Fisher 500B, 500C and 800C

Cayuga wrote: »

If all were in the same condition and you could keep one, which one would you keep and why? This is my problem (not a bad one) I just don't know what to do. I'm going to use your feedback to make my decision. Thanks

As probably you already know, the 800C is Fisher's "pinnacle" product, but only different from the 500C because it has AM and FM instead of FM only. I've never seen any information that the AM section in any way compromises the FM section's performance in the 800C, so the 800 would be my keeper.

The 500B versus C is a tougher call. The C is 75wpc versus the B at 85, but the "tuning eye" tube in the B is downright cool and was replaced by a standard (but not as cool) tuning meter in the more powerful 500C.

...those power figures are "stereo power", need to halve them for watts per channel.
The 500C in the photo above, e.g., would have, nominally, been capable of 37.5 wpc.

Even then, these receivers predate the FTC 1974 power spec requirements by years... my belief/understanding has been that the 7591(A) Fisher receivers are good for about 30 continuous wpc (give or take), while the Fisher 400 - using the electrically identical 7868 but run a tad more conservatively for whatever reason - was good for about 25 wpc.

Perusal of the datasheets for the 7591A show operating points capable of 23 to 45 watts continuous in class AB1. See, e.g., http://www.tubezone.net/pdf/7591.pdf

I would've thought the power capability of the "B" and "C" variants was the same... but I'd have to look at the operating voltages on the output stages of each to confirm or deny... and I am frankly too dang lazy! :-)

That said, I wouldn't discriminate on "B" vs. "C" for any real reason except cosmetics (including, of course, the "magic eye"). That said... I am of the opinion that one should "collect 'em all"! I would certainly encourage anyone who stumbles on a nice 800B to grab it - those are not common.

I didn't say that anyone needs two ;-)

Honestly, I'd say that depends on free cash and open space in the basement.

Seriously, the only substantive reason I posted to this thread was just to amplify (pun intended) the output power issue for these fine old receivers a bit.

oh, plus I need an excuse to post a none-too-good photo of the one-and-only pretty Fisher I have!

Sweet stuff, I want one now.

If you pass on the second one maybe we could talk.

Cayuga wrote: »

It's hard giving up the "tuning eye". Of the 3 the 800 would be your choice?

I love the tuning eye tube also used in my KM-60 (FM only) tuner, but yes, I think the 800C receiver is their pinnacle product.

Nice Advent NR system there, Mr. S! ;-)

I have a smaller Advent NR device, in its original box, from my favorite local vintage audio emporium :-) 1) I've forgotten the model number (it might be 102; the big one is 101, isn't it?) and 2) I've never turned it on, much less actually tried it.

Here's an odd little "Kevin Bacon" kind of story - I used to work for a guy whose father was on the team with Ray Dolby at Ampex which developed the (first practical) helical-scan video tape recorder.

Dey were jus' sittin' out on the stoop, hon!

When my poor, dear wife (from Westchesta, NY) started graduate school at JHU she had a heck of a time with Bawlmerese. She got directions once from someone to go out Blair Road. She had a heck of a time finding it... but you know, Ken, that Blair Road is US Route 1, and it goes all the way out to Blair, Murlan :-)