That's a pretty strangely-built wife you've got yourself.:scratch2:
Solid State fisher receivers
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Bassblaster
Super Member
LUCKY!!!!!!!! i have the CA-800 and FM-600. damn you even have the wooden rack for it too!! ive never seen that before.
It came with these 15" . Not the greatest speakers, but will do.
Bassblaster
Super Member
i am speechless. thats a stupidly rare sight, the entire system. did you get it from the original owner??
mrphilco
Well-Known Member
It has been mentioned elsewhere on this forum that the Fisher 700-T was probably the best SS receiver they ever made.
I certainly agree. My 700-T is my favorite SS model. It, alone of the other early SS Fishers (in my experience), has the...um...cojones to produce lots of bass as well as brilliant highs. It sounds great hooked up to my Bozak E-300s, the standards by which I compare my other speakers. It was pretty much trashed when I bought it; the selector switch was gummed up so badly that it would not move. After a good recap, replacement of some transistors, and cleaning/lubing the selector switch to the point that it has been turning very well for some time now...what a difference.
I certainly agree. My 700-T is my favorite SS model. It, alone of the other early SS Fishers (in my experience), has the...um...cojones to produce lots of bass as well as brilliant highs. It sounds great hooked up to my Bozak E-300s, the standards by which I compare my other speakers. It was pretty much trashed when I bought it; the selector switch was gummed up so badly that it would not move. After a good recap, replacement of some transistors, and cleaning/lubing the selector switch to the point that it has been turning very well for some time now...what a difference.
I agree with RON that the 700-T is probably the best S.S. Receiver that FISHER Ever made (before Emerson/Sanyo). Mine is cobbled together from 2 units and was in fair/poor condition between the two units when I got them before I shuffled them together. Uprated driver transistors (TO-126's) which did away with the large top plate heatsink, added additional heatsink's to transistors that weren't replaced. All new Lytic caps thru out (replaced all lytics <4.7uf with C.D. DME or Panasonic ECQ film caps) , and a few resistors brought it out of it's shell. One of the 50197-25 PEC's(tone control board) was bad and I had a good spare on the parts carcass.
The only downside is the Gold Foil on the faceplate wore off so you can't read the upper switch selections. Granted it's just the speaker switch, but it's good to know whether it's set to OFF, Main, Remote, or Main&Remote. Tuner linearity is spot on and doesn't seem to need an alignment but should have one. The MPX board was dead, and a replacement board was swapped in. According to the SG-165 the separation is 30db-35db. Good enough for me. Like Ron said it's got the Ba....Cojones for a good amount of bass even without the loudness on. And it's got a BIG pair when it comes to wattage. My info says 120W total IHF (50Wperchannel RMS @1kHz 0.8% THD, into ????ohms presume 8ohms) It certainly sounds like more. Silicon transistors, fairly large heatsinks. And it stay cool at high volumes. Not many mid to hi wattage receivers can do that when run hard.
The only thing it lacks is an AM band, but I have a 550-T for that.
My 550-T comes damned close to the 700-T in MONO, but the tuner is really needing an alignment BAD! Previous owner "tweaked" all the coils on the FM RF/IF board (which I managed to get it to pull in stations, however the MPX is too far out for me to adjust (I don't have the knowledge, and some of the gear needed). However, that being said, in MONO on FM it does pull in stations very well, good linearity, selectivity is good, and sensitivity needs some tweaking. AM is Very good. Aux, and phono are very quiet with no input and volume all the way up.
