Fisher X-202: is the Phono section any good?

[ssouci]

I have a Fisher X-202 integrated amplifier, restored and recapped

sounds great playing CDs through the Aux input (using an Oppo BDP-83SE player)

I recently acquired an old Dual 1009 turntable, but so far it sounds only "so-so"... experiencing excessive surface noise issues, and the volume is noticeably lower vs. the CDs... has an old Audio-Technica AT71 cartridge, stylus wear/condition unknown

obviously, many things need to be in good order with the turntable/cartridge end of things, but I want to make sure the Fisher's phono section is as good as it can be

QUESTIONS

Q1. is this phono section even any good?

Q2. which aging parts need to be replaced to ensure the best performance?

Q3. are there any easy tweaks, circuit modifications, or parts value changes that will noticeably improve the sound?

Q4. how good do the two 12AX7 tubes need to be?

Q5. what's critical with the phono cartridge for best sound? eg. minimum output voltage? (hoping to use a modern budget cartridge like Audio-Technica AT3600L or AT-VM95C)

see schematic attached:


any info or advice greatly appreciated!

NOTE:
- I've bypassed both the low and high filter switches
- I keep the Loudness switch on all the time
- for turntable, using the RIAA1 Phono input

 

[bhamham]

I think my Thorens TD-125 II and X-202 are a great combination. I changed the old caps in the phono section to the yellow (Illinois?) ones. Tubes are critical and I'm liking the new issue Mullard ones now. But I've also had good results with Sovtek LPS and of course the old Telefunkins that were original to the unit. I think it's good that the 12AX7s are strong and balanced between each section.

 

[bhamham]

I'm using a Stanton 881s cartridge with a generic stylus that I can't remember who makes it. I've tried a lot of Shures but never any ATs. My setup sounds great to my ears and is very musical.

 

[jvstratman]

You mentioned the phono volume is noticeably lower than your CD player. Try increasing the phono "Level Set" potentiometers to match the CD level?

 

[gadget73]

The phono is pretty good in Fishers. Usual issues are dirty connections and possibly the coupling caps. There is a mod to improve phono accuracy which rebuilds the PEC that contains the eq bits. Its also very easy to mod this for a second phono input ob the tape head position. See this thread for details

The Fisher Phono Preamp, and RIAA

INTRODUCTION Over the years, I have generally defended the Fisher phono preamp design -- not to extol its absolute EQ accuracy, but simply to say that keeping it in perspective, it is not all that bad at all, and in fact, very much in keeping with the performance of that from many other...

audiokarma.org

 

[ssouci]

stupid question, but which of the caps in this (X-202) phono preamp circuit are the "coupling caps"? (see above for schematic)

are these the most critical to replace, and if not, which others as well?

thanks

 

[gadget73]

C17 and C20 are the coupling cap between 12ax7 sections, C23 and C24 are the output coupling cap. If these are mylar they are probably fine but if you disturb them they might go open circuit and drop a channel.

The R's and C's wired off the selector switch, sitting between the two 12ax7 sections are what do the EQ work. I don't know which position its set in but one group is tape head EQ, the other is RIAA.

 

[ssouci]

going to try inserting the schematic & parts list as images in this post (hopefully better resolution?):