Solid State fisher receivers
- Thread starter cp2buy
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The RS-1052 was in the SANYO/FISHER Line up. It came out in late '74 for the 1975 model year IIRC. It's definately a SANYO. One of the better one's too.
Thanks for the info Larry! I figured if any piece of gear has spent time in a console you know about it. Hope all is well with you!!!
jdsalinger
Super Member
I've owned 2 500T's. The first one sat on a shelf in my basement for about a year before I even fired it up. I bought it before I was an AK member and didn't even realize what I had.
I'll never forget the day I used it as background music while I cleaned the basement. Warm, tube-like sound. I think that was an epiphany. I had a Marantz 2230 as my main receiver and from that point on, I started lusting after 1960's gear and lost interest in 70's gear.
Here it is, playing through some cheap Bose indoor/outdoor test speakers (why did I even make a YT video with that embarrassing set up???) PS, the TT was only sitting on top of the receiver for a test....I don't think I would have blocked the air vents like that normally.
Well, the transistors went kaput in that one, so I sadly parted it out. Probably should have sold it as "for repair", but again....I didn't realize what a classic it was and figured that without the unobtanium transistors (the ones on the main amp board with the heat sinks) it was a door stop.
Second one was purchased at Twangfest and it was pristine AND had a wood case. I recapped it and adjusted it and WOW, it sounds nothing like my first one. Super clean and bright, but in a good way. ( I like clean and bright). Still tube-like, but only in terms of detail, clarity and dimension. This one isn't warm and fuzzy, but it sounds better than most other SS amps/receivers I've heard.
It's a combination of the discrete transistors and the expert designers from the tube era that make this receiver sound so good. The 500T is my pride and joy and gets brought out on special occasions.
I'll never forget the day I used it as background music while I cleaned the basement. Warm, tube-like sound. I think that was an epiphany. I had a Marantz 2230 as my main receiver and from that point on, I started lusting after 1960's gear and lost interest in 70's gear.
Here it is, playing through some cheap Bose indoor/outdoor test speakers (why did I even make a YT video with that embarrassing set up???) PS, the TT was only sitting on top of the receiver for a test....I don't think I would have blocked the air vents like that normally.
Well, the transistors went kaput in that one, so I sadly parted it out. Probably should have sold it as "for repair", but again....I didn't realize what a classic it was and figured that without the unobtanium transistors (the ones on the main amp board with the heat sinks) it was a door stop.
Second one was purchased at Twangfest and it was pristine AND had a wood case. I recapped it and adjusted it and WOW, it sounds nothing like my first one. Super clean and bright, but in a good way. ( I like clean and bright). Still tube-like, but only in terms of detail, clarity and dimension. This one isn't warm and fuzzy, but it sounds better than most other SS amps/receivers I've heard.
It's a combination of the discrete transistors and the expert designers from the tube era that make this receiver sound so good. The 500T is my pride and joy and gets brought out on special occasions.
I worked for Sears from 1984-2003 and earlier this year decided to buy a Sears Audio By Fisher receiver. They are fairly cheap but I got mine for a stupid low price on Ebay. From the look of the STK power packs it is around 40 wpc. I cleaned the controls and it works like new.
If you look at this unit and compare the RS 10xx lines you can see that the RSs are just a refreshed version of the older ones. The controls are almost exactly in the same space. The 20xx models are a lot different from the 10xxs.
After using and liking the above I came across a CA800 integrated amp and snagged it...it turned out to be far nicer than I expected. I finally found the matching tuner for it as well.
And last week I found this Rs2007 on Facebook. I replaced the lamps and with 75wpc it has lots of power and sounds nice. Very comparable with other late 70s units of the time.
If you look at this unit and compare the RS 10xx lines you can see that the RSs are just a refreshed version of the older ones. The controls are almost exactly in the same space. The 20xx models are a lot different from the 10xxs.
After using and liking the above I came across a CA800 integrated amp and snagged it...it turned out to be far nicer than I expected. I finally found the matching tuner for it as well.
And last week I found this Rs2007 on Facebook. I replaced the lamps and with 75wpc it has lots of power and sounds nice. Very comparable with other late 70s units of the time.