I picked up a 500-T from Rufleruf last week, but haven't put it on the DBT/VARIAC just yet. All 3 are the same size height and width so they all use the same wood cabinet. The 500-T is FM only. Note that FISHER Rates both the 500-T and 550-T @ 90W IHF (Total Peak) but RMS for the 550-T is 35/35 and the 500T is 32/32. Compare the 550-T and 500T with the 500-C. Fairly equal across the board with some minor differences. But using a 800c to compare the 550T is a bit brighter in the high's using the same speakers compared to the 800c. 550-T has better damping of the bass compared to the 800c. The mids are a bit subdued compared to the 800c. Overall they compare favorably. The 550-T and the 700-T sound very good and have an early Solid state sound compared to a later PIONEER SX-737 which is comparable in RMS wattage, and is direct coupled to the speakers from the output's. The SX-737 is overall brighter than the 550-T/700T. The 550-T/700-T sound quite like later cap coupled units to me.
Compared to the 500-TX the 700-T has slightly less wattage, and a hell of a lot less bells and whistles. But the 500-TX sounds very much like the PIONEER SX-737 in overall sound but the HOUSE sound is still there, but not as apparent.
If you want a Bare bones Mid late FISHER Solid State FM ONLY Receiver, the 700-T is the one to get. I would equate it to the 200B tube tuner. But if you can't find one the 500-T is a good substitute (same series and a lot of the same boards/ topology) which I would equate with the 100b tube tuner. The 220-T (next to the BOTL 200-T would equate to the KM-60 or 61.
The 500-TX/800-T is a series newer (1969 to '71) and replaced the 700-T. It's a worthy replacement but it just isn't the same. It's got more bells and whistles, 3 different ways to tune the FM, AM is decent, a bit more power, but due to all of this the amplifier is more complicated, and this could be why it just doesn't sound as good or tube like.
1968 S.S. and Tube Tuner Roster with spec's.
The only downside is the Gold Foil on the faceplate wore off so you can't read the upper switch selections. Granted it's just the speaker switch, but it's good to know whether it's set to OFF, Main, Remote, or Main&Remote. Tuner linearity is spot on and doesn't seem to need an alignment but should have one. The MPX board was dead, and a replacement board was swapped in. According to the SG-165 the separation is 30db-35db. Good enough for me. Like Ron said it's got the Ba....Cojones for a good amount of bass even without the loudness on. And it's got a BIG pair when it comes to wattage. My info says 120W total IHF (50Wperchannel RMS @1kHz 0.8% THD, into ????ohms presume 8ohms) It certainly sounds like more. Silicon transistors, fairly large heatsinks. And it stay cool at high volumes. Not many mid to hi wattage receivers can do that when run hard.
The only thing it lacks is an AM band, but I have a 550-T for that.
My 550-T comes damned close to the 700-T in MONO, but the tuner is really needing an alignment BAD! Previous owner "tweaked" all the coils on the FM RF/IF board (which I managed to get it to pull in stations, however the MPX is too far out for me to adjust (I don't have the knowledge, and some of the gear needed). However, that being said, in MONO on FM it does pull in stations very well, good linearity, selectivity is good, and sensitivity needs some tweaking. AM is Very good. Aux, and phono are very quiet with no input and volume all the way up.
I picked up a 500-T from Rufleruf last week, but haven't put it on the DBT/VARIAC just yet. All 3 are the same size height and width so they all use the same wood cabinet. The 500-T is FM only. Note that FISHER Rates both the 500-T and 550-T @ 90W IHF (Total Peak) but RMS for the 550-T is 35/35 and the 500T is 32/32. Compare the 550-T and 500T with the 500-C. Fairly equal across the board with some minor differences. But using a 800c to compare the 550T is a bit brighter in the high's using the same speakers compared to the 800c. 550-T has better damping of the bass compared to the 800c. The mids are a bit subdued compared to the 800c. Overall they compare favorably. The 550-T and the 700-T sound very good and have an early Solid state sound compared to a later PIONEER SX-737 which is comparable in RMS wattage, and is direct coupled to the speakers from the output's. The SX-737 is overall brighter than the 550-T/700T. The 550-T/700-T sound quite like later cap coupled units to me.
Compared to the 500-TX the 700-T has slightly less wattage, and a hell of a lot less bells and whistles. But the 500-TX sounds very much like the PIONEER SX-737 in overall sound but the HOUSE sound is still there, but not as apparent.
