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Fisher 400 owners PLEASE READ....IMPORTANT!!!!

Zombie thread, but a good one...

I have a 400 SN 72499AM
it has AX OPTs and 6 IF/RF tubes

It's going under the knife for a full restoration soon. When It does, I'll be back here (and to others of Larry and Dave's invaluable threads) for tips, tricks, and info so I don't screw anything up. Having already done an FM-100-B and an X-100-B, I'm hopeful.
 
Resurrection of this zombie thread yet again...good info!! We gave our daughter a Fisher 400 we bought for her off of eBay about 10 yrs ago, she's in CO and us in NY. Do recall that it was a higher serial #, we looked for a service manual copy and iirc the serial # was > 48000. It had a 4 tube IF strip. Don't recall the xfmr #s or the exact serial # but we'll be going there for a 10 day visit at the end of this week and will report the info that was requested to add to the data base here.

Wonder if Al Pugliese "The Fisher Doc"on Staten Island is still around? we sold him a SA300B amp and 400cx preamp about 17-18 yrs ago, and got our 400's manual copy from him when we bought it. If ANYONE would have had experience with large number of 400s and knowledge of Fisher's procedures and production anomolies (he bought the rights to the Fisher name and a big "obsolete" Fisher parts inventory, plus he knew Avery Fisher personally) it would be him. He was still selling Fisher parts kits and manual copies as recently as a couple of years ago...just a thought.
 
Sue Anders said:
...Wonder if Al Pugliese "The Fisher Doc"on Staten Island is still around?...
Click to expand...

As far as I know, he is. Here is his current website and Facebook page:

http://www.fisherdoctor.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Fisher-Radio-400376866732252

I have never met or talked to Al. Keep in mind, though, that in the last decade plus he has developed a reputation for never returning gear, and never returning calls or emails. Too many customers have reported being cheated, too many customers have reported that they never got their equipmant back. I wouldn't ignore the history before you send any money. Just my personal opinion.
 
I think that rep for being flukey goes back a long time. We always found him nice, he even sent us that 400 manual
gratis. Do know that they (he & wife) had/have a child with serious health problems that were very demanding and he worked full-time night-shift or some such for the PO in the city, things just stacked up as the volume of work became untenable. Not sure if/how issues got resolved but at least in our own case all dealings were fine. I think things just got out of control for him. I've seen the same happen with tube tests repairer and vintage car parts makers, some are just lousy business people, albeit still honest.
Anyhow if anyone would know more about the 400 variations Al P. would, there's no chances of monetary loss in finding out.
 
Never met Al, but knew a guy who knew him who spoke highly contrary to the negative reviews. Bought a NOS faceplate for an 80R from his friend via AL. LOL, paid enough I could've bought a complete tuner on ebay, but I appreciated I was able to get it. He works as an investment banker afaik. Fisher parts is side biz.
 
He's definitely not an investment banker, he's a middle-class kinda guy, iirc seems to me in data processing on the late or night shift, computer ops or something like that, but actually he's probably retired by now iirc he was about my age, so he'd be in about late 60s early 70s or so. The Fisher stuff was always a sideline for him, I recall him telling me he'd work on Fisher repairs when he got home at like 1 or 2 AM as it was the only quiet time he had. He had an article in VTV about Avery F. in one of the issues before I was a writer/editor there. I'd wager he's just selling stuff on eBay mostly now.
 
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There's a 1-1/2 hr youtube video from 2/22 of him doing general maintenance on a pristine X-202 that he over-hauled back in 2009. This time he has to change the 4 section filter can. Pretty informative video. Especially useful for first time visual learners.

I question his choice of the replacement capacitor though. The voltages are upped by 75 Volts but the temp rating was lowered from 85c to 55c. Being somewhat OCD about those kinds of things, I'll probably re-stuff with 105c lol.
 
I agree 105c would be best for Filter caps. You've got the heat from the trannies, output tubes (not so much on fisher receivers but the amps get a bit warm in the tube area) etc that can stress a 55c or even an 85c cap.
 
