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New to Tubes...800c score...help restore.

Congrats and WOW - you will love that 800C!

Carefully listen to the advice you are getting in this thread (read, re-read and read it again) - these folks know what they are talking about and will save you serious down the road regrets!

If your not sure about something - post a question - you are in the right place!
 
Thanks for the advice Visman...will do. :thmbsp:

Pete1729...I'm glad you brought that up because this is the "smallest" wattage amp/reciever that I have and not sure which of speakers will mate well 1) power wise and 2) listenability with the 800c.

So here is my current list of options in no certain order;
AR3a :yes:
Norman Labratories model 9's
Norman Labratories model 10's
Norman Labratories model 83's
JBL 4410's
Vintage Heco 3 way (no model #)
Aksonics (1st gen.)
Voight Pipes (2 way)
Tritrix (parts express project)
Infinity Crescendo
Klipsch KG 2.2
KLH model 17 (not on hand, but could be)
plus a couple of home growns

I'm up for suggestions
Thanks guys
Martin
 
Nice 800C! All the original documentation is quite rare. The original 7591s are a bonus too, get to restoring that Fisher so you don't smoke those! Larry's post is a nice guide to follow for the restoration.

I'd try the AR3s and the JBLs first. Those JBLs could be a fine match. I run Altec 412s with my 800C for now.
 
Jailtime
The JBL's just opened up like crazy, and their only 3ft from each other...WOW!

Guys, I just can't stop listening to this receiver...sampling all kinds of music and just diggin' it.
This thing is playing flawlessy. I can't imagine how a restore could make it any better.
But I know for tube & component protection it needs to be done...and will get done.
I'm just getting a little uptight because of how unique this unit is. Being so original and all. I'm pretty confident that I could do a Metalbones restore, but all it takes is one distraction and you're down a tube or two.

On sad note...as I was playing my AR3a's and I thought I detected a channel inballance. Only to discover one of my mids was not doing it's job. Hope its not major. They are probably my favorite speaker. Like this 800c, it's also very unique.
The other speaker test will have to wait.
A couple more questions;
1) ok to replace the GE 12AX7 with a Reissue Mullard 12AX7? Or if all the other tubes check out I'll probably look for a Fisher to keep it original.
2) Couldn't find Jim McShanes Fisher restore info. Found his Citation docs tho.
3) Can't seem to find the knob brites either. Found em'
I think it's time power her down and comtemplate the future.
Thanks everyone for all the help.
Will keep you updated.
Martin
 
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As long as the tube tests ok you can "roll" 12AX7's until the cows come home.

Jim McShane will make up a restore kit from scratch upon being asked. His main thing is the Citation series of gear. He will need the serial # so he can pull the correct parts. And he will communicate with you about variations to caps, resistors, etc. Send him an email and ask him.

If you continue to play it before restoration, just BE CAREFUL. Stay in the room and at the 1st hint of something you don't like, pull the plug!!!

Larry
 
Thanks Larry. The power cord is in easy reach!
I think I may have found the amp/reciever that I can be happy with for a long time. I've not had a chance to be exposed to tube gear before, except for an AKSA TLP which is a bit of both worlds.
What I have in SS;
AKSA 100N W/ AKSA TLP preamp
McIntosh MA-6100
Adcom GFA-1 W/ Yamaha C-70 pre
Yamaha NS CR-800
pioneer & onkyo AV recievers
I've liked all these units a lot, but this 800c is just so amazingly different.
I get the distinct feeling that I'm only the second owner and the first owner was only a casual listner and this unit has been in a climate controlled enviroment.
Considering buildind a case. I've got some really beautiful burl veneer that might just fit the bill.
Ordered the brights last night.
thanks again
Martin
 
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Yeah, the FISHER 800 is a unique experience. If you find an Executive console, it probably had a 800 in it. Wish like hell I had one, in addition to the 400 I put in a 1961 Coronet Console Cabinet. Waiting on the day when a 500S drops in my lap to replace the 400. Or a 100T/SA-16 setup.

