[audiojerry]

I have become an appreciative and enthusiastic believer in the sound quality that can be provided by vintage audio components. I have left a long trail of buying and selling expensive high-end equipment over the past decade or more, including Audio Research, Dynaudio, Sim Audio, Avalon, etc.

I recently acquired a Fisher 500-C receiver that was modified by Paul Gryzbek of Bizzy Bee/TAD Audio. I am not very familiar with Paul, but I have heard of him and TAD. I don't know how much his modifications affected the sound quality of the 500-C, but I can tell you that I was bowled over by it as soon as I hooked my ProAc Response 2.5 speakers to it. It has impressed me so much that I hardly miss the $10k Audio Research VT200 that it replaced.

Is anyone familiar with the 500-C and how Paul Gryzbek's mods affect the character of the original sound?

Also, I was inspired by Bill's wonderful narrative and endorsement of the Van Alstine Ultimate 70. I am thinking of recruiting my engineer son to partner with me building an Ultimate 70 as father/son hobby. Can anyone share any thoughts on comparing the Ultimate 70 with a Fisher 500-C?           

[Dawkus]

Hi Audio Jerry,2 or 3 years ago,Stereophile had an article about the Fisher 500C rebuild.I think it was covered in  2 or so issues.I never throw my mags away,and I have the issues somewhere in my apt.They are a must read for you.I will dig them out after I get back from the pub tonight.This was a different departure from Stereophile introducing an article on vintage equipment.They also did one on the Eico ,not sure of the number.I'll make you a copy of the article if you don't have any Stereophile back copies.I have not thrown any audio mags away since 1976 when I went from a Realistic 8 track quad set up to seeing what new freshman college freinds had for stereo equipment.The cool thing to me back then was the Philips 212 turntable which had heat sensitive controls like a hospital elevator has for floor choices,and affordable Dynaco speakers.....Mark Korda(mark.korda@myfairpoint.net)

[audiojerry]

I appreciate your generous offer Mark (Dawkus), but I have read that Stereophile review. That is what piqued my interest awhile back. I always kept that in the back of my mind, and I occasionally checked Ebay for a 500C. I believe I was lucky enough to have discovered the unit I eventually won. I feel blessed.   

That review is available on Stereophile's website.

[Bill O'Connell]

Audio Jerry, it has been years it seems like since I've seen you posting.
 If you and your son are looking for another 500C let me know as I have one with wooden case in my garage that I will let go for a song.

[audiojerry]

Hi Bill,
Good to hear from you and nice to see you are still around. Hope you are doing well.
Anyone reading this, I want to tell everyone what a really great guy Bill is.