Fisher 600 (c. 1960–1965)

The Fisher 600 was a stereo FM-AM receiver that first appeared around 1960 as a tube design. It later became the transistorized 600-T. It was one of Fisher's most popular models in the early 1960s, and period ads called it "the nation-wide best-seller." High Fidelity (February 1960, p.27) praised the tube version for its "astonishing simplicity" and "superb wiring and assembly." The original 600 delivered 40 watts of music power and had 22 controls. FM sensitivity was rated at 1.8 microvolts for 20 dB quieting. Fisher also advertised what it called "FM-calibre" AM performance. The list price was $369.50, slightly higher in the Far West, and optional cabinets were available.

By 1965, Fisher had fully transistorized the design and released the 600-T. Audio (May 1964, p.33) called it a "transistor stereo receiver" with no output transformers. That meant transformer characteristics put no limit on bass performance or transient response. The 600-T put out 120 watts, weighed 31 pounds, and measured 16¾" wide, 5⅛" high, and 11⅞" deep. The new tax-free price was $459.50, with a cabinet option at $24.95. High Fidelity (September 1965, p.31) noted the 600-T's FM sensitivity of 1.8 microvolts and its ratio detector. HiFi-Stereo (June 1965, p.19) claimed the receiver packed everything Fisher knew about tuners, preamplifiers, and power amplifiers into one transistorized chassis.

Little else is formally documented about the 600 beyond these review excerpts and contemporary advertisements. The model bridged Fisher's tube era and its early solid-state period, and the 600-T pushed Fisher toward higher power in a transistorized package. Surviving examples turn up occasionally on the secondary market. Condition and function vary widely.