Fisher TA-500 = TA-900...?

[ivan100000]

I was just casually perusing completed Fisher auctions on the popular site, when I came across a reference to the 1957 mono receiver that I'd always known as the TA-500, only this one was labeled as a TA-900 by the seller. I figured it was a typo, but checking the internet, I find mention of the "TA-500/900" and the "TA-900 (500)" as well, though no explanation. A google search did turn up a photo of the TA-500 chassis that was in fact stamped as a TA-900.

Can anyone clarify?

 

[robert_kc]

This is what I know as the Fisher Tuner/Amplifier 500 (i.e., TA500) from the 1950's:

 

[ivan100000]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Mon...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[jgannon]

Hi Ivan -

Down in the description the seller says that the TA-900 was the console version of the Fisher 500. If there is one man who knows about the Fisher 500, it is this man. I actually bought mine from him.

 

[ivan100000]

Unless the TA-500 models that came from the factory with the pre-installed TK-5 stereo package were marketed as the TA-900...?

JG-- Hi. I actually just sent Earl an email, and I missed the mention of the console version. He's a good guy, and yes; I think he had stockpiled 100 of the TA-500 receivers until he began selling them off over the past few years.

The funny thing is that I've seen these in consoles with the TA-500 nomenclature, and for all the years I've been following this model, I've never heard of the TA-900 designation until today...

 

[jgannon]

Unless the TA-500 models that came from the factory with the pre-installed TK-5 stereo package were marketed as the TA-900...?

I don't believe so. He offered to give me one with the stereo package, but it was a 500. From what he says in the ad, I'm thinking that the TA-900 is just the console version of the 500.

 

[jgannon]

JG-- Hi. I actually just sent Earl an email. He's a good guy, and yes; I think he had stockpiled 100 of the TA-500 receivers until he began selling them off over the past few years.

Yes, Earl is a gentleman and a scholar. He had so many of these at one point.

 

[larryderouin]

The 1959 AmbassadorII had the 500 listed as the primary chassis used along with the 30-C(preamp for 2nd channel) and the 30A (for the 2nd channel in the phono /AUX). Unless the seller can document matching numbers from the cabinet(for either the TA-500 or TA-900) and the serial on the chassis from the "consoles" he states this model is from, I'm on the fence about it until a more authorative source comes up with credible evidence beyond a reasonable doubt.



There is/was a TA-900 Solid State amplifier (1st generation Germanium) used in the 1964/65 Presidents, and the '64 Regent II.

 

[robert_kc]

I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Earl, but I’ve bought several pieces of equipment from him – and he’s one of the nicest gentlemen I’ve ever done business with. Earl is also a “walking encyclopedia” of vintage hi-fi – I think he’s owned one of everything.

I wonder how many AKers have bought a piece of hi-fi equipment from Earl? That would make an interesting thread.

I own several TA500, with two different orientations of the input indicator lamps.