Fisher console ID needed!

[MickeySmile]

Could you please ID this Fisher console for me? It is from local CL and the owner want 150.0 for it. Should I dive in? Thanks

 

[relaximus]

I'm not completely sure, but that is screaming '64 Ambassador to me. If so, it has a hybrid amp. I think it's definitely a '64-'65 model, I'm just not sure which one. If it is indeed an Ambassador, I would likely be lured to it if the price were 1/3 of that. For $150, it had better be a tube-only ('63 or earlier) Ambassador or above and in very nice shape cosmetically. The mid-60's Fisher hybrid amps sound sweet, but can be a PITA to work on and find parts for.

Dave

 

[TheRed1]

It's hard to tell for sure from those pictures but I believe it's a '66 Futura. That same control panel was a carry-over from the '65s and was shared with the Ambassador both years. However, I believe the '66 hardware was much more transistorized that the '65. The only tubes you'll likely find on higher-end Fishers from that late in the 60s are a few nuvistors in the tuner.

That's probably Fisher's most aggressively modern cabinet style. The most diagnostic feature clearly visible in the photo is the round "door knocker" hardware on the front of the cabinet. Look at page 10 of the 66 Fisher catalog available here:

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showpost.php?p=3009237&postcount=182

 

[relaximus]

It's hard to tell for sure from those pictures but I believe its a '66 Futura.

Carter:

You have, of course, trumped me again! I now notice the tilted control panel indicative of a later model. Good call!

Dave

 

[MickeySmile]

Thank you Dave and Red1. The onwer said it has a tube amp in it. I also guessing here , it could be Futura III (1962) http://members.cox.net/fisherconsoles/FuturaIII.html
From the info., it has 660-A amp and the tuner 480-T.
Could you verify it for me please.

Regards,

Binh

 

[relaximus]

The onwer said it has a tube amp in it.

Although it may indeed contain tubes, I would guess that it's a hybrid amp. That is certainly much later than a '62 model.

Dave

 

[TheRed1]

To me, the speaker enclosures in the seller's photo look square and not hexagonal as in the Futura III. Also, the control panel of the 480-T is distinctly different - vertically oriented and not tilted forward. You may still want to go take a look in person since the photos really aren't very good. If it is a Futura III it would be quite a find. Keep us posted.

 

[relaximus]

... You may still want to go take a look in person since the photos really aren't very good.

And do take a camera along on the off-chance that you don't bring it home! The tube/transistor layout sheets are (hopefully) still attached to the back.

Dave

 

[relaximus]

... Also, the control panel of the 480-T is distinctly different - vertically oriented and not tilted forward.

I'm certain that Red meant horizontally oriented, as the 480-T is a non-receiver style chassis just as the 490-T in my Electra.

Dave

 

[TheRed1]

I'm certain that Red meant horizontally oriented, as the 480-T is a non-receiver style chassis just as the 490-T in my Electra.

Probably just a confusion in terminology, Dave. By vertically oriented, I meant that the tuning scale was taller than it was long. Like you say: a non-receiver style chassis. I think we are talking about the same thing but using different terms. I shouldn't be trying to clarify after 3 glasses of wine but maybe this will help:

An image of the 480-T faceplate from a 1962 Ambassador IV owner's manual:

Vs. the "typical" control panel from a 1965 Ambassador VII which was shared with the Futura and carried into 1966.

 

[larryderouin]

I'll verify The "Ambassador" VII Control panel is the same on the 65' Futura VI. Nice 2lb block of Solid anodized Aluminum.

Based on the photo's and the brochures I have to say it's 90%+ probablity that it's a FUTURA VII from '66. Gonna more than likely have the 59-t Tube Tuner and 59-A Hybrid amp. Unless they changed in '66 and made the tuner a hybrid also.




Larry