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TA-800 back from the shop...

Rob Thomas

Rob Thomas

Fisher & Klipsch
Subscriber
I wanted to document the service as well as see if those who know more than I (everyone) can give these pics a once over for feedback. I recently got my 800 serviced from a tech my dad uses in Charlotte. I only know that he has brought multiple Fishers back from the dead my dad has collected. He cleaned and lubricated all of the switches and knobs, installed LED bulbs (mistakenly blue that I will replace with white) recapped only a few that needed replacing and attempted to fix FM which has been out. Two tubes were damaged in the transport (I won't name names...) so as of yet I haven't tested for sound. I should receive new tubes tomorrow. When it went in for service, one channel was intermittent.
 
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It appears that what was done was:

1. The DC Heater/Bias main filter can cap was replaced with two discrete caps.

2. The bias filter cap was replaced.

3. The driver tube cathode bypass caps were replaced.

Everything else appears to be original, including the original selenium rectifier -- unless somebody has sharper eyes than I do...........
 
dcgillespie said:
It appears that what was done was:

1. The DC Heater/Bias main filter can cap was replaced with two discrete caps.

2. The bias filter cap was replaced.

3. The driver tube cathode bypass caps were replaced.

Everything else appears to be original, including the original selenium rectifier -- unless somebody has sharper eyes than I do...........
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Thanks Dave for the look. This is all new to me and I really don't know my way around the old girl. I would love to start tackling this stuff myself with one of the kits but I'm afraid the 800 is too complicated for a first project, plus no one offers kits for this model. Is there a thread or even a website that goes over the fundamentals that I may want to read?

Thanks all,
Rob
 
Others may know of some sites to help new folks along better than I will, but I'll tell you, there's a great bunch of folks right here who can answer most questions you will ever have about your receiver, so I'd stay tuned in here regularly -- you won't find a better Fisher Forum on the net. Also, don't forget about the stickies at the top of the Fisher Forum page. They can answer a lot of your questions as well. And finally, don't be afraid to ask questions -- that's how we all learn, and we're all still learning!

Good luck with your 800!

Dave
 
dcgillespie said:
Others may know of some sites to help new folks along better than I will, but I'll tell you, there's a great bunch of folks right here who can answer most questions you will ever have about your receiver, so I'd stay tuned in here regularly -- you won't find a better Fisher Forum on the net. Also, don't forget about the stickies at the top of the Fisher Forum page. They can answer a lot of your questions as well. And finally, don't be afraid to ask questions -- that's how we all learn, and we're all still learning!

Good luck with your 800!

Dave
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Thanks Dave!

Definitely have met some amazing resources through this forum. I have certainly been flooding AK-Fisher with plenty of questions.
 
Can caps also look original, but I suppose they could be replacements.


Those blue LED's have got to go. I hope that isn't as bright in person. Thats just obnoxious :)
 
Rob; Unfortunately there are not many, if any TA-800 rehab threads here, BUT there are a few TA-600 Rehab threads done. From what I understand about the only difference between the 600 and 800 is the output section (7189's vs 7591's) the TA-600 threads should give you enough to start with. The TA-800 shown is very similar to the 10001-49999 series (1001-19999,20001-29999, 30001-39999, and 40001-49999) with the 6 pack coupling caps in the back. There will be differences in the Amplifier sections, due to tube differences but I would consider these minor changes in the great scheme of things.

I agree with the Blue lights. Dump them. The cabinet should be a darker color, mahoghany or Walnut. The Blonde look with these is just plain wrong.
 
larryderouin said:
Rob; Unfortunately there are not many, if any TA-800 rehab threads here, BUT there are a few TA-600 Rehab threads done. From what I understand about the only difference between the 600 and 800 is the output section (7189's vs 7591's) the TA-600 threads should give you enough to start with. The TA-800 shown is very similar to the 10001-49999 series (1001-19999,20001-29999, 30001-39999, and 40001-49999) with the 6 pack coupling caps in the back. There will be differences in the Amplifier sections, due to tube differences but I would consider these minor changes in the great scheme of things.

I agree with the Blue lights. Dump them. The cabinet should be a darker color, mahoghany or Walnut. The Blonde look with these is just plain wrong.
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Thanks Larry. Trust me. I appreciate these old Fishers how they were intended. I've already ordered clear LEDs and the cabinet was a gift from my dad. I do however prefer the dark cabinet especially with the brass faceplate. It will be replaced with a walnut one when the budget allows. The blue bulbs were done by mistake by the tech and weren't approved. He took a few liberties and I wasn't pleased.

