Geoff gets another new Receiver!!!

[Geoffcin]

And this one is even older than the last one.

The Fischer 500c!

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio//500/fisher_500c.jpg

My sharp eyed daughter spotted it and saved it from a landfill, as it had been tossed out with the trash.

I just got it back from the tech and it's got all new output tubes and caps. Hooked it up to my JMLabs Micron Carats (the 500c has 4 ohm taps) and all I can say is WOW! This thing just pours out punchy, dynamic, extended and sweet sound. The Carats never sounded so good! Oh man this was worth the expense of resurrecting it.

I'm not done either. The unit has a couple broken switches (high and low filter) and needs a good cleaning, but after that's fixed this will be a near mint Fisher 500c with an original solid walnut case.

[JohnMichael]

Excellent find Geoff! I have always wanted to hear one since I read this Stereophile review.

http://stereophile.com/historical/605fisher/

Enjoy and let us know more about how it is sounding.

[poppachubby]

In a landfill huh? Crazy. That unit is valuable. Great score Geoff!!! Have you tried the line stages yet?

[thekid]

Very nice!
That is one that is on my watch list......

[Geoffcin]

Hi guys,

Thanks, and yes this was tossed out?! It wasn't in working condition but looked like it was stored lovingly for quite some time as the case is in great condition.

The sound is lively and liquid. Sparking and smooth. I don't believe in destiny, but I think this receiver called out to be saved. I'm glad I was the one who heard the call.

[Feanor]

Hi guys,

Thanks, and yes this was tossed out?! It wasn't in working condition but looked like it was stored lovingly for quite some time as the case is in great condition.

The sound is lively and liquid. Sparking and smooth. I don't believe in destiny, but I think this receiver called out to be saved. I'm glad I was the one who heard the call.
It's a real gem, Geoff. Enviable for sure.

[Geoffcin]

In a landfill huh? Crazy. That unit is valuable. Great score Geoff!!! Have you tried the line stages yet?

Yes, I tried the linestage briefly with an Ipod. Pretty darn magical! I am going to move it into the vinyl rig as soon as it's cleaned up a bit.

[dakatabg]

There is the same receiver in excellent condition a guy is selling at the chicago's craigslist. The guy's been trying to sell it for many months but not successful!

[GMichael]

Nice find. How many points does your daughter get for her trouble?

[JoeE SP9]

Very nice! It makes me think of the Fisher KX-90 I once owned. It was the first piece of gear I ever bought (late 1967).

[poppachubby]

Yes, I tried the linestage briefly with an Ipod. Pretty darn magical! I am going to move it into the vinyl rig as soon as it's cleaned up a bit.

Did you have any work done to the phono stage Geoff? I hate to say it, but you may end up dissapointed with the RIAA circuit.

I bought an Eico HF-85 (pre) all game for the phono, but to no avail. To say it's rough is an understatement, there are also gain issues. I am taking it to a local pro for assessment.

Aside from that the line stages sound incredible, so I know what you mean in your description. For now I am using my Creek OBH-18 into the line stage and it's great, so that could be your back up plan if neccessary.

Have fun listening!

[Geoffcin]

Did you have any work done to the phono stage Geoff? I hate to say it, but you may end up dissapointed with the RIAA circuit.

I bought an Eico HF-85 (pre) all game for the phono, but to no avail. To say it's rough is an understatement, there are also gain issues. I am taking it to a local pro for assessment.

Aside from that the line stages sound incredible, so I know what you mean in your description. For now I am using my Creek OBH-18 into the line stage and it's great, so that could be your back up plan if neccessary.

Have fun listening!

Yes, I read they the RIAA eq was pretty sloppy in these early units, but you never know till you try. The phono stage in my Pioneer 1500t is crap compared to the one in my PS Audio IV pre-amp, so it wouldn't surprise me that this one can't pass muster either. Still the linestage is great, and the FM you can listen to for hours without a hint of fatigue so the receiver is a hit!

[Geoffcin]

There is the same receiver in excellent condition a guy is selling at the chicago's craigslist. The guy's been trying to sell it for many months but not successful!

If he leaves it by the curb I would be happy to pick it up!

[Geoffcin]

Nice find. How many points does your daughter get for her trouble?

Actually she considers it hers! Of course it's me who has forked over hundreds to bring it back from the dead, but if she pays me back technically it's hers...

[Geoffcin]

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio//500/fisher_500c_tt.jpg

[jrhymeammo]

Hey Geoff, how about sharing more of that audio porn. I want to see it all with a top off.
If I'm not mistaken, this unit has more tubes than alot of us combined.

Great adoption!!!

JRA

[poppachubby]

So nice. No info about the chain you're using? Are you plugged into the amp's RIAA stage?

[Geoffcin]

So nice. No info about the chain you're using? Are you plugged into the amp's RIAA stage?

Yes, I'm using the 500c's phono stage and it's pretty darn good. Not as good as the PS Audio IV phono stage, but way better than the Pioneer. Unfortunately there seems to be a slight issue with ground that I have yet to figure out. Even with that it's OK for casual listening.

[Geoffcin]

Hey Geoff, how about sharing more of that audio porn. I want to see it all with a top off.
If I'm not mistaken, this unit has more tubes than alot of us combined.

Great adoption!!!

JRA

Thanks! I've got it all wired up right now, and with a slide out chassis it would be a pain to take pics with the case off, but these pics are almost exactly what it does look like with the exception of the new output tubes.

http://www.ultraelectronicactive.com/cs/Fisher-500C-Detail.jpg

[jrhymeammo]

http://members.cox.net/archangele666/fisherad.jpg

$389.50 back in 1963? That's almost $3K in today's money and will buy us an entry-level Hi-End integrated amp. It must be like the Manley Labs Stingray of the 60's. I can't imagine throwing away the Stingray in 50 years, but I guess that how we roll...

[Geoffcin]

Wow, thanks for posting that! I find it really cool that I was living just s few miles away from where it was built at the same time. Long Island City was a mecca for audio back then, with the Fisher co, Marantz, and others producing what would become some of the most revered vintage equipment of a generation.