1964 Fisher Regent II 6000 Console - Just Picked It Up

[jonboy55]

I just drove 350 miles each way to pick up a 1964 Fisher Regent II 6000 console.

This console was the second console in terms of cost produced by Fisher in 1964. The Fisher President was the number one.

The Regent II I picked up was in the French Provincial cabinet and cost $2095 when sold. The French and Italian Provincial models cost $2095 and the modern model sold for $1995.

The cabinet dimensions are 72" wide x 21" deep x 34" high.

The electronics consist of:

1. Tuner: R-200
2. Pre-Amp: 400CX2
3. Amplifier: TA-900
4. Turntable: Micracord 10
5. Reel-to-reel: Ampex F-4452

According to the 1964 catalog, the reel-to-reel was supposed to be the Ampex 1250. I'm trying to find out the differences between them. The R2R is part of the Ampex "Fine Line" of F-44 models. There are 4 models in the Fine Line - 2 are designed for mounting in consoles and 2 are mounted in carrying cases. An article in Billboard Magazine says the F-4452 listed for $549.50.

The only catalog that came with the unit was the Ampex Owners Manual.

The 2 doors in the center open to reveal the tuner and pre-amp. The 2 end doors open to reveal the speaker grille cloth. The top left lifts for the R2R and the top right lifts for the turntable.

The amplifier is mounted vertically behind the tuner and pre-amp.

There is a 1 inch space to see the speakers and I did see some Fisher branded speakers. Each side is supposed to have a 12" woofer, 2x 5" mid-ranges, and a 3 1/2" tweeter. I'll take off the back speaker cover when I photograph the unit.

The amplifier is Solid State while the tuner, pre-amp, and Ampex are tube. The 1964 President model used the same pre-amp, amplifier, and reel-to-reel acccording to the 1964 catalog. The only difference is that the President used a MF-300 tuner.

According to the catalog, the transistorized power amplifier is "120 watts". What ever that means?

The cabinet top needs to be refinished due to sun and water damage. I'm not sure if all the cabinet will need refinishing. All 4 legs have some damage.

Here are images of the label, scan from the catalog, and a photo that had been taken by the previous owner of the tuner and pre-amp.

I don't know yet which R2R is shown on the label.

The console is still in the wagen and photos will be available tomorrow when I can get someone to help me move it. It took 3 people to take it out of the house. It must weigh at least 300 pounds.

 

[audiodon]

Wow. You certainly have a good eye jonboy55.

 

[Andyman]

Outstanding!! That 400CX2 looks to be a Fisher Holy Grail :yes:

 

[jonboy55]

Outstanding!! That 400CX2 looks to be a Fisher Holy Grail :yes:

I just looked at one that sold on E***.

Wooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!

 

[perchdog]

Nice pick-up !!!

A few years ago I missed out on a 64" Pres. The reason I did not pursue was because of the ss amp That was probably my biggest audio blunder to date and I still regret letting it slip away.
Congrates, it appears to have found a very good, loving home :thmbsp:

 

[TheRed1]

The Regent II was at least as good as - if not actually superior to - that year's President IX. If given a choice I'd take the R-200 over the MF-300; sacrificing the complicated Tune-O-Matic® gimmickry to gain what is probably an excellent AM tuner (the FM specs are about the same). Both had the exact same changer/cartridge and were supposed to have the same R2R, although it appears yours has an upgrade. The President did have the new dome-type tweeters which may have given it an edge at the upper end of the spectrum.

The really astonishing difference is in the number of tubes each is supposed to have. Have you counted yet, Jon? The President IX was supposed to have 14 transistors, 26 tubes, 21 diodes and 11 rectifiers, the Regent II: 14 transistors, 32 tubes, 19 diodes and 5 rectifiers. The only component difference between them was their tuners. The MF-300 had 16 tubes. Does the R-200 really have 22?

EDIT: I'm really confused now - I counted 35 tubes (including the recorder) on the Regent II tube layout chart Jon posted above. But the R-200 has 15! How cold the President IX only have 26?

Of course the Regent II's biggest advantage over the President IX is that it is 5¾" shorter and actually fit into Jon's car. (I sure would like to see a photo of THAT! Just how far forward did you have to move the driver's seat?) I like the Regent's layout over the President, too. Having the changer and the R2R at waist-height is the way to go - even if it means having to sacrifice such an inviting tchotchke display surface.

Not being exactly certain when Fisher's 600-T receiver debuted, it's possible that the TA-900 was Fisher's first transistorized component after their groundbreaking TR-1 preamp back in the 50s. It looks to be a pretty impressive early SS unit.

TA-900:

 

[joel27]

Wow another beautiful console saved. Great job.

 

[Jailtime]

400CX2. :drool:

The power amp looks interesting. I'd like to see how it performs on a scope.

 

[jonboy55]

Photos of console. Sorry for shadows.

 

[jonboy55]

More photos of console.

 

[jonboy55]

Power amp photos.

Also paperwork found in speaker compartment. There is a control tag and test records for the 400CX2 pre-amp and TA-900 power amp. Both front and back views. The back says "factory repairs" but it looks just like testing reports.

Note the control tag number matches the serial number on the test records.

 

[Sam Cogley]

400CX2. :drool:

What he said. :yes:

 

[Andyman]

FYI, that Ampex recorder is going to loaded with Telefunken 12AX7 and 12AU7s.

You may want to swap them out for something less valuable, but be careful handling them as the silk screening is quite delicate. and will come of easily if rubbed.

 

[jonboy55]

FYI, that Ampex recorder is going to loaded with Telefunken 12AX7 and 12AU7s.

You may want to swap them out for something less valuable, but be careful handling them as the silk screening is quite delicate. and will come of easily if rubbed.

I've just stored the unit but will try to get a close up of the R2R bottom.

 

[buglegirl]

Hiya,

Dang that is purty .. bet it weighed a purty metric ton also.

At least its staying in one piece and that is always a good thing.

Frannie

 

[larryderouin]

The phono is probably a 10H. The 10F Fisher Model was an off white Color and had "THE FISHER" on the Tonearm weight.

This is the one that was in my 65 Futura. I put a 50H in when the switch went south. I've since fixed it but I like the 50H better.