[Vintage-Audio] Selecting Tape On H. Scott Amp

[Duane Fischer, W8DBF]

Hello Fred, 	

	I think you are completely correct, based on what I already knew. I have worked
with these devices since 1965, but some manufacturers called the same function
by another name. I also have a habit of sometimes asking a loaded question, one
I already know the answer to. Normally I do this to flush out those who know
from those who are just making noise. However, that was not the case here. 	
	
I had already deduced the correct position of the equalization switch, but I was
not sure what 'NAB' and the other one stood for. I do not recall ever hearing
that second one before. Maybe did and just forgot about it as it served me no
purpose to remember. Normally I retain nearly everything, so when I exclude
something it is almost always by design. 	
	
I had also deduced the 'tape' and 'source' positions were as you had indicated. 

	
This was the first amplifier I had seen with the tape input select not included
with the primary choice of inputs one could select from. However, I just got a
Marantz integrated amp in an insurance settlement and it too has a separate
button for both tape and cdr/md operation. I do not like this amplifier.
Primarily because the input select knob has continuous rotation with every
thirty degrees being a new position. That is, twelve clicks equals 360 degrees
of rotation. However, there are only five inputs to be selected from, so the
same input is not always in the same physical position. There is simply no way
for me to know which input I have presently selected.    	
	
There are no markings on the knob. All selections are indicated by a very very
tiny little light above a label printed left to right across the face of the
amplifier. The unit must be powered on to see these.	

	Other than this one impossible for me to use feature, I like the amplifier
itself quite well. Unfortunately, because I like to do custom recording, as you
have now seen/heard, I must also be in full control of all functions at all
times. Not possible with the Marantz PMA-5000.  	
	
Thank you for the good information Fred. It is much appreciated. I will now
connect up the Revox B77 and Teac AN-180 Dolby/equalization unit. 	
	
Duane W8DBF	
 

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From: Fred Olsen <fwolsen@execpc.com>
To: vintage-audio@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Vintage-Audio] Selecting Tape On H. Scott Amp
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2003 1:18 AM

Hi Duane,

I'll not copy this to the list for several reasons.  One, I don't have a 
Scott at hand.  Two, this is from memory of how things used to be, so 
some of it is conjecture.  Three, I ain't no expert.

The extra or auxiliary input is likely at line level with flat 
equalization.  This might work for tape playback if the output of the 
deck in question is equalized to flat.  It is more likely intended as a 
mixer input, or simply a spare, for whatever purpose.

The rear tape loop jacks are what was actually intended to be used, and 
this derives from "back then" when tape decks were not considered a 
primary input source.  Before prerecorded tapes were common it was 
assumed that the user would use tape for off-air recording.  I still 
have boxes of tapes of The Met peeling away someplace.

When playing a tape one sets the tape monitor switch to "tape", which I 
would expect to cut off other sources.  When recording, the "source" 
position is obvious and the "tape" position will provide a check of 
as-recorded if one is using a four-head deck.  That can be confirmed by 
switching between the two and noting the transit delay.  With less than 
four heads it simply follows the source.

The source equalizations of tape and disc were different.  The NAB 
(National Association of Broadcasters) position is intended for a tape 
source and the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) position 
is intended for disc.  (I say disc to distinguish between "rec-ord" and 
"ree-cord".)  Don't ask me to recite the specifics of either curve as it 
has been way too long.  When playing a disc, set the equalization to 
phono, and to tape for tape.  This function was integrated into the 
input source switching on virtually all later preamps, and is separate 
here because of the tape not being considered a primary source.

Further nuances would need to be determined from the operating 
instructions and/or the skiz.

Best regards,
Fred
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Outgoing checked by Norton AV


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