First of all what great posts by all of you. So many of you continue to impress. I cannot tell you how much you all teach and how I myself love this sharing of knowledge. You've also reawakened in me what I have forgotten and how much I love this stuff.
I too am new to tubes and have chosen the older amps as a jumping off point.
I have just received a call from the shop I brought my Scott 299 to. It is ready and as Mechans, Atmasphere and others have said having the work done by someone else is not cheap. I have not seen the invoice nor know the total scope of work yet but the cost of restoration of this unit is approx $550. I can hear the collective gasp! May be expensive but I want it right. And this guy impressed me.
I will post the work done when I pick up the unit for scrutiny.
As Atmasphere and others have said there is the question of tube replacement if necessary. I've been doing a little research and the tubes used in these Scotts seem to be a little scarce. This unit and the 299B I have (awaiting restoration) and the 350 series tuners all have some Telefunkens and Amperex. Also the few NOS tubes I have seen are not cheap.
$75 is a great price for the unit. I haven't seen any at that price. I paid for mine, including shipping $386. The reason I paid so much is not only did they work but the cosmetic condition is excellent. It was first and foremost the most important thing to me. I feel the condition of the faceplate, chassis and all screening would be most difficult to restore. That the parts and working condition of the unit would be far easier to deal with.
So that put me in the neighborhood of $936. I can hear the guffaws! Yes, I could have probably bought something newer used here for the price. But these things look so darn good!
I've even sought out original wood cases, original metal cases with the leatherette covering, NOS feet, owners manual, schematics and photofacts. So if I factor this in the unit is now over $1000.
Why? Isn't that what an audionut extremist collector is supposed to do!? Please, correct me if I am wrong! :-)
And I wouldn't/didn't turn it on until you bring it to a tech. Great advice given to you by the others.
I'm going to say as far as reliability is concerned, if it lasted this long, after restoration, why wouldn,'t it last another 50 years?
Enjoy.
Best,
Dave