My first tube console

rossm

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
Hi all
Just picked up my first tube console!!
The Fisher Custom Electra III in very nice condition. Seller had the unit powered on, so I know it works (don’t worry it’s off till the caps are replaced). Looks like the original turntable is gone and replaced with a 70’s model duel. Also came with brochure with prices handwritten in, man $500 in 1960 must have been a major investment. Anyone knows if this has fm stereo built in or do I need an adapter of some kind ?
I am more familiar with fishers separate components so which one would be close to this unit ?
Was surprised to see the woofer pointed down, guess that’s how they got the console so small.
Sorry for the crappy pics
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Was thinking about that, I might need to dedicate a 2nd room for the console collection. I am sure the wife won’t mind. Haha
 
Was thinking about that, I might need to dedicate a 2nd room for the console collection. I am sure the wife won’t mind. Haha
LOL to console collection! Let me know when that happens and I'll come your way for sure!
Waiting for experts like dcgillespie and larryderouin to put in their 2 cents.
 
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Nice acquisition!

Not Mono. One amp is on the Tuner chassis...and the other amp is a separate chassis.
 
That's a heck of a first tube console. Fisher was on the high end before they got bought out. Just to put it in perspective with inflation $500 in 1960 would be $4,300.44 in today's dollars. The average household income then was $6,691.

As far as FM stereo I believe that's what the radio option is on the selector. The circle symbol is designated as mono the triangle is stereo. It's just a weird labeling choice. Also the dial glass is marked stereophonic and it's not setup for simulcast.
 
I believe that console contains 2 amps inside. One mono amp built into the receiver for the right channel, and a separate mono amp for the left channel. Probably the only thing stock stereo is the turntable.
 
Take the 610 Consolette and the 560 companion from 59 and 60, put the components in a Single cabinet and you have the Custom Electra III. FM is MONO with provision for FM Multiplex Stereo. The jacks are on the side of the receiver chassis. You'll need 3 RCA Cables (the output cable to the MULTIPLEX no longer than 3ft.) for the multiplexer. The 610's amp appears to be very similar to the 30A, but watch the Feedback R/C circuit. The opt is a 2.5ohm but I believe a 30A (30000 series 4-8-16ohm) OPT can be retrofitted and the feedback circuit rebuilt to the 30A spec with minimal or no fuss. This would help match the 8ohm speaker to the OPT, and increase output somewhat.
 
What he said, stereo preamp + mono tuner + single channel amp on the receiver chassis, and one external mono amp make for a complete unit. No FM MPX without adding one, but you get stereo turntable. Early stereo stuff was often that way, sometimes the second cabinet and amplifier was an optional item if we're talking two piece units. Sounds like these are the same components used in a two piece rig, just installed in a single cabinet on this model.
 
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