I've got a 250-TX, 500-T, 550-T, 700-T, 500-TX and which one gets the most play time? The 250-TX. Pushing Klipsch KG-2's is enough to fill the house at about 11:00 volume. The MPX doesn't work, but it's not run on FM/AM. But it sounds VERY good on Phono, Tape Mon (Teac 4010GSL), and AUX (3.5mm to Stereo RCA) off my laptop. Hasn't hiccupped in the 4 years I've had it since I recapped the unit, and re-Transistored the amps. It plays above it's rating and rivals my SX-939 in all except MAX SPL.
The CA800/880 was the amp that got me interested in proper vintage HiFi, and I certainly wouldn’t say no to one if it came my way. What else gives you 100WPC, has those gorgeous iconic meters and doesn’t cost a fortune?
Also briefly had a 195 over the summer when I was looking at building a second system. It was a fairly nice, attractive-looking unit with some good features, but it made the worst *pop* sound anytime it was powered on. Returned it to the repair shop I bought it from, and he shrugged it off as “having no DC protection”. Pretty awful, if true.
Also briefly had a 195 over the summer when I was looking at building a second system. It was a fairly nice, attractive-looking unit with some good features, but it made the worst *pop* sound anytime it was powered on. Returned it to the repair shop I bought it from, and he shrugged it off as “having no DC protection”. Pretty awful, if true.
Van_Isle
Super Member
Picked up a RS-2003 for $15. Very nice condition and the manual to boot. I think the build quality is comparable to many others in late 70's. By the way, the manual is copyright 1978. I will work on getting it scanned and uploaded to the AK database and also to hifiengine.
I also picked up a Fisher MT-6430 direct drive turntable, which appears to be a bit later ... I'd say 80 to 82? (straight tonearm). Pretty solid construction. Somebody cut the plug off the power cord ... but some (careful) testing with a temporary cord indicates it all works fine.
I also picked up a Fisher MT-6430 direct drive turntable, which appears to be a bit later ... I'd say 80 to 82? (straight tonearm). Pretty solid construction. Somebody cut the plug off the power cord ... but some (careful) testing with a temporary cord indicates it all works fine.
jcamero
Who are you people anyway?
I have a 160-T. Paid a whooping $4.00 for it. Nice sounding, very small footprint. I hooked up an inexpensive cd player to it and use the setup for testing newly purchased speakers, and when I re foam them using a test tone. It could benefit from a re-cap, and a good cleaning, (cosmetics and switches). I thought about setting up another system, using a Dual 1019, and my Frazier Mark IV's. Picture is from the web.
Those 160-T's definately fight above their weight class. My 6yr old grandson has mine and loves it. Definately get it recapped and aligned. Great little receiver.
Dave07997S
Member
Love your RS-Z1..got one myself had it since new. At the time this receiver blew everything else out of the water.
Dave
Thanks and Welcome back to AK. You are the only other one on AK that I know of that has one besides Grumpy. The RS-Z1 is uber Rare and to this day still blows most receivers out of the water.
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Dave07997S
Member
Agreed, I had it repaired and the guy that repaired said this is a rare unit. He said they were pretty popular in Europe and Russia of all places. I need to find a couple of feet for the unit as the OEM ones broke and the ones I have now don't match the OEM DAC-Z1 I have as well. That needed some TLC but its working perfectly now.Thanks and Welcome back to AK. You are the only other one on AK that I know of that has one besides Grumpy. The RS-Z1 is uber Rare and to this day still blows most receivers out of the water.
I found a RS-Z1 a while back on Ebay that wasn't working. I wanted it for parts...still sold for $400. I wish I jumped on it.
Before this I had a Fisher RS-2010 and wish I never sold it. It was a beautiful piece but I sold it pretty much what I paid for it new while I was in high school.
I know looks can be deceiving but this thing looks like it might be decently built at least...
Can’t find any reviews or even just someone who has it giving their thoughts.
So I’m piggybacking onto this thread
Can’t find any reviews or even just someone who has it giving their thoughts.
So I’m piggybacking onto this thread
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Go Giants
Super Member
Just grabbed a 700T for a good price. It's a pretty awesome vintage receiver. It came with a nice walnut cabinet. Amazingly all the lights work and so far aux..cd player and fm sound quite nice. I will check phono next.
The only thing missing is a gold beauty cap on the tuner knob. I'll look around on line to see if I can scare one up.
The only thing missing is a gold beauty cap on the tuner knob. I'll look around on line to see if I can scare one up.