Sue Anders said:
He's definitely not an investment banker, he's a middle-class kinda guy, iirc seems to me in data processing on the late or night shift, computer ops or something like that, but actually he's probably retired by now iirc he was about my age, so he'd be in about late 60s early 70s or so. The Fisher stuff was always a sideline for him, I recall him telling me he'd work on Fisher repairs when he got home at like 1 or 2 AM as it was the only quiet time he had. He had an article in VTV about Avery F. in one of the issues before I was a writer/editor there. I'd wager he's just selling stuff on eBay mostly now.
Click to expand...

Not an investment banker. Well that's interesting. That's what I was told by the guy from KC who supposedly knew him so well. BS'er I guess.
 
matt e. said:
Not an investment banker. Well that's interesting. That's what I was told by the guy from KC who supposedly knew him so well. BS'er I guess.
Click to expand...

Lol. Al worked for the USPS, and ran this side business out of his little Staten Island home. Once his one daughter was born, he started to spend less time on the business, with the resulting grief. And that was 25-30 years ago. At this point, he’s likely at or near retirement age.

Still, most of his “RestoKit” service recommendations were fairly conservative, and didn’t hack up the gear too much … for which I am thankful in retrospect. And his little instruction sheets were a hoot.
 
I thought as much, as I said in post #104 thought Al worked for the PO and he told me he worked night hours, as I originally said. Nowadays I don't trust my memory - for good reason - but here I remembered right for once.

To get back to this thread for Larry's data base... here's an update on our daughter's Fisher 400's specs:

Serial #: 79893.
Tubes: 4 tube IF, 6 tuner tubes total (plus 3 mpx, 4 output 7868)
Output xfrmrs: T1020 116-1 3946709. NO suffix observed.

I remember Allied or somebody selling 400s in their '68 catalog for something like $199 as
a final close-out. That year Dad bought a Fisher 220T, an early SS unit, for more $...D'OH!
It died after they moved to FL in the '80s, the 400 would probably still be hanging in there!
 
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Sue Anders said:
I thought as much, as I said in post #104 thought Al worked for the PO and he told me he worked night hours, as I originally said. Nowadays I don't trust my memory - for good reason - but here I remembered right for once.

To get back to this thread for Larry's data base... here's an update on our daughter's Fisher 400's specs:

Serial #: 79893.
Tubes: 4 tube IF, 6 tuner tubes total (plus 3 mpx, 4 output 7868)
Output xfrmrs: T1020 116-1 3946709. NO suffix observed.

I remember Allied or somebody selling 400s in their '68 catalog for something like $199 as
a final close-out. That year Dad bought a Fisher 220T, an early SS unit, for more $...D'OH!
It died after they moved to FL in the '80s, the 400 would probably still be hanging in there!
Click to expand...

Don’t knock that old 220-T, or your father’s decision way back then. Over 25 years ago, I was one of the earliest advocates for the first gen Fisher SS gear. The old tube models have always had a devoted following (and likely always will). But back then, the very early (pre ‘69) solid state gear were red headed stepchildren. Many were outright tossed or practically being given away. And that was a great shame, because the earliest models were well voiced with germanium outputs to compare with the tubed models on the line card. Not at all sounding like the post sale and later Japanese made ones. Were they as good sounding as the tubed receivers? No. But they are warm and musical and engaging in their own right. And a lot lighter and smaller to move around and place! I remember people selling me 440s that only needed a recap for $5, or as a throw in for free with something else. And I would always grab them up, invest a few hours and $10-15 in parts into them, and flip them back to people who would be very pleasantly surprised by their sound.

In my remaining now small stable of Fishers after all these years, among those I have kept for the descendants is my old office 220-T, in its original factory cabinet. I have had that little 220 for well over 30 years now, and it has run flawlessly since I reconditioned it all those years ago. Of all the first gen SS Fisher receivers, the little 220 is my favorite. It is simple, extremely well built inside (at least as well as the tubed models, save for some early pcb quibbles), and IMO among the best sounding of that generation. Its only shortcoming derives from its strength: a relatively simple and low powered output stage consisting of a pair of pleasant sounding RCA germaniums. Don’t mess with the main output couplers, and its sonics remain relatively as Fisher originally voiced it. Unlike something like a 600, a 220 is a once and done servicing chore.

