Fisher RS-2004A (1979–1981)

A solid-state AM/FM stereo receiver built in Japan for the European market, with a 5-band equalizer and 45 watts per channel into 8Ω.

Overview

The Fisher RS-2004A is a solid-state AM/FM stereo receiver made in Japan in the late 1970s to early 1980s. It was sold mainly in Europe and belonged to Fisher’s Studio Standard line. The official service documentation identifies it as "FISHER. RS-2004A. Stereo Receiver. (EUROPE)". It puts out 45 watts per channel into 8 ohms and has a built-in 5-band equalizer, which vintage audio fans like. The front panel is silver aluminum and the cabinet is wood veneer, as on most high-fidelity receivers of that era.

Specifications

Power output	45 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Frequency response	20Hz to 20kHz
Total harmonic distortion	0.09%
Signal to noise ratio	76dB (MM), 90dB (line)
Input sensitivity	2mV (MM), 150mV (line)
Output	150mV (line)
Power consumption	260 W
Dimensions (W×H×D)	485 x 150 x 410 mm
Weight	12.5 kg
Power type	Alternating Current supply (AC) / 110; 220 Volt
Tuning range	FM, MW
Power amp IC	STK-0050
Power amp PCB	POWER AMP P.C.BOARD
Designation	Solid State Amp_Receiver
Made in	Japan
Color	Front aluminum, housing wood

Design

The RS-2004A uses a solid-state amplifier built around the STK-0050 integrated circuit. It has a 5-band equalizer along with tone controls. The chassis is metal, mounted in a wood-veneer cabinet with an aluminum front panel. It was set up for the European market with dual-voltage AC support.

Context

Fisher made the RS-2004A from 1979 to 1981, when Sanyo was building Fisher products. It competed with other mid-tier receivers of the early 1980s, such as the Pioneer SX-727, and was noted for strong sound quality for its class.

Market

Units turn up on eBay and Reverb, with non-working examples listed below $90. At least one repair report calls for troubleshooting with test equipment like an oscilloscope, which suggests possible reliability problems or a tricky service job.