2. amps-preamps
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OLD tubes or NEW tubes. scott vs. jolida

so, on a limited budget, which would you rather have and why, an old HH Scott 299c or 340a, or a jolida 707a. im in the process of setting up a system (on a limited college student budget) and my last needed component is a tube integrated amp. i've read amazing things about the old scott amps, and as well for the jolida (which costs more, but is the price difference justifiable?). so which would you pick? i primarily listen to classical, a good deal of that being only piano. my speakers are kef 103/3s. feel free to mention other amps in the same categories as the ones i mention. your opinions are highly appreciated. thanks.
jtnicolosi

Showing 1 response by c123666

c123666
871 posts
 
my experience with the older stuff is you must assume you will have to put some money into them to get them operating at peak performance UNLESS the seller advises, and proves, that the older units have been serviced. Tubes and capacitors wear out; if the thing is all original I'd assume you have to put 200 minimum into it as a ballpark figure and that does not include the cost of exotic tubes. Be careful about some of the older amplifiers/preamps; tubes may be hard to come by or non existent

When one can buy a brand new modified Jolida 102 (EL84 around 20 watts I think). There is a seller advertising them new, and modified, for 575. I think I'd take that any day over an original Scott, Dynaco, or Fisher.

On the other hand...check out the guy with the Heathkit mono amps with the dedicated power supplies; they have been rebuilt and are ready to rock and roll. Price is right.
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