I treasure that little 220 as much as I do the NOS-never-used-still-in-the-Fisher-shipping-container 800C I have packed away (and that little time capsule is another story for another day). Because I have a lot of memories accumulated over the decades, as the little 220 always serenaded in the background, like an old, dependable friend.
 
Yes I have to admit that 220T was a good if low power unit, it served him well for a long time, especially when you consider that it was coupled with a Garrard AT60 mk II and, inappropriately, a pair of AR3s he got as they were heavily discounted due to being replaced by the AR3x. I blasted that rig as a teenager, and it never complained, even though those 4ohm speakers were really not a good match for that poor receiver's amp. I would have liked to have had that rig, for nostalgia if nothing else, but when they downsized their place in FL the whole rig had disappeared by the time of my next visit only to be replaced by a crappy small compact unit with CD player. I would have liked to have that 220T setup, and given my preference for high efficiency speakers it would have done well with those.
 
Just came into possession of a 400, and found this (somewhat old) thread.

The 400 has output transformers with T-1020-116-1AX on them, and what looks like a serial number of 51410.

I was going to perform a good bit of fixing (change cap cans, check all coupling caps, redo bias supply, it has no tubes so I have tubes in my stash for it), but I am interested in also adding a fair amount of dcgillespie upgrades.

Question: Is there a "master" or "reference" schematic and notes for the dcgillespie upgrades to the 400 (and 500 for that matter, I would like to upgrade my 500 also, as I fixed it to stock a while back, and it ate my output tubes suddenly for no reason)?? I keep reading about the bias balance mod, or the voltage regulator on the bias, or the phase inverter, but I keep going down rabbit holes of text, and I am a schematic reader myself (I find it much easier than a wall of text describing the mod to the circuit).

Thanks in advance for any directions or links to information.
 
Here:
dcgillespie

Thread 'Modifying the Fisher 400 with EFB'

It seemed like such a simple job. By now, I've installed three of the four basic EFB(tm) configurations into three different 6BQ5/7189 designs, and all with superb outcomes: output stage distortion was significantly reduced (by at least 50%), and output tube quiescent dissipation was lowered to typically 75% of Design Center ratings, or 65% of Design Maximum ratings for the tubes -- as opposed to so many designs that operate these tubes at 90% or more of their Design Maximum ratings. Most importantly, these reduced dissipation operating levels now represent the lowest distortion operating...
dcgillespie

Thread 'Improving the Fisher 400'

For those following my project 400 receiver, the path started with modifying it for EFB operation for extended tube life and lower distortion, in a thread that can be found here:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=509090

That effort had specific goals which were met, but also brought to light other areas where significant improvement can be made in this receiver as well. Additionally, there are also some rather simple, but logical changes that can also be made, to render the unit more useful in today's audio environment. In this post however, I'll start by laying...
  • Like
 
nerdorama said:
Here:
dcgillespie

Thread 'Modifying the Fisher 400 with EFB'

It seemed like such a simple job. By now, I've installed three of the four basic EFB(tm) configurations into three different 6BQ5/7189 designs, and all with superb outcomes: output stage distortion was significantly reduced (by at least 50%), and output tube quiescent dissipation was lowered to typically 75% of Design Center ratings, or 65% of Design Maximum ratings for the tubes -- as opposed to so many designs that operate these tubes at 90% or more of their Design Maximum ratings. Most importantly, these reduced dissipation operating levels now represent the lowest distortion operating...
dcgillespie

Thread 'Improving the Fisher 400'

For those following my project 400 receiver, the path started with modifying it for EFB operation for extended tube life and lower distortion, in a thread that can be found here:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=509090

That effort had specific goals which were met, but also brought to light other areas where significant improvement can be made in this receiver as well. Additionally, there are also some rather simple, but logical changes that can also be made, to render the unit more useful in today's audio environment. In this post however, I'll start by laying...
  • Like
Click to expand...
For some reason, both of those seem to link to the same thread.

Not to be a complainer, but I was really asking if someone has a schematic of the mods. I can read a schematic much, much faster than trying to write out all of the mods from pages of postings and put them all in one place so I can look and say "ok, buy these pots, these resistors, these transistors, these caps, get into the amp, find "blah", change coupling caps or cathode resistors, etc". I used to be an electronics tech, and for some reason, can read a schematic and very quickly translate that into parts lists and actions in the unit. I see the schematic for the universal EFB in both of those posts, but no other schematics. Again, I just thought there might be some master/reference "here are all of the mods" schematic out there.

