Question about Fisher 500 Tube Receiver

[Mike Kingsbury]

I am thinking about buying a Fisher 500 or Fisher 800

I see in pictures they have an single RCA Center Channel Output and Speaker Terminal Outputs.

Can I use the single RCA Center Channel Output for a powered Sub, and then run (4) speakers off the Speaker Terminal Outputs?

 

[cademan]

Yes.

 

[Mike Kingsbury]

Cademan,

Do you own a 500 or 800? Have you tried what I ask about? Does it sound good?

 

[dcgillespie]

Yes, but you need to be aware of two things regarding your question:

1. It is only the earlier versions of these receivers that include the line level center channel output at an RCA jack. Later versions eliminated the line level center channel output in favor of a powered center channel output. Those outputs do not reference ground if that is important to you.

2. The units with the RCA line level center channel output derive that signal BEFORE the speaker switch. Therefore, regardless of the position of that switch, the center channel output is always on. However, all other front panel controls control the center channel output, just as they do the main outputs.

Good luck in your quest!

Dave

 

[Mike Kingsbury]

dcgillespie (aka Dave),

So for what I desire doing, only the early version would would be the best choice, right?

 

[dcgillespie]

Yes. It would be easy enough to add the old RCA line level center channel output to the later models (a jack and three resistors), but for a no muss no fuss effort, the earlier version is what you would need.

Dave

 

[bolero]

FWIW I was doing this with my Fisher 400 for a while...using the center channel out into a powered sub

it worked really well!

I kept the sub low, it was subtle: just used it to augment the bass a bit

 

[kvflyer]

It's not a bad idea to add a subwoofer to a vacuum tube amplifier or receiver. That way, you can use the tube power for more of the music and not just for hammering out the bass. Bass is what uses the most power. A good example would be when listening to pipe organ music. When the organist steps on the 32' C pedal, it can just about use all of a tube amplifier/receiver's output power. Of course, it depends on what type of amplifier and what type of speakers. Very efficient speakers will work quite well with tube amplifiers. But if you wish to push sealed enclosure or acoustic suspension speakers, you need power.

Just like as in an engine where there is no substitute for cubic inches, available watts make a difference with amplifiers.

There are always exceptions to the "rules" above of course...