If you want a Bare bones Mid late FISHER Solid State FM ONLY Receiver, the 700-T is the one to get. I would equate it to the 200B tube tuner. But if you can't find one the 500-T is a good substitute (same series and a lot of the same boards/ topology) which I would equate with the 100b tube tuner. The 220-T (next to the BOTL 200-T would equate to the KM-60 or 61.
The 500-TX/800-T is a series newer (1969 to '71) and replaced the 700-T. It's a worthy replacement but it just isn't the same. It's got more bells and whistles, 3 different ways to tune the FM, AM is decent, a bit more power, but due to all of this the amplifier is more complicated, and this could be why it just doesn't sound as good or tube like.
1968 S.S. and Tube Tuner Roster with spec's.
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mrphilco
Well-Known Member
Here's a quick and dirty cellphone picture of mine, low lighting conditions:
After messing around with other solid state receivers (not the best, mind you, but some decent other units), I am still amazed at how well this 700-T plays. Maybe the sound doesn't quite compare with my TA-600, but it isn't too far off.
I have a 600-T and it isn't bad, especially considering its germanium outputs. But the 700-T is better. I also have a 440-T, and it is like a 98 lb. weakling compared to the 700-T. Ditto my 4400 (also germanium outputs). Of the early Fisher SS receivers, I put the 700-T at the top, followed by the 600-T. My 500-T still has problems and is sitting on the back burner, so I can't comment on how well it sounds (or not).
No, the 700-T has no AM...but really, in this day and time, who needs AM anymore? Programming on AM is mostly crap these days. Even most FM is crap. Who needs two dozen country music stations, a dozen more rock, and not much else? What happened to the old beautiful music and classical music days of yore, back when these receivers were new?
If you can, you had better grab a 700-T while they are still somewhat affordable. I fail to see why the 500-TX and 800-T models have asking prices (and seem to be selling) at, or often above, the prices of 500-B, 500-C, 800-B & 800-C tube-type receivers on the auction site.
Larry, I can't find the post now, but I think it was you who had previously referred to the 700-T as being Fisher's best SS receiver. If I am wrong, I apologize.
After messing around with other solid state receivers (not the best, mind you, but some decent other units), I am still amazed at how well this 700-T plays. Maybe the sound doesn't quite compare with my TA-600, but it isn't too far off.
I have a 600-T and it isn't bad, especially considering its germanium outputs. But the 700-T is better. I also have a 440-T, and it is like a 98 lb. weakling compared to the 700-T. Ditto my 4400 (also germanium outputs). Of the early Fisher SS receivers, I put the 700-T at the top, followed by the 600-T. My 500-T still has problems and is sitting on the back burner, so I can't comment on how well it sounds (or not).
No, the 700-T has no AM...but really, in this day and time, who needs AM anymore? Programming on AM is mostly crap these days. Even most FM is crap. Who needs two dozen country music stations, a dozen more rock, and not much else? What happened to the old beautiful music and classical music days of yore, back when these receivers were new?
If you can, you had better grab a 700-T while they are still somewhat affordable. I fail to see why the 500-TX and 800-T models have asking prices (and seem to be selling) at, or often above, the prices of 500-B, 500-C, 800-B & 800-C tube-type receivers on the auction site.
Larry, I can't find the post now, but I think it was you who had previously referred to the 700-T as being Fisher's best SS receiver. If I am wrong, I apologize.
Mainly because the 800-T was sold in the PX/Navy Exchange during the Vietnam War btwn '69 and '71. The main diff betwen the 500-TX and the 800-T was 1.) the 800-T had a multi-voltage transformer which the 500-TX didn't, and 2.) the Auto Scan remote was standard on the 800-T and optional on the 500-TX. And they both break the 50w RMS barrier and play favorably against the PIONEER's and Sansui's of the day.
