Fisher TFM-300

[smollett5]

I recently acquired this 1964 Fisher TFM-300, which sold for approximately $300 back then. It has a Golden Synchrode front end (1 6HA5 and two 6CW4s) and transistors throughout the rest of the circuitry. At the time, it sat atop Fisher's transistor tuner line, and did so until about 1967 with the arrival of the TFM-1000. I got it for all of $7.60. Then I had to buy the tubes, panel lights, and have my tech go through it and perform an alignment. Needless to add, my cost basis has risen.

How does it sound? Pretty good, but not as good as my MR67, Fisher 500-C or 400, MAC 1700 or 1900. The lowly Fisher 250-T has far greater selectivity. But, the TFM-300 does represent a piece of history.

 

[Brian]

The 300 has a different sound from either a tube tuner or SS tuner and it is difficult to really compare it to either camp. Selectivity, of course would be equal to a tube tuner so no surprise there. The front end is lifted from the 500-C. I have a 300 as well as the matching amp and plan to do a complete restoration on them. Nothing has the built quality these exhibit including my McIntosh. They and the receiver version, the 600 seem to be about the top of the Fisher theory of quality units. A cast faceplate though rare has been done but look at the cast backplate and chassis design and wiring, a work of beauty.

As for sound quality, in its time it bettered much of what was out there but as a cross-over unit is somewhat of a compromise between the technologies and has both the strengths and weaknesses of both.

As mine sits, I could surrender most of my receivers easily and live with the pair for listening pleasure as the pair really present the music well. I also have a Yamaha 610II pair and between them there is no choice, the Yamaha comes in a poor second.

If you can, pick up a TX300 amp to mate with it and spend a few dollars to recap it.

I used to own the TFM1000 and it is a prince of a tuner and though sadly a difficult tuner to keep running is wonderful.

You did not mention if your tech recapped it. The caps in the Fisher units are by now mostly close to or out of spec. Not an easy proposition to replace them due to the construction but if you want to see how well they can really be, get it done.