Fisher X-100-B versus 800-C

[gsoravil]

Considering either a Fisher X-100-B (amp) or 800-C (receiver). I am currently driving fisher XP-15 speakers from an Ortofon Kontrapunkt b + PLZ Pre Pre-Amp + Fisher RS-2015. I wanted to know everyone's thoughts between those two fisher tube amps (unless this pursuit doesn't make sense). I didn't know if the X-100-B would be enough power for the XP-15 cabs, and if it sounds better than the 800C. Thanks!

 

[Fisherdude]

Those are both very good choices, and both have comparable power so you shouldn't have any difficulty driving your speakers.

I'm currently running an 800-C (actually an 1800) with a pair of XP-12's, and it sounds terrific. I also have a KX-100, which is the kit version of the X-100-B. The X-100-B is a 7868 amp with SS rectification and puts out, iirc, around 25 wpc. Among the Fisher tube integrateds this is one of the more desirable. I'm running mine at the moment into a pair of B&W 330 DMi's. I'll hook it up to the XP-12's just to see how it compares to the 1800, but I won't be able to get to it today. Master's Sunday!

I think it boils down to whether or not you need/want a receiver vs just the amp. Otherwise, can't go wrong with either one. In similar condition, the X-100-B should be a little less expensive than a nice 800-C.

 

[billinkansas]

FWIW, I have both a 500C (similar to 800C) and an X-100C which has the same guts as the X-100B with updated faceplate I believe.

The 500C has a more lively and ambient sound, both through speakers and headphones. It also goes a little deeper in the bass. And the 500C tuner - well can't be beat for sound IMHO. I would expect that the 800C / X-100B comparison might be similar. One advantage for the X-100B is that the additional preamp controls will let you play in mono and reversed stereo. The receivers will only let you do this with the tuner, and not the Aux inputs.

As a practical matter, the 800C's 7591 output tubes are much more common and you'll have more repower choices - versus the 7868 outputs in the X-100B.

Both are nice amps for sure, I prefer the receivers for sound.

Good luck!

BK

 

[gsoravil]

Thanks in advance.

Those are both very good choices, and both have comparable power so you shouldn't have any difficulty driving your speakers.

I'm currently running an 800-C (actually an 1800) with a pair of XP-12's, and it sounds terrific. I also have a KX-100, which is the kit version of the X-100-B. The X-100-B is a 7868 amp with SS rectification and puts out, iirc, around 25 wpc. Among the Fisher tube integrateds this is one of the more desirable. I'm running mine at the moment into a pair of B&W 330 DMi's. I'll hook it up to the XP-12's just to see how it compares to the 1800, but I won't be able to get to it today. Master's Sunday!

I think it boils down to whether or not you need/want a receiver vs just the amp. Otherwise, can't go wrong with either one. In similar condition, the X-100-B should be a little less expensive than a nice 800-C.

If you'd be willing to let me know how that sounds, that would be wonderful. I am mostly interested in the amplification, rather than the tuner, but there seem to be enough people that still prefer the sound of these receivers that it would be valuable to find out first-hand from someone that can make the comparison.

 

[el-37]

I would go with the 800-C. The X-100-B uses a VERY problematic output transformer (which is shared with the X-101-B, and KX-100) which has a nice habit of just shorting out one day-usually when you are showing off your system to someone.

I have changed about six of these transformers out in the past 2 years alone...and other techs will tell you the same story. The OPT's are getting very hard to find now, and sometimes you will wait months until one or a pair pops up for sale.

The 800-C has a more sophisticated output stage than the X-100-B, and although the X-100-B is a nice sounding amplifier in its own right- the 800-C has more "balls", and a better top end. Plus you get a really nice tuner as a bonus.

The 7591 vs 7868 argument is moot these days...both are being made again.

Whatever choice you make...factor in a restoration. Both units will need it.