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Scott lk72 vs VTA ST-120

ScottFan355

ScottFan355

Super Member
Hello all! I’m in a bit of a quandary. I have a (mostly) restored lk72 was that sounds fantastic in my setup. Truth be told, if sound quality were the only criteria I would call it a day and not post this. But I have an overwhelming desire to actually see glowing tubes in a sitting position. So - I have an opportunity to purchase a st-120 for what I feel is a very fair price. Obviously I will get more wpc and be able to see the glowing tubes but what about sound quality? I’m open to all opinions and thanks in advance!
 
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The Magic of the HH Scott is mostly in the "front end" adding a bigger power stage really should not change the overall character of that beautiful piece. I would definitely consider running the HH Scott as a preamp if you were to pick up a ST120
 
It depends on your speakers and how loud you play them. I find the Lk-72 is hard to beat and very versatile. I'd be curious on you opions?
 
Buy it, try it and see.

The LK72 on the right speakers is magical.
So too can be the ST70.
 
Agree with everyone regarding the LK-72.
"Magical" is a perfect description!
But, the hobby is about experimentation, so I'd also agree and get the ST ans listen for yourself.
 
A carefully placed (and secured!) mirror above the Scott might possibly meet your visual needs, unless you are also using a wood cabinet with the amp.

I have the LK72B, which is wonderful just like others have said. And I think it's beautiful with the silver face and single orange neon lamp and certainly prefer the look over my slightly more aged looking Fisher X-100-2. However, when auditioning both units with speakers in my intended listening space, I will be using the Fisher.

I understand the desire to see the magical orange glow, but sound wins out over visual every time with me. Right now, the only important visual is finding the right cabinet to house the amp, streamer and DAC that my wife will approve of.

But then, if you like experimenting with different setups, you could have a lot of fun with the ST-120 in your arsenal ☺️

-Steve
 
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I don't think the st120 will sound any better and look into the issues of the st120. That rectifier is running hard.
 
The Scott is a fantastic piece. I have a 130 pre that gives any amp I connect to it that Scott sound. Unfortunately I haven't used my 130 in years. I never totally finished the restoration.
 
Well you all pretty much confirmed what I already thought - don’t mess with the magic! This is the first time in a lifetime of audio where I feel that sonically there is no good reason to change anything. It’s kind of strange...

I like the idea of a mirror maybe I’ll give that a try. Thanks everyone!
 
Clearly you and i have similar tastes, I have upgraded from my 299d but Havent and Won't get rid of it. It is too good to part with. I really only listen to vinyl and the HH Scott really does amazing things with records. Terrible records sound ok, and good ones are a treat. I think their value is in their utility, and the fact that they are still useful 60 years later is a testament to quality American engineering. Every Tube Audiophile should own at least one Scott product, they're just that good. Go ahead, ask me how i really feel...
 
trainbuftony said:
Clearly you and i have similar tastes, I have upgraded from my 299d but Havent and Won't get rid of it. It is too good to part with. I really only listen to vinyl and the HH Scott really does amazing things with records. Terrible records sound ok, and good ones are a treat. I think their value is in their utility, and the fact that they are still useful 60 years later is a testament to quality American engineering. Every Tube Audiophile should own at least one Scott product, they're just that good. Go ahead, ask me how i really feel...
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Well I guess I have to ask - what have you ‘upgraded’ to?
 
I was in the right place at the right time and acquired Acrosound Ultralinear 2 monoblocks. They are substantially more powerful than my HH Scott. I've rebuilt them and have them running modern Tung Sol 6550 power tubes, which make 50 watts from about 4 hz to well above the limits of human hearing at under half a percent distortion. The front end, my preamp and phono stage is actually a direct copy of the HH Scott phono stage used in the 299/LK Amps, and a SRPP line stage.
 
I have a 299C 233 and a LK72. Of the three the 299C is third.

The LK72 and the 233 pretty much tie in performance. Now looks be different, the 72 wins hands down IMHO!
 
trainbuftony said:
I was in the right place at the right time and acquired Acrosound Ultralinear 2 monoblocks. They are substantially more powerful than my HH Scott. I've rebuilt them and have them running modern Tung Sol 6550 power tubes, which make 50 watts from about 4 hz to well above the limits of human hearing at under half a percent distortion. The front end, my preamp and phono stage is actually a direct copy of the HH Scott phono stage used in the 299/LK Amps, and a SRPP line stage.
Click to expand...

Wow! If I'm ever in Chico I'm probably gonna want to see and hear this, Tony ☺️

What speakers are you using? Just out of curiosity.
 
I also have an LK-72. It will never leave my grip. I also have a Fisher SA-100 and about to get the Fisher 400CX2 pre and will still not even consider the Scott going anywhere.

As stated before, and many other times, there is just some sort of magic in the sound. For me it is a visceral experience. I lose hours and hours in front of it whilst it sings to me. It is like a breeze in the trees.

...and the mention about playing records on them?? oh oh yes, the phono stage is amazing.

Ok, got to get home and listen to it now...
 
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