Fisher X-100 B - restoring story

[ZLodei]

I am pleased to be a lucky owner of X100 B in absolutely great condition.
My first question for pros - is there transformers set for 220v to buy (trade)?

Now I am cleaning using great manual by audiodon http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/how-to-deep-clean-a-tube-amp.406997/

 

[bhamham]

There were a few 220v power transformers made for some units for export - not sure about the X100B. I have one for a Fisher 400 that I got when I was living in the UK. It's no problem to use a step down transformer, I did it for years.

Nice X100B you have. They're great sounding amps when restored.

 

[ZLodei]

There were a few 220v power transformers made for some units for export - not sure about the X100B. I have one for a Fisher 400 that I got when I was living in the UK. It's no problem to use a step down transformer, I did it for years.

Nice X100B you have. They're great sounding amps when restored.

Thanks for reply!
I am using a monstrous step down transformer 1.6 kWatt

 

[bhamham]

Yep, that will do the job!

 

[ZLodei]

Please suggest me can caps I'm going to change them.
They are 40uf 450v, 40uf400V, 20uf300.
Direct links to store are appreciated!

 

[bhamham]

I like to stuff the original can caps by cutting them at the base, cleaning them out and 'stuffing' with smaller discreet caps. Then mounting the cans back with an adhesive. Maybe someone else can suggest can caps that you can replace the originals with.

Here's a good thread on a X100B restoration: http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/fisher-kx-100-x-100-b-restoration.572641/

 

[notdigital]

Yeah, like Bruce, I'm a die hard stuffer. You know EXACTLY what you're putting in there.

Or you can pay someone to do it: http://hayseedhamfest.com/

 

[ZLodei]

I like to stuff the original can caps by cutting them at the base, cleaning them out and 'stuffing' with smaller discreet caps. Then mounting the cans back with an adhesive. Maybe someone else can suggest can caps that you can replace the originals with.

Here's a good thread on a X100B restoration: http://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/fisher-kx-100-x-100-b-restoration.572641/

Thank you for link!
It's my bible topic for now.

 

[ZLodei]

Yeah, like Bruce, I'm a die hard stuffer. You know EXACTLY what you're putting in there.

Or you can pay someone to do it: http://hayseedhamfest.com/

Know about them. Guess custom caps are expensive tooooo much.

 

[audiodon]

On can caps, I've stuffed and used new.
Sometimes saving time is worth the price difference, other times not.
Prefab ones save time. Stuffing takes time.
Then again, you need a high power soldering iron to replace twist-loc can caps.
Only once did I wish I bought new. Every time I picked up that amp, my palm would rest against the epoxy seal, snapping it once again. Then I'd have to mix up more sealer and reveal. That wasn't a Fisher though.

 

[LexDM3]

Since the X-100B is almost identical to the KX-100 kit, you might want to look at Dave Gillespie's KX-100 restoration thread. Dave knows how to make Fishers sound fabulous and work reliably.

 

[ZLodei]

Hello guys!
As you know I got X-100 B which was in a really amazing condition.
I started restoring from cleaning it all.
Metal chassis was covered with oxides spots so I used Kontakt 60 (german analog of Deoxit). As a result - flawless face surface and chassis. Like new one comes from plant!

 

[ZLodei]

Than I decided to change rectifiers. As you also know there are 2 of them in X100 so I put in two UF4007 diodes (not 1N4007 as many here recommend).
Sound became more fresh with open stage.

 

[ZLodei]

Than I turned my attention to wooden cabinet.
I polished it - flawless!

 

[ZLodei]

I've got NOS K40Y-9 caps from 60's. They are .047uf and .022uf.
So now I'm in doubt should I replace original caps? They seem to be okey.

 

[dcgillespie]

Very nice X-100B -- one of the cleanest I've ever seen! Your unit still has the Euro caps installed, which most folks elect to keep as they rarely go bad, and many appreciate the sound they produce. As for the remainder of the components, always chose quality. But as for brand, you want it to produce the sound YOU want, so chose /try out accordingly. You'll find folks who say it can change the entire character of the unit, to those who think it makes hardly any difference at all.

Good luck with your amp!

Dave

 

[bhamham]

Yes, that is a real beauty! I like the Euro caps too.

 

[ZLodei]

Very nice X-100B -- one of the cleanest I've ever seen! Your unit still has the Euro caps installed, which most folks elect to keep as they rarely go bad, and many appreciate the sound they produce. As for the remainder of the components, always chose quality. But but as for brand, you want it to produce the sound YOU want, so chose /try out accordingly. You'll find folks who say it can change the entire character of the unit, to those who think it makes hardly any difference at all.

Good luck with your amp!

Dave

Thank you Dave)
After rectifiers were replaced I noted that 7868 amplifying tubes became more hot.
Is it right?
Despite this statement preamplifying tubes are fine.

 

[ZLodei]

Yes, that is a real beauty! I like the Euro caps too.

Not only caps! It has W German face plate's knobs too!

 

[dcgillespie]

Operating properly in the stock design, you will find that the output tubes in this model run very hot, and therefore absolutely require a well matched quad so that they all share the quiescent current equally. It's always a good thing to check their operation in a darkened room to check for any color in the plate -- a sure sign of imbalance that usually allows one tube to get beat to death, while the others have a much easier time of it.

The X-100B is a great sounding unit though that I know you'll enjoy for a long time to come.

Dave