Author Topic: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp  (Read 13533 times)

bluisana

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Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« on: July 30, 2008, 08:06:55 AM »
I have been searching around this site for some time now but this is my first post.  I bought a custom console kit (Barzilay) from the early 60's this weekend.  The cabinet is incredible.  It has 2 custom made speakers JBL 001 system driven by a Scott StereoMaster 344 Amp (Nuvister tunner).  Carlman took at look at it for me yesterday and is suggesting that I buy a reconditioned mcintosh for the system.  I am a gluten for punishment and short on dough at the moment.  I am thinking about trying to recondition the scott myself.  Right now it does power up and play but there is a fair amount of distortion.  It makes horrible poping and scratching sounds when you turn the bass knobs.  I am not even sure where to begin other than cleaning all of the connections and looking for any old caps to replace.  What are the general guidelines (if there are any) for troubleshooting something like this? 

Offline richidoo

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Re: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« Reply #1 on: July 30, 2008, 08:56:32 AM »
Nice find!! Can't wait to hear it. Maybe post a picture of the console???

For this kinda stuff vintage restoration or just basic repair and tune up on a budget, Alex Lok is the man. He can align your FM section also. He has done work for me and Nick.
http://theanalogstore.com

The noisy pot can be cleaned, that is easy and you should clean them all, it is normal maintenance item. Just readup on how to do it at Caig and pick the right chemical.  PS electrolytic caps might need to be replaced for safety. Others electro caps too, depending on budget and how tweaky you are feeling, but not as important as PS. If you bring it by to the next G2g Sol can look at it and advise what further you can do. He can also bench test it for you or do repairs, he has a lot of restored vintage stuff in his house. Carl has his email or PM me.
Rich



bluisana

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Re: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« Reply #2 on: July 30, 2008, 02:22:14 PM »
I will post some pictures as soon as I get some freetime.  Carl has already directed me to Alex.  I will probably end up taking it to him once I get a few paying projects off of my plate.  I hope to get to this in the next month or so but it is going to be tough.  I just wanted to start gathering info on the best way to troubleshoot this beast. 

Offline richidoo

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Re: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« Reply #3 on: July 30, 2008, 03:51:01 PM »
You can clean the pots easily yourself. Since that is the primary problem you are hearing now, you might be satisfied with that alone for now. I got some Caig products delivered today and read through the lit they sent, they make a lot of cool products. DeOxit Fader Lube cleans pots. Read how here:
http://store.caig.com/s.nl/it.I/id.52/.f?sc=17&category=-117

Offline Carlman

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Re: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« Reply #4 on: July 31, 2008, 05:30:08 AM »
I have a can of Radio Shack tuner cleaner you can have.. It needs a spray nozzle, though.  If it were me, I'd replace the caps I could see and recognize with good quality like-values and do a thorough cleaning of the contacts and pots first.  If that doesn't work, then go to a specialist.

This particular unit has a lot of oxidation on the input jacks.  I think there is some potential.  The thing is, it's just a drop-in receiver with a tuner and phono pre built-in... So, I was thinking it'd be easier to buy a working McIntosh receiver that I know Alex already has... with the the money it'll take to fix the Scott.  Alex may even have a reel-to-reel you can add. ;)

I can help out if needed, just let me know.

-C
I really enjoy listening to music.

bluisana

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Re: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« Reply #5 on: July 31, 2008, 05:56:00 AM »
I couldn't stand it any longer last night.  I had to know what was in those speakers cabinets.  If working on the receiver myself doesn't produce decent results then I will probably try to sell it an look at the McIntosh.  I think the receiver in this guy is pretty desirable also.  It looks like it is a very rare version of the 344 that doesn't have phenolic pcb boards.  It also has the very rare nuvistor driven tuner and 100 watts of power (which was apparently unheard of at the time).   






« Last Edit: July 31, 2008, 12:22:39 PM by bluisana »

Offline richidoo

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Re: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« Reply #6 on: July 31, 2008, 06:50:18 AM »
Wow, some nice drivers! Google ebay for those parts see what you got ;)  They look like new. I bet they will sound terrific. I like the artwork too

bluisana

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Re: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« Reply #7 on: July 31, 2008, 12:03:16 PM »
Thanks,

I am debating over selling them and building a modern system in the cabinet or fixing the existing amp.

 

bluisana

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Re: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« Reply #8 on: August 01, 2008, 07:22:24 AM »
After looking through sold ebay auctions I think that I am to strip the system down and sell all of the components.  Then I will try to build a more modern speaker setup and amp.  I don't think I want to go down the path of starting to mess with vinyl or this old amp.  Realistically I am going to be listening to almost nothing other than flac served off of my SlimServer. 

I will keep you all updated on the new system.  I will be looking for direction in what to get as far as drivers/crossover etc.  I think I will have about 1200 to spend on the new system all together after paying myself back for the original purchase of the console :).   

Offline richidoo

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Re: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« Reply #9 on: August 01, 2008, 11:05:09 AM »
I have an idle Audioquest 80W stereo amp if you're looking for power.  :D  Good luck with your sale, list them high and be patient. Vintage drivers are more precious than NOS tubes. They will sell best in fall.

Check out some of the diy speaker projects on partsexpress.com. They are published each month in the parts express sales flyer, and appear to be well engineered designs made around Partsexpress stock parts, so the price is relatively cheap compared to boutique brand drivers. Crossovers, drivers, spacing, everything is laid out and engineered correctly.

This is the current project
http://www.parts-express.com/projectshowcase/indexn.cfm?project=phantom
but they have simpler and more complex designs in the archives. Let me know if you need any woodworking help.
Rich

bluisana

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Re: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« Reply #10 on: August 01, 2008, 02:43:41 PM »
Cool,

That is what I was looking for.

Thanks

Offline Bill O'Connell

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Re: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« Reply #11 on: August 01, 2008, 04:36:27 PM »
If it were I, there would be no selling of those classic drivers. I would look for either empty cabs that are up to date style wise or have a wood maker make whatever you like. The reason being, you may find a better looking speaker , better sounding for the money you would get chopping them for parts,? I doubt it.

 Love the artwork by the way. Very reminiscent of my wife's uncle's cousin :duh a Greek artist that I met in my tour of the country who sells his stuff for about 50k a pop. I think he goes under the name Garsot, don't quote me on that as all I have from him was when he visited the nephews school he photocopied his original work and signed them for the kids. A very talented guy as his nephew is the proud owner of a bizarre dragon that he drew for him. almost priceless if you could have seen the detail of this gorgeous work. 8)
Bill O'Connell,
Retired /Morningstar Audio/Eastern Electric distributor for North America
847-255-1150
"If your playing more than 3 chords your just showing off"  John Lee Hooker

bluisana

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Re: Recondition Scott StereoMaster 344 amp
« Reply #12 on: August 03, 2008, 08:41:22 AM »
I am having a little bit of a problem now because I have been listening to these guys for the past few days and they are pretty amazing.  The horns are a little sharper than what I usually like but the separation and clarity of instrumentals is ridiculous.  I am going to try to hook up a decent amp to the speakers and do some listening to them before making a decision. 

The art is from my Uncle who is an absolutely insane artist.  I am afraid his work won't be appreciated until long after he is gone.  Everything he does is very out there and different.  He has an entire warehouse full of paintings for sale if any of you guys are interested :)