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Fisher FM-50-B cleaning

nickdinatale

nickdinatale

Active Member
Picked up a Fisher FM-50-B, as well as an X-101-B this past weekend as part of a package deal. Today I got down to cleaning up the receiver. Opened up the bottom, which contained completely original electronics. Nothing burnt, so that was nice to find. The majority of the tubes were also original Fisher, aside from a single black plate RCA 6AU6, and two Realistic 12AT7's. All tested good, 75% and up. After that, I cleaned up the chassis, Deox'd all tube sockets and pots, gave a small amount of oil to all of the pulleys, and reassembled. Hooked it up and it sounds pretty nice! A recap is definitely in order if I decide to keep it, but I may send it to another home as I don't have much of a need for it (already have a 500C) and I'd like it to be enjoyed. Regardless, here's a before and after of the chassis!
 

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Nicely done! :thumbsup: I have two FM-50Bs (one working, one for parts), and they're great tuners. At least some of the Fisher tubes may well be Telefunkens (look for the 'diamond' on the bottom between the pins). One tip: from what I've heard, do NOT attempt to clean the dial scale with water! Might be wrong, but I believe that would likely remove the markings. Best to just leave it be. Good luck!
-Adam
 
That cleaned up very nicely!

Did you pick these up from CL, I think I saw these for sale. How is the X-101-B?
 
AdamAnt316 said:
Nicely done! :thumbsup: I have two FM-50Bs (one working, one for parts), and they're great tuners. At least some of the Fisher tubes may well be Telefunkens (look for the 'diamond' on the bottom between the pins). One tip: from what I've heard, do NOT attempt to clean the dial scale with water! Might be wrong, but I believe that would likely remove the markings. Best to just leave it be. Good luck!
-Adam
Click to expand...
I managed to make this mistake with a Fisher console receiver amp once. Noticed the letters start to run, shut the water off and dried immediately. Leaving the dial plates alone seems to be the best course of action.
39cross said:
That cleaned up very nicely!

Did you pick these up from CL, I think I saw these for sale. How is the X-101-B?
Click to expand...
Yes! From Gloucester. The X-101-B seems great so far. The recap that had been done a while back seems to be well done. Current limiter was installed, so it's nice to know the power switch has been spared for the last however many years. My main concern is that it runs VERY hot compared to my 500C. I know it drives the output tubes a lot harder, so maybe that's just a side effect of that.

P.S. Hello from two towns over/across the harbor (Marblehead)
 
LOL, I can see you waving across Salem Sound! It sounded like an intriguing pair, glad to hear they're both in good shape and they ended up in good hands.

I don't know how the amp compares to the 500C, but you'd think they would be comparable, it would be a good idea to check the voltages.
 
I'm betting it's a nice combination. I know the FM-50B is a good tuner, and remains my best tube tuner (other than the R-390A, of course). It was part of my main system for several years, and may well be once again if I decide to switch back to tubes. Gotta love that Stereo Beam tuning eye.......... :thumbsup:
-Adam

stereo_system.jpg

(I now have an original Fisher metal cabinet to put it in)
 
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