When you get it recapped and it's running to new spec., you'll notice the difference. It can be subtle or smack u upside the head. But you'll enjoy it even more and then wonder WHY(?) you didn't have one before this.

Larry
 
I've been reading about the restore kits and about the SDS boards. Are they an either/and restoration. Meaning...does the SDS board address some of the same things as the Metalbones Resto-kit. They both seem to address the bias selenium rectifier. :scratch2:
martin
 
The SDS boards do the power supply can caps and the ones under the hood. The metalbone kits do the other stuff. They're complementary.

That being said, it'd be worth your while to invest in four .1uf top quality output coupling caps rather than using the ones in the metalbone kit. I think you'd like the 600 volt .1uf Russian green K42Ys or the silver K40Ys. I prefer the K42Ys in a 500-C.
 
audiodon
Where does one find the Russian beasty?
My 800c is at the shop getting tubes tested and a look for other issues.
martin
 
marloubow,
congrates on a great find, beware for tubes have a strong draw to them sort of like crack..
the russian caps may be available thru jim mcshane, i think there are a few other sellers in the us through ebay but for low qty jim is the guy. otherwise your looking at purchasing through russian ebay sellers, i always have had good dealings but also realize delivery will be approx 3-4 weeks,

a pic of my executive console, it needs a larger room. one day soon my 800c will be restored but it sounds like your on the right track as far as realizing restoration being required. have fun with it !!

sorry larry, had to do it :D
 

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When I ordered my Russian PIO's off ebay it took 16 days to arrive on my doorstep. I usually order about 20 at a time to make it worth the wait/shipping. McShane does have them but you will pay $6+ for each cap. Yes he spends a good chunk of time fully testing/matching them but I haven't had any problems with a single one I've got straight off the boat.

Kory
 
Thanks; perchdog, the_nines, Kory.
I'll pick up my 800c from the shop tomorrow. My tech notified me that all my original Fisher tubes were "as good as gold" except for the IIRC 6GK5 and of course the one GE12ax7, not a "bad" tube, just not a good tube.

This is my first Fisher to recap and I'm a little unsure on how to proceed next.

Is there much more to the recap than unsolder and resolder each replacement?

I see my choices as following;
1) Recap kit from metalbones. I understand that this is a basic kit, but offers an upgrade. Are the russian green caps, that I would purchase a "replacement" for components in this kit?
2) Go thru Jim McShane and purchase a kit that maybe over my head and out of my league (I really don't know what is different in his kit from the metalbones kit), seeing how it is my first Fisher recap.
3) Is trying to locate (hint) a custom list of components and placement diagram a viable option? Be nice to have a parts list,
I hate buyers regret, wishing I had done something a little different if I only had a bit more info.
Thats where I hope you guys can help.
Martin
Ps If I don't go with an "original The Fisher" replacement for the 12AX7 & 6GK5, what would you guys recomend?
 
The 6gk5 is an RF tube. Any brand should do. RCA, Westinghouse, GE, Sylvania, etc.
12AX7. If you can't find a "FISHER" branded tube for a reasonable cost, get a Telefunken smooth or ribbed plate to match the other's.
 
Oops...correction...bad tube is a ECC85.
Still looking for help on direction to go with recap kit.
 
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marloubow said:
Oops...correction...bad tube is a ECC85.
Click to expand...

Those seem to be bad/weak in about 50% of Fisher gear I've touched. Its a more pricey tube at about $20/pop but the good news is the 6DT8 is a drop in sub that's available for $5-$10.

I don't have a tube tester but when I drop a known strong one in that position and reception immediately improves...I know to drop a new one in.

Kory
 
Thanks Kory
I'm really torn between staying "original" NOS (pricey :yikes:) / used originals, which my tech does not recomend :nono:. Or good off brand.
martin
 
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