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Old tube receiver Fisher

Fast996

Fast996

Mod that Vintage Gear
A friend has his dads stereo for sale
Fisher 800c
Fisher Xp5 speakers
Dual 1009 TT
What are the chances this Fisher 800 still runs.
Techs are non existent where i’m at and I
Don’t know if I need another project.
He hasn’t tested it and selling as is
$800 he’s thinking but I don’t know.
 

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Chances are it still works, but $800 *not knowing if it works* is quite high, IMO. Is there no way to test it first? Presumably it will need some refurbishing but it would be nice to know that it's in working condition to begin with.
 
$800 and it works, you're on the high side of OK. Another $100-150 towards restoration if you're doing it yourself puts it in the ballpark of OK deal. If it has a blown transformer, e.g., then you've gone into "oh ****" territory.

Gambling at $600 is more my taste. If it works, then you did good at that price with only DIY restoration costs to consider. If you're sending it out, add another $400-$500 to bring it to a G which is a decent deal for a fully tuned, top notch receiver.

Looking at the pics, it looks to have a good case and all the knobs and brights so, with what bones are visible, you're OK so far. However, comparatively speaking, if it produces sound, everything else is cosmetic.
 
If you do decide to buy it, either restore right away or use a variac to slowly ramp up voltage to give the old caps some time to reform. It will need need new stuff inside eventually tho.... Once restored you will have a super duper nice receiver! A nice unit to park a bit of cash into.
 
^^on cost. Likely need to replace Siemens bias rectifier (cheap & easy) & caps.
 
$800 for the entire set up?

The xp5 speakers are OK. These are the mid size 2 way right?
I used to own a pair.

No idea about the turntable.
You are safe at 500 to $550. For the receiver.
Note to make sure the power/ volume pot works.
Try to use a power bar with separate on\off switch to turn the receiver on off.
This saves the power / volume switch.
I had to replace mine years ago.
Nice sounding receiver. High gain..
Get better speakers later.
Good luck!
 
Sonytubes said:
$800 for the entire set up?

The xp5 speakers are OK. These are the mid size 2 way right?
I used to own a pair.

No idea about the turntable.
You are safe at 500 to $550. For the receiver.
Note to make sure the power/ volume pot works.
Try to use a power bar with separate on\off switch to turn the receiver on off.
This saves the power / volume switch.
I had to replace mine years ago.
Nice sounding receiver. High gain..
Get better speakers later.
Good luck!
Click to expand...
$800 for the receiver...100 for the pair of speakers and 100 for the TT
 
800 is kinda high for an unrestored unit, unless, cosmetically it is excellent, and with the cabinet. Also if the seller is willing to guarantee the transformers. Everything else can be easily found, but the transformers.
 
The Dual is a pretty good vintage TT. The speakers I could live without, and should be considered a "gimme" if you do buy them. The receiver--well, if you can't test it, $800 is too high, unless you want to gamble. Just my .02.
 
Like the receiver, what he's asking for the speakers is on the high side. Even high high side. They don't come up too often at auction but I've seen them for around $50. I've been watching because I need replacement woofers for a pair that I picked up years ago for $22 at the thrift.

Across the board what he's asking for is comparable to what one would expect at auction, including the mystery.
 
The best way of determining value is by looking at eBay's "Completed Items" category, shown to the left of the item you've put in your search. Look under "Fisher 800 C" and move to "Completed Items". It displays what the item sold for, if it sold.
 
$800 is a bit high. If it was fully restored different story. As others have said not knowing if transformers are good is the big issue. With that said it is in great cosmetic shape
 
The problem is the unknown working condition. Much as I like old tube gear, I think its a terrible idea to own for someone who doesn't have a competent tube tech and who isn't technically inclined. If you have to ship it to someone for service, add in expense and risk of damage in transit.

The simple fact is its old, and it will need some work in order to be reliable. Once sorted out tube gear can be plenty reliable but I wouldn't expect to just plug in a 50 year old unit and have it run for long periods of time without any ailment. Maybe it would, but I sure wouldn't trust it.
 
manhattanman said:
The best way of determining value is by looking at eBay's "Completed Items" category, shown to the left of the item you've put in your search. Look under "Fisher 800 C" and move to "Completed Items". It displays what the item sold for, if it sold.
Click to expand...

yep, a quick search shows varied prices. One serviced 500C unit with 'Telefunken and Mullard' w/o cabinet went for $770. An 800C working unit $380 another 800C w cabinet $860 and $538 and one 800C in original box $1025. All over the map.
 
The range is pretty bizarre.... I wonder if no one was looking for Fisher during the time or the seller didn't title it well
 
Kind of typical for that auction site.
I have seen other samples of stuff close on same day, equal in general condition, sells for large margin difference.

Sometimes listings get scattered in how they show up or don't show up on searches around the nation/world, I presume.
 
Prices for vintage fisher, Scott, and similar tube gear tend to be all over the board. It’s been that way for a while. They all seem pretty underpriced as well—the idea that you can find a working 500C for less than the price of the tubes sometimes is just silly.
 
Right you are !

2 years ago I donated my working and very good condition 800C that had a new volume/power pot all the 12ax7 and small tubes but not the 7591 power tubes included, to my local radio historical club. (no cabinet)
They auctioned it at the fund raiser and got a 'whopping' $350. LOL
They were happy.
In general, yeah prices are all over.

If a chassis has shine, it shows well in pictures online and usually motivates higher bids. LOL
 
I wouldn’t pay more than $250 for an untested unit. That’s about what it’s worth if it turns out it needs all new tubes and servicing.
 
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