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How do I test 800c?

M

Musiclife

New Member
Happy New Year everyone!

I'm going to look at a 800c, and I'm wondering if it's safe to test it out, and how to do so. The owner said it was in storage since about 1979, and when he recently got it out he brought it to a tech who put in some new lamps, cleaned noisy tube sockets and switches, and tested it. He showed me the receipt, but I don't know if it was brought up on a variac or if the tech knew his stuff.
Before purchasing, I'd like to test it out, but is that safe? Are there things I should do/check? Any advise is greatly appreciated for this newbie!
 
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If you're going to someone's place to check out the receiver, then a) ask him if it works. If the answer is yes then, b) give it a ride.

BEFORE it is plugged in, ask if the power switch works. It is oftentimes busted. Try the switch and listen for a click. DO NOT do this while the unit is plugged in. If you hear a solid click of the switch, turn it to the off position, plug it in, and turn the receiver on and set volume to the lowest position. Once everything lights up, you can begin putting it through its paces. If the unit was already plugged in and running before you arrived, then go through the checks below and, if satisfied, turn the unit off with the switch, let it sit for 5 minutes, then turn it on. DO NOT turn it on/off without letting it rest.

Test the tuner function, both AM and FM. If so far so good, then c) test the AUX by having him plug into a CD player or other source. If, OK, then test out the phono section. Those basic tests will let you know if it is working AT A MINIMUM. Since he has told you it was already seen by a tech, then you can assume it is safe to check out AT THE OWNER's place.

If running through those basic tests reveals problems, that will give you a point of reference for negotiation. Tubes are always a crap shoot so anticipate having to shell out for some replacements as well. If you are handy, then doing the remaining restoration is fairly inexpensive, save for the replacement tubes. If it is going to a tech once it is determined that other things need to be done, or you want to further modify the unit, expect to add a nice chunk of change to your initial outlay.

A working unit is always a good starting point. It's a very good idea to do a search here and look into the ins and outs of an 800c. It will give you a very good frame of reference.

BTW: I noticed your earlier post. The 800c is a very fine receiver. You won't be disappointed.

Finally, include your location in your profile. Down the line it helps with the location of techs, tube testers, etc., should the need arise.

GOOD LUCK!
 
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Thanks notdigital! This is extremely helpful!

A few things - he said it's all original, but I noticed from the pics, some of the tubes (the four big ones at the back of the chassis) say RCA - did these ever use RCA tubes originally?

Also, from the pictures, there seems to be some rust on rca jacks, and the metal plate in front of the four big tubes at the back - does this seem like a big deal? The owner says it's just surface oxidation.

Lastly, and I know this may be a hard one to give input on, but if everything "works," does $500 seem reasonable? I know I will have to do some fixing up, changing capacitors, etc., but as you wrote, a working unit is a good starting point, I'm just not sure if $500 is fair, overpriced, or a good deal.

Thanks!

p.s. I added location in my profile - Beantown here!
 
Don't worry about the power tubes. In all likelihood, you'll be buying a new set. FYI, Westinghouse made the best tube for that spot. That's not to say that other manufacturers didn't make adequate tubes; it's just that Westies are #1 IF you can find them in top notch condition. Yours might be Westies, might not, but don't worry about it.

Rust and/or oxidation is par for a 50+ year old chassis. You quickly forget about it IF your face plate is in good shape. Look for a good face plate.

5 bills in not out of the range of what is acceptable for a working unit. Remember, you'll be sinking $ into it anyway. In the end, if your total cost comes in around a grand. you did what the market would expect. Check what units sold for at auction. That should give you some peace of mind.
 
Yep, 5 bill for a working unit that looks good is a fair price IMHO, I paid twice that 10 years ago for mine and had to have it gone thru, buried in it now but its a keeper anyway. Let us know! Al
 
Did anyone but Westinghouse actually make a 7591? I know a lot of makers re-branded Westinghouse units.
 
Good question gadget. I think the 7591A was made by a few different mfgs. At least the Hitachi & Toshiba ones look structurally different. And the coin base ones are either GE or RCA, but could be rebranded WH I guess.
 
It would have come with FISHER Branded (Westinghouse early on, or Sylvania later) IIRC Sylvie's were made by Westinghouse as were the RCA's. No need for worry.
 
Westinghouse was the originator of the 7591 tube. Only Westinghouse and Sylvania manufactured 7591's in the US. Others were relabeled. I've heard of GE manufactured 7591's being made but they probably are Sylvania's with the Owensboro etching on them. The Westinghouse 7591's I've seen have the "7591" etching on top of the tube and Sylvanias were mostly etched on the side. I do have a quad of coin based Sylvania 7591A's that were top labeled. Overseas there were several manufacturers like Toshiba and Hitachi.
 
I did it!!!! Picked up the 800-C on Friday (for 5 bills and an hour and twenty minute drive in each direction) and am now a proud, first time tube owner!!! I went through the testing steps that notdigital explained and most everything seemed to function, except the meter on the upper right side of the glass (not sure what that's called - the rectangle on the opposite side of the stereo beacon - incidentally stereo beacon seemed to work). I'll put up a separate thread about my score with details and pics later today. Thanks for your input and help!
 
Congratulations! Looking forward to your thread and pics.

BTW: That meter is the signal strength meter. If it doesn't move, it might be something as simple as a resistor or tube somewhere in the chain. Hopefully it's not the meter itself. I'm sure you'll track down the problem.
 
Thanks! The seller told me it (the signal strength meter) had worked the last time he turned it on, so if that's correct, hopefully a sign that a resistor or tube just went. Is it "necessary" for performance or just an indicator of how strong the signal is pulling?
 
More likely you didn't install an antenna, or are in a poor FM reception area. The ferrite tubular antenna is for AM Band only.
 
It's possible. We did pull in some fm stations with a cheap antenna attached, but I don't remember if that was before or after I noticed it wasn't moving.

On a separate note, I would like to use two sets of speakers with the 800-c because of my house set up. I've read this is only advisable with very efficient speakers. I have a pair of klipsch fortes and am going to look at a pair of wharfedale w70d's today. Once I have the fisher running up to speed, would these two sets of speakers be doable with the 800-c running a reasonable volume levels? Would these speakers pair well together (their in separate rooms but with an open wall between)?
 
Might be alignment related as well. Right now, if you have FM & AM working, you're at a very good starting point.

I always take the "it was working last time" statement with a grain of salt. That's why whenever you have the opportunity to put the unit through all of its operating paces, and you know what to look for, you're in a good position to determine the depth of any repairs and/or adjustments that need to be made.

Can't answer the 2 sets of speaker question although it is designed to run that way. Do a search. I recall someone recently asking the same question.
 
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