Fisher 500c needs help

[Rezuri2003]

Hi all,

I’m a new member to this forum and I’m looking for some guidance and advice. Roughly 6 years ago I bought a used untested fisher 500c on ebay for about $700. It looked like it was in great shape when it arrived and I was surprised that the seller never bothered to turn it on before he posted it for sale. The story the seller gave me was it belonged to his uncle in NJ who recently passed and he inherited the unit from his uncles estate. He told me he found it in a box in the basement and never turned it on. When I initially plugged it in (outside of course) it did not power on. I did my dummy checks and found the main fuse blown. I ordered a new slow blow fuse popped it in and bam it fired right up. I also noticed that the tubes are all original fisher, everything internal looks original, and the serial number is 10304A which seems really low.

Does anyone know if this low serial number adds any value to the receiver? Although it powers up there does appear to be some issues. Sometimes, generally when it first starts the volume bounces in and out on one of the channels. It doesn’t completely go out but it becomes noticeably low compared to the other side. The tuner works fine but I don’t feel that it picks up as many channels as I’d expect on a normal tuner. Is that normal or is there something wrong? I’m looking for some guidance on how to service yet retain its value. I suppose I should take out the old tubes for storage and replace them with something new but replacement tubes appear to be hard to get these days. Can anyone point me to a guide and kits to do a full restoration if you think that’s something I should pursue?

Thanks in advance.

Rez

 

[Dswankey]

Hi all,

I’m a new member to this forum and I’m looking for some guidance and advice. Roughly 6 years ago I bought a used untested fisher 500c I also noticed that the tubes are all original fisher, everything internal looks original, and the serial number is 10304A which seems really low.

Does anyone know if this low serial number adds any value to the receiver?.. I’m looking for some guidance on how to service yet retain its value. I suppose I should take out the old tubes for storage and replace them with something new but replacement tubes appear to be hard to get these days.

@Rezuri2003

First of all welcome to AK! here's hoping you enjoy your stay.

A couple of things,

A) Asking questions of value belong strictly in the Dollars & Sense subforum per AK rules

AudioKarma Rules

AudioKarma Rules -------------------------- Welcome to AudioKarma! To help AK be a safe, fun place for everyone, we reserve the right to restrict and edit content and to refuse service to anyone. The Basic Rules: Be respectful and use common sense. Don’t try circumventing the rules...

www.audiokarma.org

Dollars and Sense

What's my gear worth? Check out this deal! Is this a good buy? All these questions and anything relating sound to a price have a home in this forum. No buying experience posts allowed !

www.audiokarma.org

B) As to the original Fisher branded tubes more then likely they're fine, you should test them first before contemplating getting something new which can be found easily enough but will be costly

C) There is a dedicated Fisher sub forum here at AK with many knowledgeable Fisher enthusiasts who could point you in the right direction with regards to trouble shooting the unit as it is, where to send if the unit needs to be refurbished, repaired etc if that is something you're not capable of and or wanting to have an experienced tech take a look at it

Fisher

For everything Avery ever built.

www.audiokarma.org

 

[gadget73]

I believe Fisher serial numbers start at 10,000, so yours implies that its #304 produced in the first series at least. When they did some revision the serials would start over at 20k, 30k, etc so make sure you get the appropriate service manual for your number range.

Fisher Console Service Manuals and Owners Manuals

This page contains a list of vintage Fisher Console Service Manuals and Owners Manuals.

www.fisherconsoles.com

should have the one you need

 

[TriodeLuvr]

Storage in a basement up north can severely degrade switches and all types of plugs, including tube sockets. Actually, I would be surprised if it didn't exhibit intermittent sound. Regarding service, I wouldn't personally trust anyone to work on a piece of gear like that who didn't have at least several years' experience. Tuner and MPX work will additionally require test equipment likely to cost more than the unit itself is worth (and the expertise to use it). My suggestion is to look for a local tech who knows his stuff before you attempt to do this yourself.

Jack

 

[gadget73]

I'll at least partially agree with Jack. Tuner stuff is kind-of off limits if you don't know what you are doing and don't have the right equipment. If you're comfortable soldering and potentially working around high voltages the audio and power supply circuitry can be a DIY thing but I don't know that I'd advise something like this as a first tube gear project. Its a fairly complex piece of gear.

 

[Mr Boochie]

Try some contact cleaner on each tube and socket. Work each tube in-&-out of the socket several times, to insure good contact. I like DeOxit D100.

https://www.amazon.com/CAIG-Laborat...1686834645&sprefix=deoxit+d100,aps,156&sr=8-2

 

[yoder]

Roughly 6 years ago I bought a used untested fisher 500c on ebay for about $700

I bought one last year for $600. From an Audiokarma member and I think a great deal. Not the prettiest, but sounds amazing.

Does anyone know if this low serial number adds any value to the receiver?

No idea. These are not extremely rare. I would guess most the value is in condition and performance.

I’m looking for some guidance on how to service yet retain its value. I suppose I should take out the old tubes for storage and replace them with something new but replacement tubes appear to be hard to get these days

What are you thinking of doing to it that will devalue it? It doesn't just apply this amp only, but buying new tubes does not necessarily add value though obviously if tubes are bad would be a service necessity. Are the tubes bad? Replacing tubes may appear as obvious especially if old, but not necessarily bang for your buck if there not really causing any problem.

The tuner works fine but I don’t feel that it picks up as many channels as I’d expect on a normal tuner. Is that normal or is there something wrong?

Tough to guess, but it's not a below average tuner.

Can anyone point me to a guide and kits to do a full restoration if you think that’s something I should pursue?

C) There is a dedicated Fisher sub forum here at AK with many knowledgeable Fisher enthusiasts who could point you in the right direction with regards to trouble shooting the unit as it is, where to send if the unit needs to be refurbished, repaired etc if that is something you're not capable of and or wanting to have an experienced tech take a look at it

If you can find such advice as C), it would be worth it's weight in gold. There are too many variables to answer your question. How much work is needed, what cost is it done at - could be $200 yourself or $2,000 plus outsource depending. What are your goals? To have a nice sounding unit, or a piece of history in pristine condition, or something in between? Seems like you need to decide if youre prepping the amp for yourself o for resale.

 

[nerdorama]

I just worked on a 500c for a friend. It's a bit of work to do a thorough restore. If you have to pay a tech to do it, you should really want it as a good restore will cost.
good luck,
John