The Fisher
The Fisher was the brand name for high-end, high quality hi-fi electronic equipment manufactured in New York by The Fisher Radio Corp. during the "golden age" of the vacuum tube, which was named after the company founder, Avery Fisher.[1][2][3]
During this period, similar brands were H.H. Scott, Marantz, Harman Kardon, and McIntosh. Some of the early 1960s models were also available as kits. Fisher tube equipment is considered quite collectible today.
Fisher's first receiver was the model 500, a mono AM/FM receiver using two EL37 output tubes. It had a brass plated face panel and an optional mahogany or "blonde" wooden case. This early mono receiver should not be confused with the later stereo tube receiver models, the 500B and 500C.[1] These later receivers made in the early 1960s were stereo using push-pull 7591 output tubes. They were also sold with optional wood cabinets and had aluminum faceplates instead of the brass on the earlier 500 receiver.
Well-known models include (but are not limited to):
- FM-1000/FMR-1 Broadcast Monitor Tuner, considered one of the best tube tuners, collectible[4]
- FM-200-B Tuner - VERY similar to FM-1000 above but for home use
- FM-100-B Tuner
- 800 Series Receiver A,B,C, AM/FM, 7591A outputs
- 500 Series Receiver A,B,C, FM only, 7591A outputs
- 400 Series Receiver, FM only, 7868 outputs, similar to model 500, but with fewer features
- X-1000 Series Integrated Amplifier
- X-200 Series Integrated Amplifier
- X-100 Series Integrated Amplifier
The Fisher was also used on Fisher's early US made solid-state equipment, such as the model 210 receiver.
Fisher FM tuners and receivers often used similar designs and components thus allowing parts to be swapped between various models. A good example is the FM stereo multiplex decoder module.[1]
Fisher was the first to introduce stereo receivers with Four Channels. These innovations were brief and occurred in the Mid-1970's which some consider The Second Golden Age of High Fidelity. Like many new concept of the time such as Beta Format and VHS, there were two competing four channel formats. One was CD-4 and the other was SQ. Neither was successful as the purist found separation from highly defined loudspeakers and low distortion receivers and amplifiers. At the time the concept of a sub-woofer was in its infancy. Now, it is common to see 5+1 systems which had their heritage in the "confrontation" of four-channel and stereo high fidelity coupled with a sub woofer.
Photo gallery
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Fairly Rare Fisher Allegro Model X19 Tube 20 Watt Stereo Amplifier and Matching FM Multiplex Tuner Circa 1962
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Fisher Allegro A19 Tube Tuner and Model X19 Amplifier As removed from "portable console"
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Circa 1962 Fisher Model 800B AM/FM Tube Stereo Receiver 32 Watts Per Channel - $429.00 list price
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The Business Side - Fisher 800B Tube Stereo Receiver
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Fisher often used the Tuning Eye or "Stereo Beam" and "Stereo Beacon" as shown on the Model 800B
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Typical Fisher Marketing Brochure From This Period - Circa 1964
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Extremely Rare Model 214 FM Multiplex Tube Tuner made by Fisher and sold with Realistic badging through Radio Shack Stores Circa 1962
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Chassis View - Extremely Rare Model 214 FM Multiplex Tube Tuner made by Fisher and sold with Realistic badging through Radio Shack Stores Circa 1962
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Breuninger, Peter (June 2005). "Fisher 500-C vintage stereo receiver". Stereophile Magazine. Retrieved 16 July 2010.
- ↑ Ad for The Fisher Statesman. Life Magazine. 24 February 1967. p. R1. Retrieved 16 July 2010.
- ↑ Hoffmann, Frank W.; Ferstler, Howard (2004). Encyclopedia of Recorded Sound, Volume 1. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-93835-8.
- ↑ Salvatore, Arthur. (December 2009). Vintage Components: Recommended Components. high-endaudio.com; High-End Audio Ltd. Retrieved 16 July 2010.
External links
- The Fisher, history and hifi classics hifi-studio.de; HiFi Classics. Private German project. English Tr.
- http://fisherdoc.com
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