Scott 370 Amplifiers (1973) — Specs & History

At first glance, it's just another brushed-aluminum Scott tuner. Power it up and it's quiet, and it pulls FM signals out of thin air.

Overview

The H.H. Scott 370-B FM Stereo Multiplex Tuner is a vacuum-tube FM tuner. Scott positioned it as the low-cost Stereo-MPX tube tuner in the line, for buyers who wanted real Scott engineering without the price of the 350B or 310E. It shares lineage with the LT-111, which was sold as a kit version of the same circuit, so hobbyists could build their own. Despite the budget positioning, the 370 keeps the wideband FM design Scott was known for, promising extended capture range and stable stereo demodulation. HiFi-Stereo (October 1962, p.9) highlighted Scott's new multiplex tuner as offering advanced features at a modest price, featuring the company's famous wide-band design and time-switching multiplex circuitry.

Wideband FM Reception with Tube Warmth

The 370's defining feature is its wideband FM front end, which lets it capture a broader slice of the FM band. Scott had long championed wideband tuning as a way to preserve high-frequency detail and reduce multipath distortion. No published frequency response or sensitivity figures exist in available documentation. The stereo demodulator handles separation and channel balance.

Historical Context

The Scott 370 emerged during a transitional period for both the company and the hi-fi industry. It was marketed alongside more expensive Scott models like the 350B/C, 310E, and 4310, as an entry point into the brand. The LT-111 kit version fits the era's strong DIY culture. No official production years are documented for the 370-B. The solid-state Scott 370R receiver, sometimes confused with the 370-B, was manufactured from 1979 to 1981 and built in Japan.

Collectibility & Value

Collectors note that original Scott tube equipment is often regarded as an exceptional audiophile value. The 370-B, while not as celebrated as the 350B, benefits from this reputation. Aging capacitors and tube wear are inevitable concerns. No common failure modes are documented in available sources, but as with all tube gear of this age, a full recap and tube replacement are prudent for long-term reliability. No original pricing or current market values are documented, which makes valuation difficult.