Fisher 800C (around 1964)
A tube-powered multi-integrated amplifier combining FM/AM tuner and pre-main amplifier in one chassis
Overview
The Fisher 800C is a tube-based multi-integrated amplifier made around 1964, combining an FM/AM tuner with a pre-main amplifier in a single unit. Built around the 7591 power tube, it functions as a complete all-tube broadcast receiver with stereo capability. It shares design and product lineage with the Fisher 500C, differing primarily by including the AM tuner section, which the 500C lacks.
Specifications
| Receiving band (FM) | 88 MHz to 108 MHz |
| FM sensitivity (S/N 30 dB) | 1.8 μV |
| FM IF interference ratio | 90dB (100MHz) |
| FM image interference ratio | 65dB (100MHz) |
| FM stereo separation | 35dB (1kHz) |
| Receiving band (AM) | 550 kHz to 1,605 kHz |
| AM sensitivity (2W output, 1 MHz) | 5 μV |
| AM IF interference ratio | 80dB (100MHz) |
| AM image interference ratio | 70dB (100MHz) |
| Amplifier output | 75W |
| Frequency characteristic | 5 Hz to 45 kHz +0 -2dB |
| Hum, noise | Aux: 80dB |
| Bass control | 23 dB (Total, 50 Hz) |
| Treble control | 23 dB (Total, 10 kHz) |
| Low filter | 60 Hz, -3dB 50 Hz or less, 12dB/oct slope |
| High filter | 5 kHz, -3dB 6 kHz or more, 12dB/oct slope |
| Phono input sensitivity | 3.3mV |
| Tape Head input sensitivity | 2.5mV |
| Aux input sensitivity | 230mV |
| Monitor input sensitivity | 450mV |
| Power consumption | 210W |
| Dimensions | Width 445 x Height 146 x Depth 343 mm |
| Weight | 16.8kg |
Design
The Fisher 800C uses a 7591 tube-based design with Fisher's proprietary Golden Synchrode Front-End in the FM tuner section, which includes four intermediate frequencies and three limiter stages using a ratio detection system. The unit automatically switches to stereo broadcast when a beacon signal is detected, indicated by an illuminated LED. It features an FM stereo filter to reduce noise on weak signals, a tuning indicator, and switchable wide/narrow band reception on AM. The amplifier includes high- and low-cut filters, tape monitor switching with contact terminals, and jacks for a center speaker and reverb. The Tape Head input uses equalization for 19cm/s playback.
Context
The Fisher 800C was positioned alongside the 500C, serving as its AM-equipped counterpart. While the 500C lacks AM tuning capability, the 800C integrates both FM and AM reception, along with higher power consumption (210W vs 190W) and slightly greater weight (16.8kg vs 16.6kg).
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