Thanks for all the great feedback guys. As for the maintenance, I already ordered a print of theTA600 shop manual so that's a start.
 
http://www.fisherconsoles.com/non console manuals/fisher 800 10000 19999 sm.pdf is the TA-800 manual for the 10001-19999 series. There are 4-5 different manuals for the TA-600. These are listed on fisherconsoles.com under 600 (not TA-600). Same with the TA-800. Listed under 800. http://www.fisherconsoles.com/service%20owner%20manual%20list.html

That case looks like it's in good enough shape to sand down, restain, and finish. Infinitely cheaper than a new case. And you preserve your family gear.
 
larryderouin said:
http://www.fisherconsoles.com/non console manuals/fisher 800 10000 19999 sm.pdf is the TA-800 manual for the 10001-19999 series. There are 4-5 different manuals for the TA-600. These are listed on fisherconsoles.com under 600 (not TA-600). Same with the TA-800. Listed under 800. http://www.fisherconsoles.com/service%20owner%20manual%20list.html

That case looks like it's in good enough shape to sand down, restain, and finish. Infinitely cheaper than a new case. And you preserve your family gear.
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That's a great idea! It never occurred to me to restain the existing cabinet. Aside from being the wrong color, it's very stout and has a beautiful grain.
 
blonde finish in its true form is more of a paint than a stain. Its also distinctly yellow-cream in color. Getting that out of the grain might be a problem, and staining over it might leave some funky artifacts. That just looks like natural finish wood, no stain. Depending on the topcoat though, stripping can be difficult. Polyurethane sucks to remove, varnish and lacquer aren't so bad.

If your pop made it, he could tell you exactly whats there or how to change it. Personally I'd let it be, but I hate woodworking.
 
gadget73 said:
blonde finish in its true form is more of a paint than a stain. Its also distinctly yellow-cream in color. Getting that out of the grain might be a problem, and staining over it might leave some funky artifacts. That just looks like natural finish wood, no stain. Depending on the topcoat though, stripping can be difficult. Polyurethane sucks to remove, varnish and lacquer aren't so bad.

If your pop made it, he could tell you exactly whats there or how to change it. Personally I'd let it be, but I hate woodworking.
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Thanks Gadget. Yeah, I'd love to keep the cabinet the same because it really is beautiful and sentimental. But Larry is right, a Fisher deserves a dark cabinet to show off its beauty. Steve posted some pics of his TA800 in one of those custom dark mackintosh cabinets and it is positively stunning!
 
Rob Thomas said:
I wanted to document the service as well as see if those who know more than I (everyone) can give these pics a once over for feedback. I recently got my 800 serviced from a tech my dad uses in Charlotte. I only know that he has brought multiple Fishers back from the dead my dad has collected. He cleaned and lubricated all of the switches and knobs, installed LED bulbs (mistakenly blue that I will replace with white) recapped only a few that needed replacing and attempted to fix FM which has been out. Two tubes were damaged in the transport (I won't name names...) so as of yet I haven't tested for sound. I should receive new tubes tomorrow. When it went in for service, one channel was intermittent.
Click to expand...

Can you msg the tech in Charlotte that worked on your fisher? I am looking for someone to take a look at one of my fisher. TIA.
 
carpe-diem said:
Can you msg the tech in Charlotte that worked on your fisher? I am looking for someone to take a look at one of my fisher. TIA.
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Its the Audio Video Doctor on Park Rd out by the Pineville CMC hospital. Although I'm not sure I recommend him yet. I should have tubes installed tonight and give the Fisher service a true rundown. I am a bit hot that he put those godawful blue LEDs in as well. I will also call him today to give him feedback.
 
I'd demand that he replace them at his cost. He screwed the pooch with un-authorized items/repairs. He needs to fix it.
 
larryderouin said:
I'd demand that he replace them at his cost. He screwed the pooch with un-authorized items/repairs. He needs to fix it.
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Oh he's getting a bill no question. He can take it off of what he charged me. I just went ahead and ordered white LEDs online because I didn't feel like driving 2.5 hours just to pick up bulbs. I gave this guy a chance because my dad pushed me to use him from some positive experiences but NEVER again! I need to find someone else to use in the future. I don't mind driving for a day to get it to them!
 
larryderouin said:
Kick him for the labor too.
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I'm on him Larry. I promise! You don't know someone who would work on my unit do you? Like I said, I don't mind driving for 5 hours... I think I will invest in a shot 400 and restore that one myself next but the 800 looks like a bucket of nightmares to work on!
 
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