This question comes up from time to time and I have not chose a best Fisher receiver in the past. After a year of modifying Fisher receivers, I and a few other listeners came to a conclusion of the best sounding Fisher receiver in the 400, 500 and 800 series.
Although all Fishers have a signature sound I give a slight edge to the Fisher TA-800. Others heard the 400, 500 & 800s, but not this TA-800. I believe the TA-800 phase splitter design allowing a simple socket adapter & Amperex 6BL8 replacing the 7199 completes the TA-800 upgrade. Without the 6BL8, the TA-800 still will perform better at higher volumes on unforgiving speakers. At lower volumes and using the 7199 the TA-800 is about equal to the 500B & 800B sound.
Next is the Fisher 500B & 800B series. The group prefer these B series to the C series due to a more lively sound.
A very close 3rd place is the Fisher 400 41000+ serial number. Being of similar design of the 500B & 800B, the difference is likely the audio transformers and perhaps the 7868 vs the 7591 power tubes plays a small part.
4th place is the 500C & 800C. A smoother sound comes forth from the C series. These models do not have a fault, just a little more reserve vs the other receivers. Some may prefer the C series and the speakers play a large part in the final sound too.
Other noteworthy comments.
The better speakers used in the comparison were JBL 300, SET12 highly modified Klipsch Forte and the stunning midrange of Wharfedale W90s with crossover upgrades. Frankly, stock Klipsch Forte are not a contender in this group of speakers. The modified Klipsch Forte are just ok, produces very good bass. The Wharfedale W90 bass is a little light.
All receivers uses the same brand of tubes agreed upon with the group as good performers (less that 6BL8) and the same agreement using various coupling capacitors. Excellent performing coupling capacitors were picked from an affordable lot. Most expensive were Mundorf Silver/Oil.
A modified Fisher is superior to stock Fishers. The group agrees here. In fact almost no comparison.
Now, the wrinkle in this post. I prefer a stock Fisher 500C or 800C vs stock 400, 500B & 800B unmodified Fisher receivers. The smooth response shines, the others are a little rough sounding. Jury is still out on stock TA-800 vs stock 500C or 800C.
Any of the Fisher receivers are a fine product. From an outside point of view, the wives likely believe we are are all crazy.
Although all Fishers have a signature sound I give a slight edge to the Fisher TA-800. Others heard the 400, 500 & 800s, but not this TA-800. I believe the TA-800 phase splitter design allowing a simple socket adapter & Amperex 6BL8 replacing the 7199 completes the TA-800 upgrade. Without the 6BL8, the TA-800 still will perform better at higher volumes on unforgiving speakers. At lower volumes and using the 7199 the TA-800 is about equal to the 500B & 800B sound.
Next is the Fisher 500B & 800B series. The group prefer these B series to the C series due to a more lively sound.
A very close 3rd place is the Fisher 400 41000+ serial number. Being of similar design of the 500B & 800B, the difference is likely the audio transformers and perhaps the 7868 vs the 7591 power tubes plays a small part.
4th place is the 500C & 800C. A smoother sound comes forth from the C series. These models do not have a fault, just a little more reserve vs the other receivers. Some may prefer the C series and the speakers play a large part in the final sound too.
Other noteworthy comments.
The better speakers used in the comparison were JBL 300, SET12 highly modified Klipsch Forte and the stunning midrange of Wharfedale W90s with crossover upgrades. Frankly, stock Klipsch Forte are not a contender in this group of speakers. The modified Klipsch Forte are just ok, produces very good bass. The Wharfedale W90 bass is a little light.
All receivers uses the same brand of tubes agreed upon with the group as good performers (less that 6BL8) and the same agreement using various coupling capacitors. Excellent performing coupling capacitors were picked from an affordable lot. Most expensive were Mundorf Silver/Oil.
A modified Fisher is superior to stock Fishers. The group agrees here. In fact almost no comparison.
Now, the wrinkle in this post. I prefer a stock Fisher 500C or 800C vs stock 400, 500B & 800B unmodified Fisher receivers. The smooth response shines, the others are a little rough sounding. Jury is still out on stock TA-800 vs stock 500C or 800C.
Any of the Fisher receivers are a fine product. From an outside point of view, the wives likely believe we are are all crazy.
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