I think the 200-T / 700-T series, being the 1st series with Silicon output's are considered by most, risky as the 600-T and the earlier receivers have the same styling. So until they get that out of their heads, the 200-T / 700-T series will stay under the radar and under rated. They aren't your Father's Oldsmobile, but they look like one.
King; Here's mine on the bench back in 2014.
Top Row of Knobs
Left to Right. Tuning......4 Position speaker selector
Bottom Row....Off/On/Volume....Bass....Treble.....Balance....Tape Monitor(6way).....Function.
Rocker Switches Left to Right....Loudness....Low Filter.....FM Muting.....High Filter
Top Row of Knobs
Left to Right. Tuning......4 Position speaker selector
Bottom Row....Off/On/Volume....Bass....Treble.....Balance....Tape Monitor(6way).....Function.
Rocker Switches Left to Right....Loudness....Low Filter.....FM Muting.....High Filter
mrphilco
Well-Known Member
Good one, Larry!You raise a good point about the style of these early SS Fishers. I don't give the 1960s look a second thought; in fact it appeals to me. We live in a Mid Century ranch home built in 1960, second owners, and we're into the MCM thing so the older Fishers fit right in. I agree that the style isn't for everyone. But for an amazing, solid, well-built SS receiver, the 700-T is hard to beat. Sure, there are newer, more powerful units out there such as Marantz, Sansui, and Pioneer. But for someone who doesn't have thousand$$$$ to throw at a receiver, the 700-T can be an excellent investment.
As for the 500-TX and 800-T...if I'm going to spend big buck$$$$ on a receiver, it's going to have tubes and read 500-B on the faceplate. (Well..I already have a 500-B, and no, I did not pay $1000 for it.) That's just one man's opinion. It's the "looks" thing again. The style of the 500-TX and 800-T doesn't really appeal to me, let alone the crazy (my opinion) pricing. There is certainly nothing wrong with them...it's all in what you like.
fred soop
Super Member
It is apparent that after the 600-T problems that Fisher was on a parts count reduction program, especially after the 700-T. The 700-T was quite rugged but suffers from that damn output coupling capacitor, the preamp that did not have a separate phono preamp (attenuate high level signals and reamplify - bad, and was the standard for the remainder of the decade) and that really cheap looking wood grain contact paper on the front panel. The later Tune-O-Matic with all it's little dials didn't do much for the otherwise classy appearance either. The 600-T suffered from an almost experimental and fragile power amplifier and the front end was still vacuum tube, but those shortcomings can be corrected.
mrphilco
Well-Known Member
Agreed, Fred. The 600-T and 700-T were built like tanks and seem to be just as heavy as the tube-type 400.
I mostly agree also on the cheap faux woodgrain, but I would think that when these were brand new, that it helped set the 700-T and 500-T apart from the older, plainer looking 600-T and 440-T.
I can still sort of read the gold leaf lettering on the faux wood of my 700-T, but it is very faint now.
I've played my Technics TT through the 700-T and it sounds pretty good to me. I have never hooked it up to my 600-T, though. I'll have to try it sometime and see if I can hear any difference.
I mostly agree also on the cheap faux woodgrain, but I would think that when these were brand new, that it helped set the 700-T and 500-T apart from the older, plainer looking 600-T and 440-T.
I can still sort of read the gold leaf lettering on the faux wood of my 700-T, but it is very faint now.
I've played my Technics TT through the 700-T and it sounds pretty good to me. I have never hooked it up to my 600-T, though. I'll have to try it sometime and see if I can hear any difference.
fred soop
Super Member
Looks like the 600-T (and probably 700-T) are gaining some popularity. A 600-T, high serial number, excellent cosmetic condition, working but needs the usual age related restoration, just sold for $370. Looks like 2 people had automatic bidding and both topped out, then raised their max bids. In the end, a new bidder came along at the last minute at $5 over and won. These have typically been selling for around $300 in similar condition, so this is a huge bump.
