Universityofvinyl Great! Thank you!
4.5
4.5 out of 5 stars
551
[4 Pack] 4 pcs Total Hi-end Banana to Spade Adapter Plug/Speaker Cable Connector 4 PCS [Wy-yp01 / Spade De L]
Sorry, brand is Wyvern Audio
@@Universityofvinyl Thank you, so much!
I have a pair of Mac mc30 mono blocks w mx110 preamp…never looked back or felt the need to change. Except tube rolling :)
That's lovely Tim! Oh yes... Once you've 'Had' Tubes, you'll never go back! 😁 (so they say...) Seriously, even though there is quite a spectrum of 'Tube' sound, from the very vintage, 'Warm' to the ultra-sharp, modern tube sound of say the Primaluna, usually you find a very nice, 'enveloping', 3 dimensional sound that you normally don't get with SS. Some say it may not be the most 'Accurate', especially in lower cost systems, but just like vinyl, that's not the point. If it's connecting with you on an emotional level that is what you want, and this sure sounds like it is!
Nice choices in listening too... Especially the Beatles and Miles (and SUPER especially that UHQR! - and YES, 'Cornerstone' is right!) I would think these particularly would lend themselves to that lovely tube sound. Interesting that you didn't seem to want to try the tube phono section with this new tube amp...? Sounds like you have decided to take it out of your system, did you?
Also too... something you might consider especially since you have that nice McIntosh amp, is using the tube amp to drive the mids and tweeters (if yours are 3-way, IDK...) and have the Mac drive the woofers. I promise you, that will indeed give you tremendous power for the low end, and, something that I really like, thus my ALWAYS using a biamped system, is it gives you tremendous control over the balance between the lows and highs, BUT... without the dastardly use of an EQ! 😨 You can simply bump your Mac up or down to give the lows more or less volume, which is a lovely pure way to balance the lows and highs without anything degrading the signal chain.
Interesting insights! Will have to research bi-amping.. I’m going to likely use my tube phono pre in my second system for the time being. I’m sure I’ll also eventually throw it into the main chain to gauge sound/differences.
@@Universityofvinyl It would be interesting to see how the tube phono amp and the tube amp together sound. You might get a super 3D effect!
I enjoy your channel!! I saw Devon Turnbull's OJAS set up at the San Francisco MOMA earlier this year and it was mind blowing. The speakers and all the tube amps and mono blocks. I don't even know what fully was going on but they had a DJ with a turntable spinning vinyl and it was like bathing in sound and they weren't even tapping into the full output of the system. I have been intrigued by tube amps as well but don't know how they would work in my listening room that usually runs a little warm. Do they throw off a lot of heat?
This little unit definitely gets warm but not exceedingly so. I think it helps that it doesn’t have a case and I don’t plan to source one. I had similar reactions to the listening room in NYC. 👍🏻
I’m over 18 months wait on my Decware Amp and Phono. After hearing a tube system with horn type speakers i changed my dream system goals. Going from having predominately Japanese SS amps and British speakers in the past. To now i have a MC cart with SUT, waiting on my Decware items. Also waiting on Klipsch Forte IV speakers since June, unfortunately in Australia I had to special order them from my local hifi shop. Hoping next week or 2 i can pick those up.
I’m two years into my wait for a Decware Torii. I’m in NZ.
@@jonathanmackenzie2570 nice. So should get yours within the next year. I’m at least another i reckon. What Speakers will be using with them?
I think it’ll be at least a year more. I.m a quarter way down page 3. Started on p12. I’ll be running Wharfedale Lintons and hoping that at 90db they will be sensitive enough.
@@jonathanmackenzie2570 excellent. I think you shouldn’t have an issue running the Lintons. Might not be able to have them rock concert loud. But for normal listening should be great.
If they don’t work out I’ll check out the Klipsch Hersey but I do t really have the budget for them. Fingers crossed the Lintons will be okay. I figured getting the amp was more important, given the scarcity. Good luck with your setup.
Yes I am all in on tubes. My jaw dropped when I got my tubes
What is the difference between an intergraded preamp and a receiver preamp combo? Advantage Disadvantage? The 233 H.H. Scott appears to be difficult to find any suggestions for a comparable unit? What should I expect to pay for one?
Thank You
An Integrated unit is a combo unit including the Preamp and the Amp - The 233 is pretty rare. The appeal here is that you're "one and done" - you don't need to have both an amp and a preamp or receiver. Let me do some research on comparables for you...
I love my HH Scott 222C
Congrats on your new amp, enjoy it. I would not sell the McIntosh nor the Harman Kardon, 2 great units as well, if you do, you'll regret it. Just find another room, add a source and speakers and never look back!
Did you have to buy tickets in advance for the Ojas brick and mortar listening sessions? Or do they always just let people in on the weekends
No tickets required in NYC - just walked in but had to wait about 10 min for someone to leave. Pretty sure it’s only on Saturdays..
Great Video Tim-
I have a reconditioned Dynakit ST-70, Tubed pre is a Quicksilver -
Just received a re-capped (Mundorf Evo Oil) Phase Linear Series 2 Solid State Amp- tests 390 Watts a side- w/ spkr protection. 😊
Whoa….. 👍🏻
'Signature required' service obviously exists to protect both the seller and customer against fraudulent claims and theft! Not hard to understand.
Maybe the problem isn't with UPS but with impatience and living in a world where people demand instant gratification .
The author makes it sound like his entire world collapsed because he didn't get what he wanted .💤💤💤
Fair. You sound like my wife! She had similar sentiments. Thanks for watching
Now you will be able to listen to vinyl with distortion ! Whoooo
With psycho acoustically friendly euphonic distortion, rather than harsh digital jitter and aliasing.
Congrats! Are you getting more midrange separation too?
😂😂