The TFM-1000 was the ss equiv of the FM-1000. Fisher, Scott, Marantz and Sherwood each developed their version of a successor to their totl tuner the Marantz 20/20b, the Scott 4312 and the Sherwood 3300. McIntosh was the only company that really did not seem intent of developing an ss equiv to the 71 and progressed steadily in design up through the 77 (equiv to the 67) and 78 (equiv to the 71).
The Fisher TFM-1000 came closer meeting the design goal than the others in terms of sound AND public acceptance. The 20/20b is probably the best in terms of sonics but Marantz fans did not accept it as a worthy successor. FWIW, the innovative thumbwheel of the 20 did not have the feel of the 10b tuning knob and actualy was disliked by those of us who well Saul followers at first.
Each of these units had problems as the design engineers and production engineers each were working in new territory. In hindsight, it is amazing they produced such fine units as these. In some ways this gen of tuners may have been the best overall of all tuners in terms of design and sound. It seemed that with each succeding gen, the component, design and production quality was balanced against the profits.
The TFM-1000 used the German front end from the same source they got the FRM-1 and FM-1000 front end from and that means it was 1 of the best. These were amazing in quality. Only Scott seemed to try to develop a front end as good as what had been developed in Germany. The weaknesses were cold solder joints, socketed rather than soldered transistors requiring pulling and cleaning about every 6 months to prevent intermittants and other problems. This cost Fisher deally in warranty repairs. I went through either 2 or 3 (can not remember- just too many years ago) before getting 1 that either did not implode within weeks or out of the box sounded like trash. I finally called Avery whom I knew and he had 1 pulled from stock and burnt in for a couple of weeks. He delivered it to me on 1 of his frequent trips to Boston. No, not signature or custom plague
. At the time I had the 10b and 1 20 (or was it a 20b?) on loan. I had earlier rejectd a 4312 pre-production unit as just out of the running (sadly - it just was no match). I had already decided to move the 10b. These were so plentiful then for about $150, it was no big thing to replace. The FM-1000 was scarcer and few seemed to be available on the market. In comapring the 20 to the 10b, they did not sound the same but again it seemed more a different solution to a probelm rather than a better or worse solution. The TFM-1000 and the 20b in neck to neck competition were too tough a call to make a call for a clear winner. The TFM-1000 became my choice mainly as I was at the tiem getting disallusioned by the problems at Marantz with the takepver and a personal loyalty to Saul (strange thinking on my part) and Avery's personal handling on my problem with the 1000 that by the way was still not unusual with Fisher. You could call the company as big as it was, ask for Avery and actually get a call back. 1 reason why there ar more than a few letters from Avery to customers on that auction site from time to time.
The TFM-1000 today or at least the 1s I've noticed on that site all seemed either beaten or needed TLC. I've only seen 1 and it was recent that looked to be cared for. I suspect most were abused as a result of owner frustration in keeping them running. Mine never had a problem and I sold it to a friend who up until some 15 years ago when I last spoke to him still had it and it had served him faithfully. If you find 1 in good cosmetic condition and not a dirt trap and works, I think I'd jump on it is I were considering a tuner before any I've mentioned here as they are somewhat rare and more than live up to Avery's well earned reputation for getting an excellent tuner out the door. I have the slightly older little brother, the TFM-300 and find it enjoyable to listen to but not up to the MR77 or Philisp 6731 that are my main tuners.
I've not mentioned the Sherwood 3300 that succeeded to 3000. I have only heard 1 very briefly and not enough time to evaluate it. The design overcame some of the early ss tuner issues. I have 1 along with the matching amp in with Warren at his time having grabbed the pair as they looked pristine and supposivley being sold by the person who sold them new to their owner. Will be interesting to see how the pair live up to the Sherwood reputation. I absolutley loved my Sherwood S5000/3000 stereo combo.
. Yes also a fine tuner but probably harder to find in good condition than the others!
