Scott

Hermon Hosmer Scott pioneered FM stereo and never looked back

History

H.H. Scott, Inc. was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1947 by Hermon Hosmer Scott, a brilliant engineer who made fundamental contributions to FM radio technology. Scott held over 100 patents and was instrumental in developing FM stereo broadcasting.

Scott's early products were FM tuners that set new standards for sensitivity and selectivity. The 310B (1950s) became a reference standard for FM reception, used by radio stations and serious audiophiles.

The company pioneered several technologies:

• Dynural (1950s) - Dynamic noise reduction
• Scott Stereomaster - Early stereo systems
• F.M. Stereo - Scott helped develop the standard

The 1960s brought the iconic black and gold styling that defined Scott's aesthetic. The 350B, 360B, and 399 tube receivers combined excellent performance with stunning appearance. The Liberator series offered modular components.

In 1971, Scott was acquired by Emerson Radio, and the brand lost its high-end positioning. The later solid-state products lacked the prestige of the tube-era classics.

Key Facts

Legendary Products

H.H. Scott 310B (1950s)

A legendary FM tuner that set the standard for analog FM reception. The 310B was used by radio stations and serious audiophiles for its exceptional sensitivity and selectivity.

H.H. Scott 350B/360B (1960s)

Tube receivers that combined excellent performance with iconic black and gold styling. These models are highly prized by collectors for both sound and appearance.

H.H. Scott 399 (1960s)

A flagship tube receiver representing the pinnacle of Scott's design. The 399 offered comprehensive features and exceptional FM performance.

H.H. Scott Liberator (1960s)

A modular system allowing components to be upgraded independently. The Liberator was ahead of its time in offering flexibility and upgradeability.

Classic Models Reference

Sound Signature

Scott equipment is characterized by:

• FM excellence - Reference-quality tuners
• Tube warmth - Classic 1960s sound
• Technical precision - Scott's engineering legacy
• Visual elegance - Black and gold styling
• American innovation - FM stereo development

Collecting Scott

Vintage Scott gear is valued for:

• 310B tuner - The FM reference
• Black/gold era - 350B, 360B, 399
• Pre-Emerson - True H.H. Scott quality
• Working condition - Tuners must align properly
• Original styling - Black and gold finish

Most collectible models:

• 310B - The FM tuner
• 399 - The flagship
• 360B - Popular classic
• 350B - Entry classic

Restoration Tips

Common Scott service items:

• Replace capacitors (especially in tube units)
• Check tubes (replace weak ones)
• Clean controls and switches
• Service FM tuner alignment
• Verify stereo multiplex decoder
• Clean black and gold finish carefully

Competitors & Comparisons

Scott vs Fisher: Both American tube classics; different styling

Scott vs McIntosh: McIntosh more prestigious; Scott more innovative

Scott vs Marantz: Marantz more musical; Scott more technical

All Models in Archive (33)

Receivers, Tuners

• H.H. Scott - American FM Pioneer

Amplifiers

• 200B - 1960
• 210E - 1956
• 222C - 1972
• 233 - 1972
• 260 - 1964
• 272 - 1968
• 290 - 1972
• 296 - 1973
• 299C - 1955
• 310E - 1969
• 320E - 1965
• 330D - 1965
• 333B - 1968
• 335 - 1969
• 340B - 1969
• 350D - 1964
• 355 - 1958
• 370 - 1973
• 380 - 1966
• 399 - 1969
• 420 - 1968
• 99D - 1964
• LT-110B - 1968
• S-15 - 1957
• S-20 - 1958
• S-3 - 1963
• S-5 - 1958
• S-8 - 1957

Equalizers

• 299T - 1968

Speakers

• 4312 - 1975
• LK-48B - 1954
• LK-72B - 1972
• S-2 - 1954