Little is documented about the Fisher 80-C. The record shows a self-powered preamplifier control unit, sold in the mid-1950s for $99.50 in a mahogany or blonde cabinet finish. Period advertising called it the “World Leader” and claimed “no other like it.” The Model 90-C superseded it in early 1958.

Audio-Collection (December 1956, p.19) listed the 80-C alongside competing preamps and gave these measured specifications: frequency response 20-20,000 cycles within 1 dB, harmonic distortion less than 0.3%, intermodulation distortion 0.5%, and hum and noise 75 dB down. The unit had separate bass and treble controls, plus a unique “presence” control. Inputs were three high-level and two selectable low-level phono.

• Self-powered master audio control
• Frequency response: 20–20,000 Hz ±1 dB
• Distortion: harmonic <0.3%, IM 0.5%
• Hum and noise: –75 dB
• Price: $99.50 (1956–1957) in mahogany or blonde
• Succeeded by Fisher 90-C (1958)

eBay Listings

--- Fisher 80-C Master Control: Wood Cabinet Case; NOS, High

$149

Fisher 80-C Mono Preamp wood case

$150

Fisher 80-C Mono Preamp Blonde wood case with mounting screw

$150

Blonde Wood Cabinet for Vintage Fisher 90-C or 80-C Tube Pre

$199

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