Fisher 250-TX (1971–1973)
The Fisher 250-TX is a solid-state AM/FM stereo receiver from the early 1970s. It sits in Fisher's 250 series as a mid-power model. It was sold from 1971 to 1973 at an original price of $229.95. Fisher's own advertising in High Fidelity (September 1970, p.2) called the 250-TX "your best buy" at $349.95, and pushed its value in a crowded field of receivers.
The 250-TX delivers 55 watts per channel into 8 ohms (both channels driven, 20Hz-20kHz) with 0.3% THD. It can put out 75 watts IHF at either 4 or 8 ohms. The FM tuner uses an FET front end with two IF stages and five gangs, plus a phase-locked-loop multiplex decoder - a feature Fisher highlighted with the "TX" suffix. The tuner specs are respectable for the era: 2.0 µV IHF sensitivity (1.8 µV typical), 70 dB alternate channel selectivity, and 40 dB stereo separation at 1 kHz. A signal-strength meter and a center-channel meter sit on the front panel. So do bass and treble controls with switchable turnover, a switchable loudness control, and a headphone jack. The rear panel has two auxiliary inputs plus phono, and two pairs of speaker outputs. A custom walnut cabinet came with it.
The unit measures 17.3 × 5.7 × 13.0 inches, weighs 22 lbs, and draws 180 watts. Some sources list a tape monitor switch, but the owner's manual archive doesn't confirm it.
Owners on forums like Audiokarma describe the 250-TX as well built, with great sound and plenty of power for most speakers. Some consider it a "sleeper" receiver, often overlooked next to bigger Fisher models like the 500-TX. At least one owner singles out the FM stereo separation as outstanding.
Known Specifications
- Power: 55W/ch RMS into 8Ω (both channels driven, 20Hz–20kHz), 0.3% THD
- IHF power: 75W at 4Ω or 8Ω
- FM sensitivity: 2.0 µV IHF (1.8 µV typical)
- FM selectivity: 70 dB alternate channel
- Stereo separation: 40 dB at 1 kHz
- Dimensions: 17.3"W × 5.7"H × 13.0"D
- Weight: 22 lbs
- Price: $229.95 (1971)
The record on this model is reasonably complete on specs but thin on service history, common failure points, and collector market data. No schematic or service manual content has surfaced in the research, and there's no reliable information on production numbers. The radiomuseum.org listing has a "tube type: 3 semiconductors" entry, which is almost certainly a database error. A 55W solid-state receiver would have far more than three semiconductors, so treat that line with skepticism.
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