RADAR is a price search engine. We link to the original listing — we never sell direct. Transactions happen on the source site.
H.H. Scott Type 130 Stereomaster Stereo Valve Pre-Amplifier – For Repair / RestorationVintage H.H. Scott Type 130 Stereomaster stereo valve preamplifier, dating from approximately the late 1950s / early 1960s.Serial No. 06929.This unit is being sold strictly as non-working and for repair/restoration.The last time I used the preamplifier, I noticed a burning smell, after which the audio output stopped and the unit ceased working correctly. I stopped using it and have not attempted to power it up again since.Because of this fault, I strongly recommend this unit only to an experienced vintage audio technician, electronics engineer, restorer, or buyer who is confident working on high-voltage valve equipment.I would not recommend this unit to someone looking for a ready-to-use amplifier, or to anyone without the appropriate technical knowledge to inspect and repair vintage valve electronics.Cosmetically, the unit remains in good condition for its age. The front panel, controls and lettering are generally well preserved, and the wooden cabinet is complete, with normal age-related marks, scratches and some wear to the edges as shown in the photographs.Internally, the unit has clearly received servicing and component replacement during its lifetime. Various capacitors and other components have been changed, and the rear RCA sockets also appear to have been replaced/upgraded. I do not have documentation detailing the previous repair work.Please study all of the photographs carefully, particularly the internal photographs, as they form an important part of the description.Important electrical information:The unit is marked 117V / 60Hz and is a US-market model. It must not be connected directly to UK 230V mains.Given the fault described above, I would strongly advise against powering the unit on before it has been inspected by a suitably qualified technician.Supplied exactly as photographed, including the wooden cabinet and the valves currently fitted.Sold as seen, non-working, for repair/restoration. No guarantee is given as to which components require replacement or the extent of the repair required.This could make a worthwhile restoration project for someone familiar with classic H.H. Scott valve equipment.
This is a fair ask, though not an obvious bargain at US$690. Comparable working examples have appeared around US$750, while a specialist seller’s excellent example was listed at US$995, putting this price in the reasonable lower-middle of the market rather than clearly below it.
The 130 is an unusually capable early stereo tube preamp, with multiple historical phono equalization curves, useful rumble and scratch filters, a center-channel output, and a distinctive, collectible Stereomaster presentation. It can be a rewarding partner for vintage Scott, Fisher, or other tube amplification. The key question is condition: unless it has been serviced and is quiet, budget for aging capacitors, controls, and possible hum. At US$690, a tested, clean, complete unit is worth serious consideration; an untested one should be negotiated lower.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
H.H. Scott emerged as a cornerstone of American hi-fi in 1947, founded by MIT-trained engineer Hermon Hosmer Scott in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Initially housed in an old shoe factory, the company built on Scott's pre-war innovations in noise suppression to pioneer FM tuners and stereo integration, distinguishing itself from an earlier Chicago firm by adopting the H.H. initials. This heritage positioned H.H. Scott at the forefront of the post-war audio boom, shaping the golden age of high-fidelity sound.
The brand focused on premium home audio components, excelling in tube amplifiers like the legendary 299 model, groundbreaking FM stereo tuners such as the 350, and integrated receivers. Its product range emphasized engineering precision in amplification and tuning, delivering exceptional clarity and performance that defined mid-century listening experiences.
Today, H.H. Scott holds iconic status among vintage collectors and audiophiles, revered for its benchmark role in establishing hi-fi standards during the 1950s and 1960s. Though production ceased decades ago, restored originals command premium prices in the niche market for golden-era American gear, prized for their robust build and timeless sonic excellence.
See all HH Scott listings on RADAR.
