Fisher 500-C Tube Amplifier & Stereo Receiver (1959)

The Fisher 500-C is one of the best-known vacuum tube receivers of the late 1950s and early 1960s. Fisher introduced it in 1959 and built it through 1963. It put an amplifier and an FM stereo tuner on one chassis, and it arrived just as stereo broadcasting was getting started.

The cabinet is walnut. The inputs are gold-plated RCA jacks, and the internal components are hand-crafted. Today the 500-C is highly sought after for its tube-driven sound.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Model	Fisher 500-C
Year of Production	1959–1963
Type	Tube-powered stereo receiver (amplifier + FM tuner)
Output Power	32 watts per channel (stereo), 60 watts (mono)
Output Tubes	(4) 7591 beam power tetrodes
Other Tubes	9 total (includes 6AT6, 6BA6, 6AV6, 12AX7, 12AT7, 5Y3GT)
Impedance Matching	4, 8, and 16 ohm speaker outputs
Inputs	Phono (MM), Magnetic Tuner, Auxiliary
Connectors	Gold-plated RCA jacks, screw-type speaker terminals
Tuner	FM stereo multiplex tuner (88–108 MHz), capable of receiving early stereo FM broadcasts
Frequency Response	20 Hz – 20 kHz (±1 dB)
Total Harmonic Distortion	<0.5% at rated output
Damping Factor	~10
Dimensions	19" W × 7" H × 13" D
Weight	42 lbs (19 kg)
Cabinet	Solid walnut wood with brushed aluminum faceplate

Historical Significance

The 500-C came out while radio was switching from mono to stereo. It was one of the first consumer receivers able to decode FM stereo multiplex signals, and it helped popularize stereo radio in American homes. Fisher Radio, founded by Avery Fisher, was already known for high fidelity, and the 500-C added to that reputation.

Fisher designed the 500-C from the ground up as a stereo receiver, not a modified mono unit. It used Fisher-designed output transformers and regulated power supplies, which contributed to its channel separation and dynamic range. The 7591 output tubes were relatively new at the time. They delivered higher power and lower distortion than the more common 6L6 or EL34 types.

Critics and enthusiasts liked the 500-C right away, and it was often compared favorably to separates systems that cost far more. It became a benchmark for what a receiver could do.

Sound Signature

The Fisher 500-C is known for a warm, smooth, and highly musical sound. The tube design gives vocals and instruments a natural richness, with a luscious midrange, detailed yet non-fatiguing highs, and surprisingly strong bass for a receiver of its era.

Midrange: Exceptionally clear and present, ideal for jazz, classical, and vocal recordings
Treble: Smooth and extended, avoiding the harshness sometimes found in solid-state gear
Bass: Tight and well-controlled, with good authority due to the robust power supply
Soundstage: Wide and immersive, with precise imaging that brings stereo recordings to life

Many owners describe the 500-C’s sound as “liquid” and “engaging”—qualities that continue to captivate vintage audio enthusiasts today.

Maintenance and Restoration Tips

Like all vintage tube gear, the 500-C needs careful attention to keep performing. Many units still work after more than 60 years, but proactive maintenance is essential.

Common Issues and Solutions

Aging Capacitors: Electrolytic and paper capacitors degrade over time and should be replaced (recapped) to prevent hum, distortion, or component damage.
Output Tubes (7591): These tubes wear out and should be tested or replaced. NOS (New Old Stock) or modern equivalents like the 7591A are available but can be expensive.
Bias Adjustment: The 500-C requires periodic bias checks to ensure balanced operation of the output tubes. An incorrect bias can shorten tube life or cause distortion.
Noisy Controls: Volume and selector knobs may develop crackling. Clean with contact cleaner or replace if worn.
Tuner Alignment: FM sensitivity may degrade over time. A professional alignment ensures optimal reception.
Resistors: Carbon composition resistors can drift in value. Check and replace if out of tolerance, especially in critical signal paths.

Restoration Advice

Always power up a long-unused 500-C gradually using a variac to avoid stressing aged components.
Use a tube tester to evaluate all tubes before full operation.
Retain original parts whenever possible to preserve collectibility and value.
Consider professional servicing for full recapping and alignment if you're not experienced with tube electronics.

Collectibility and Market Value

The Fisher 500-C ranks 9 out of 10 in collectibility, which makes it one of the most desirable vintage receivers. Demand among audiophiles and collectors stays strong.

Market Value: $800 – $1,500 USD
Unrestored, working condition: $800 – $1,000
Fully restored with original parts: $1,200 – $1,500
Mint, all-original, with documentation: Can exceed $1,500

Units with original tubes, manuals, and packaging command premium prices. The 500-C is also a frequent target for counterfeit or poorly restored units, so buyers should verify that a unit is genuine and check its service history carefully.

Conclusion

The Fisher 500-C is more than just a vintage amplifier—it’s a landmark in audio history. As a pioneering FM stereo receiver with exceptional build quality and a timeless sound, it represents the golden age of hi-fi at its finest. Whether used as a daily driver or preserved as a collector’s piece, the 500-C continues to deliver a listening experience that modern equipment often struggles to match.

For those who appreciate the warmth of tubes, the elegance of mid-century design, and the thrill of analog audio, the Fisher 500-C remains a true classic.

Market Value

┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ FISHER 500-C                                                    Nov 2026 │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ High      $1,477                                  Latest            $583 │
│ Median    $546                                    Trend                — │
│ Low       $362                                    Volume           ~2/mo │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ $2,000 ┤                                                                 │
│        │                                                                 │
│        │                                                                 │
│ $1,271 ┤                                                  .              │
│        │.                                                                │
│        │            .                                                    │
│        │                          ..                           .        .│
│   $300 ┤      .                 .  .  .              .     .             │
│        ├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│    vol │▄     ▄     ▄           ▄ ▄█  ▄              ▄    ▄▄   ▄        ▄│
│        └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────│
│         2026-03                      2026-06                      2026-09│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

eBay completed sales. Excludes accessories, parts, and non-working units. Hover points for details.

eBay Listings

Recently sold on eBay: $362–$1,138 (median $546, based on 13 completed sales, past 12 months)

Fisher 500-C vintage audio equipment - eBay listing photo 1

Fisher 500-C Tube Receiver ( WORKING )

$1,000

Fisher 500-C vintage audio equipment - eBay listing photo 2

Fisher 500-C 500C Receiver OWNER'S OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS MA

$16.95

See all Fisher 500-C on eBay

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