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Fisher TA-800, how does it rank?

RS Steve

RS Steve

Tube Junkie
Subscriber
I have a TA-600, X-101-C, and 500-C, haven't seen or heard much about the TA-800 I am having restored, so I was wondering if there are any owned by AK members. I understand it is the TA-600's bigger brother, but is the design similar to a 500-C or all its own? I'm hoping I found a nice addition to my Fisher collection.
 
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IIRC the TA-800 was only produced 1 or 2 years between 1959 and 1961 model years. It preceeded the 800-B. It's been called the TA-600's "Big Brother" due to the cosmetics being similar and the output's being 7591's vs 7189 for the 600.

My understanding is that this is/was the 1st of the 800 models, with the 800-B superceeding it in Sept 60 for the 1961 model year, and the 800-C superceeding the 800-B 2 years later.

It was not used in a console like the TA-600 was to my knowledge.

It does NOT have a built in Multiplexer, so one is needed if you intend on listening to FM in STEREO. It was designed to receive FM-AM Simulcast stereo (one channel AM, the other FM) so the AM section should be very good with regard to sensitivity/selectivity/and sound quality rivaling the FM section. The controls are non intuitive for most people used ot receivers from the 70's to today. Some are downright obsolete, (for instance the FM-AM STEREO Setting).

IMO, For those reasons it is less available and possibly less desirable than either the "B" or "C" models although the TA-800 is highly desired by some they are a definate minority. I would suggest procuring a spare set of 7199 drivers and some of the more obscure tuner tubes.

The "C" model is 2 generations newer and improved over the TA-800 so your design question should be reversed.
 
Thanks Larry, great information. It did come with the multiplex unit so that's a good thing. I don't listen to the radio much at all, so I'm more concerned with the phono section and amp section. If it has as good of phono section as my TA-600, along with more power, I'll be very happy. The physical condition seems very good, I'll add a wood case probably in the future.
 
From what I've seen, FISHER pretty much used the same design phono amp in pretty much all of their amps/receivers with minor differences between models. As for the amp, it looks to me to be a pretty straightforward fixed bias 7591 amp. I've not heard a bad sounding one yet.
 
I'm sending it to James (sony6060) to have him do his magic, I'm hoping he chimes in once he gets going on it so we can get his opinions. He did a great job with my TA-600.
 
larryderouin said:
From what I've seen, FISHER pretty much used the same design phono amp in pretty much all of their amps/receivers with minor differences between models.
Click to expand...

There really isn't a whole lot you can do in the way of a radically different design of the 2 triode phono preamp or the later typical 2 transistor version.
 
Jim; Have you tried a 7687. Supposedly a "low-noise" version of 7199. The pentode sides are wired differently, but triode side is identical.
 
larryderouin said:
Jim; Have you tried a 7687. Supposedly a "low-noise" version of 7199. The pentode sides are wired differently, but triode side is identical.
Click to expand...

Interesting, I have not tried that tube. The 6BL8 produces better sound vs the 7199 (all flavors). I re-bias the 6BL8 triode section cathode for lower voltage (3-4 volts) vs the 7199 (8 volts). I use Amperex 6BL8.
 
I'm excited to see the results of the restoration on the TA-800. Knowing how much I like the TA-600's sound, the 800 should really shine. Jim is now working his tube magic on it, so another great Fisher is being brought back to live another long life. :thmbsp:
 
I found and restored a TA-800 about four years ago. Fantastic sound. I'm sure you will enjoy this big brother.
 
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