Fisher
Avery Fisher invented the hi-fi receiver — literally
History
Fisher Radio Corporation was founded in New York City in 1937 by Avery Fisher, a visionary audio engineer who would essentially invent the concept of "high fidelity." Fisher's goal was to create audio equipment that accurately reproduced the original performance—a revolutionary idea at a time when most radios were designed for speech and AM broadcast fidelity.
In 1941, Fisher introduced the Model 100—a tuner-amplifier combination that represented the first true high-fidelity component. This was followed by the groundbreaking FM-100 (1940s), the first FM receiver designed specifically for high-fidelity music reproduction. Avery Fisher was so convinced of FM's superiority that he helped lobby the FCC to expand the FM band.
The 1950s and 1960s were Fisher's golden era. The company produced luxurious tube equipment including the legendary SA-1000 integrated amplifier and FM-1000 tuner. Fisher components featured heavy chrome chassis, brushed aluminum panels, and exceptional build quality. The company also pioneered stereo recording and playback equipment.
The Fisher XP series speakers (XP-1, XP-2, XP-4, XP-5, XP-6, XP-7, XP-9, XP-10) became popular in the 1960s, offering high-quality sound in furniture-grade cabinets.
In 1969, Emerson Radio acquired Fisher, and the brand shifted toward more affordable mass-market products. Avery Fisher went on to fund the renovation of New York's Philharmonic Hall, which was renamed Avery Fisher Hall (now David Geffen Hall) in his honor.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1937, New York City |
| Founder | Avery Fisher |
| Key Innovation | First true high-fidelity FM receiver |
| Golden Era | 1950s-1960s |
| Famous Products | FM-1000, SA-1000, XP speakers |
| Legacy | Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center |
Legendary Products
Fisher FM-1000 (1960s)
The ultimate expression of Fisher's tuner expertise. The FM-1000 featured a massive tuning mechanism, exceptional sensitivity, and a beautiful analog dial. It represented the pinnacle of tube FM reception before solid-state took over.
Fisher SA-1000 (1960s)
A flagship tube integrated amplifier delivering 50 watts per channel from a pair of EL34 tubes per channel. The SA-1000 featured a heavy chrome chassis, brushed aluminum faceplate, and exceptional build quality.
Fisher 400 / 500C (1950s-1960s)
Popular tube receivers that brought Fisher quality to a wider audience. The 500C in particular became a beloved classic with 35 watts per channel, FM stereo, and beautiful styling.
Fisher XP-7 (1960s)
A three-way speaker featuring a 12" woofer, midrange, and tweeter in a furniture-grade cabinet. The XP-7 and its siblings offered high-quality sound for the emerging stereo market.
Classic Models Reference
| Model | Era | Type | Power | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 1941 | Tuner-Amp | 15W | First true hi-fi |
| FM-100 | 1940s | Tuner | - | First FM hi-fi |
| 400 | 1950s | Receiver | 25W | Early classic |
| 500C | 1960s | Receiver | 35W | Popular tube receiver |
| 800C | 1960s | Receiver | 50W | High-power receiver |
| SA-100 | 1960s | Integrated | 35W | EL34 integrated |
| SA-1000 | 1960s | Integrated | 50W | Flagship integrated |
| FM-1000 | 1960s | Tuner | - | Ultimate tube tuner |
| X-202 | 1960s | Integrated | 20W | Budget classic |
| XP-1 | 1960s | Speaker | - | First XP series |
| XP-7 | 1960s | Speaker | - | Popular 3-way |
| Allegro | 1960s | Speaker | - | Compact classic |
Sound Signature
Fisher equipment is characterized by:
- Tube warmth - Classic EL34/6L6 character
- Musicality - Engaging, enjoyable presentation
- Build quality - Heavy chrome, premium construction
- American luxury - Upscale positioning
- Mid-century aesthetic - Beautiful industrial design
Collecting Fisher
Vintage Fisher gear is valued for:
- Pre-Emerson era (pre-1969) - True Avery Fisher quality
- Tube receivers - 400, 500C, 800C series
- SA-1000 - Flagship integrated
- FM-1000 - Ultimate tube tuner
- XP speakers - Classic American speakers
Most collectible models:
- SA-1000 - The flagship integrated
- FM-1000 - Ultimate tube tuner
- 500C - Classic tube receiver
- Pre-1969 equipment - True Fisher quality
Restoration Tips
Common Fisher service items:
- Replace capacitors (especially paper and early electrolytics)
- Check tubes (replace weak ones)
- Clean controls and switches
- Service FM tuning mechanisms
- Verify bias settings
- Refinish cabinets on XP speakers
Competitors & Comparisons
Fisher vs McIntosh: McIntosh more expensive; Fisher more accessible luxury
Fisher vs HH Scott: Similar market; Scott more technical, Fisher more musical
Fisher vs Marantz: Both premium; Fisher more American, Marantz more international
All Models in Archive (79)
Receivers, Amplifiers
Amplifiers
- 220-t
- 250-t
- 400-cx
- 440a
- 450-t
- 701
- 701-t
- 801
- A-691 - 1969
- ALLEGRO-A-9/A-19 - 1968
- ALLEGRO-II-A-9/A-19 - 1968
- AMBASSADOR-VI (A-69) - 1959
- consolette-series-510
- CUSTOM-ELECTRA IV (E33/E44) - 1960
- CUSTOM-ELECTRA-I (K-14/K-15) - 1957
- CUSTOM-ELECTRA-VII (E49) - 1958
- custom-futura-(j-10)
- RS-1056 - 1978
- TX-300 - 1976
- TX-50 - 1963
Cassette Decks
Receivers
- 332
- 400-R - 1963
- 400-T - 1964
- 432
- 440-t
- 500-B - 1959
- 500-C - 1959
- 500-T - 1959
- 700-t - 1962
- 800-(a) - 1959
- 800-B - 1961
- 800-C - 1963
- 800-T - 1962
- allegro-a-190
- AMBASSADOR-II (A-910) - 1968
- C-55 - 1959
- consolette-series-51
- CORONET-II (C-55) - 1964
- custom-electra-ii-(k-100) - 1966
- D-391 - 1968
- D-393 - 1968
- DIPLOMAT-D-38 - 1965
- FUTURA-(F-591) - 1973
- metropolitan-m-4592
- philharmonic-ii-p-25
- philharmonic-iv-p-29
- premiere-f-220
- promenade-310
- promenade-ii-320
- PROVANCE-MEDALIST-II-(R-20) - 1963
- series-101
- series-202
- STATESMAN-II (S-70) - 1969
- TX-200 - 1966
Speakers
- executive-ii-1000 - 1975
- president-ix-9000 - 1969
- XP-10
- XP-2
- XP-33