Getting specific -
The Fisher 500 was a mono unit, often these still command surprisingly high prices. The 500b and 800b also go for high prices and may be worth ones attention. Other 1960's Fisher receivers used the EL84 output tubes and were in the 12-15 wpc range, while the 500 and 500b used tube rectifiers, the 500 I think had a pair of 6V6 or 6L6's on the output, while the 500b's I think used the 7591's for about 30-33 wpc due to the large losses in the tube rectifiers. The last versions in this series, the 500c and 800c, use solid state rectifiers. The 500c came in two versions, one with a Nuvister FM front end, and the other with glass tube FM front end, both used 7591's for about 35 wpc. I suppose they are about equivalent, mine has the Nuvister front end. The Fisher 400 was a similar, but more minimalist version of the 500c, it used 7868 output tubes, and about 33 wpc. and was otherwise pretty much the same, but missing a few stages and frills. Some people thought it was sonically superior to the 500c, I really can't say for sure either way.
For a while, the 7591 tubes were pretty much unavailable, except for high priced NOS items, now the selection includes the Electro-Harmonix, which physically are a big gargantuan, and reportedly a same as NOS sized tube from another brand. I haven't tried either of the new replacements YMMV.
When buying such a 1960's tube stereo receiver, several parts should be replaced for safety sake, and perhaps a half a dozen more may need to be replaced if failing. But remember, the more you have some
numb-nut-techie-wanna-be rip the set apart, replacing all the parts with modern caps, resistors, tubes, and "wire", the less it will sound like an "Old School" vintage tube amplifier.
While eBay can be the source for a retrieved from garbage-can tube Receiver, a claimed mint and working tube receiver, or a refurbished unit, as can a local garage sale, expect any tube set to need some TLC over the course of a few years. If you are not equipped to make it like new yourself, then many places will still help out, but the price will probably be excessive, so it not worth doing to a set, unless it was top rated, and had highly regarded transformers.
Lastly, simply stated, there is no such thing as
"solid-state with "tube" sound", it can't be done. Believe me, I've tried to do that for years and years. A few of the most neutral solid state power amps can let the "tube" sound - of a Tube Preamp preceding it
"come through" but those are rare, and few, and far in between sets, no known transistor receiver sounds like tube equipment, period, it can't.
The H/K 730 (~35 wpc) and H/K 930 (~45 wpc) are simplified versions of the Citation 11, 12, & 15 components (but minus the 5 band tone controls) and built using Japanese transistors, and parts. They have a nice look, good construction, and a fair amount of features, sonically they are average or above average sounding 1970's solid state sets, when working properly.
-Steven L. Bender
Hi Everyone,
I am thinking of getting a vintage tube receiver (or solid state with "tube" sound). I want something that can be easily repaired/upgraded and will rival the new stuff in a sound quality. The most important things to me are high quality of the tuner and the amp section and ability to run the amp separately.
I have heard good things about Fisher 500 but I'm hoping for more suggestions.
Thanks in advance,
Rafal