Thanks.
 
Those threads are different but probably have some overlapping of info. I have the final schematic in my PC. I’ll attach it or give a specific link when I back home.
 
The only "master schematic" of Fisher mods I recall is one that a good AK citizen made up for the 500C modifications while following along Dave Gillespie's stage-by-stage work in an AK thread (perhaps multiple threads). Doing that type of documentation requires a great deal of effort and not a little computer drafting skill to show the mods in the context of the original Fisher schematic. I have been content to follow along Dave's excellent improvement thread narratives with his neatly hand-drawn schematics because I learn so much from his clear, detailed explanations of the issues he sees, his solutions for them, and how to implement them. He also patiently answers questions from those following along who may be duplicating the work in their own units and that is beneficial to those who are still learning.

Let's see what @nerdorama provides for the Fisher 400. I've done three of these and wouldn't mind having a "master schematic" for reference!
 
This post appears to be the last update to the 400 schematic. If it was updated in another thread then I don't know about it.
eduarsan1

Post in thread 'Improving the Fisher 400'

Hello to Everybody in the AK Community.

After a while, I´m here trying to support this beautiful and amazing hobby where checking at least a valuable information given by Dave Gillespie, I have upgraded their version to a Revision # 1 where is upgraded the OP-AMP section and the phase inverter noose posted in another thread.

@dcgillespie Please give us your feedback about the drawings.

In advance I give apologies for the delayed answer in make this. (The time is short when Family and Job arises)

Regards From Bogotá, Colombia!!!

Luis E.

(Edit a new correction is done in...
  • Like

This thread is more of a how to for the 400.
dcgillespie

Thread 'A Reference 400 Restoration/Modification'

Recently, an inquiry was made about all the various things done to restore a typical Fisher receiver, and what all the various modifications available were, since there was no one place to go to get all of this information. Having recently finished up a 400 receiver (early version in this case) restoration for a client, that also had requested nearly all of the available modifications to be installed, it made for a perfect unit to provide detail pics of, so that those contemplating work done on their unit can get a better idea of what is involved in each case. Therefore, this will largely...
  • Like

@triode3 is your 400 an early or late model. It makes a difference to the EFB design if I remember. The Fisher p/n on the output transformers ends with an X for the late model version.
 
Last edited:
nerdorama said:
This post appears to be the last update to the 400 schematic. If it was updated in another thread then I don't know about it.
eduarsan1

Post in thread 'Improving the Fisher 400'

Hello to Everybody in the AK Community.

After a while, I´m here trying to support this beautiful and amazing hobby where checking at least a valuable information given by Dave Gillespie, I have upgraded their version to a Revision # 1 where is upgraded the OP-AMP section and the phase inverter noose posted in another thread.

@dcgillespie Please give us your feedback about the drawings.

In advance I give apologies for the delayed answer in make this. (The time is short when Family and Job arises)

Regards From Bogotá, Colombia!!!

Luis E.

(Edit a new correction is done in...
  • Like

This thread is more of a how to for the 400.
dcgillespie

Thread 'A Reference 400 Restoration/Modification'

Recently, an inquiry was made about all the various things done to restore a typical Fisher receiver, and what all the various modifications available were, since there was no one place to go to get all of this information. Having recently finished up a 400 receiver (early version in this case) restoration for a client, that also had requested nearly all of the available modifications to be installed, it made for a perfect unit to provide detail pics of, so that those contemplating work done on their unit can get a better idea of what is involved in each case. Therefore, this will largely...
  • Like

@triode3 is your 400 an early or late model. It makes a difference to the EFB design if I remember. The Fisher p/n on the output transformers ends with an X for the late model version.
Click to expand...
Ah, interesting. I am not sure how popular the 400 is now, but it might have been good for there to be a sticky right to like the 400 and 500 modified schematics. I mean, your link is on page 18 of 22 of tens (hundreds?) of threads on Fisher.

My 400 appears to be a very late mode, with -AX at the end of the transformer model number and the serial number at 51410.

Thanks for the link to the 400s.
 
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