Fisher SA-1000

The Fisher SA-1000 is a bit of a puzzle in the Fisher lineup. It's a solid-state integrated amplifier from the company's early transistor era, and it doesn't fit the brand's usual tube-centric story. The record is thin in places, but here is what's documented.

The SA-1000 was a Class-A solid-state design built around 11 transistors and 8 diodes, rated at 30 watts per channel into 8 ohms. HiFiEngine lists the frequency response as 10Hz to 30kHz (+0, -1dB). Classic Audio gives a more conservative 20Hz to 20kHz. The two sources disagree, so take that spec with some caution. Distortion is cited at 0.05% THD at rated output. Input sensitivity is 2mV for phono and 150mV for line, and signal-to-noise is 75dB (phono) and 100dB (line). Inputs cover phono, tuner, aux, and tape. Outputs include tape rec, headphones, and speakers. Weight is 8.9 kg.

The period press was enthusiastic. Audio (February 1964, p.9) ran an advertisement quoting its own September 1963 test: "one of the finest amplifiers we have ever tested," and praising unusually excellent transient response. Fisher's own advertising in High Fidelity (March 1963, p.29) introduced the SA-1000 as a 150-watt stereo power amplifier built around the newly developed 8417 beam power pentodes. That suggests the SA-1000 name may have first appeared on a tube design before the solid-state version documented here. The record doesn't clarify the relationship between the two.

Owner reports are positive. One AudioKarma user describes the SA-1000 as among the best-sounding solid-state amps they've heard - musical, not harsh, with a warm character - and says it drives AR-3a speakers surprisingly well. The same owner mentions having the bias readjusted, which appears to be the one recurring maintenance item.

Surviving information on this model is otherwise thin. No original retail price, production years, or dimensions are documented. A current Classic Audio listing asks $650 for a serviced example.

Known specs:

- 30W + 30W at 8 ohms

- 0.05% THD at rated output

- 2mV phono sensitivity / 150mV line sensitivity

- 75dB S/N (phono), 100dB (line)

- Inputs: Phono, Tuner, Aux, Tape

- Outputs: Tape rec, Headphones, Speakers

- 11 transistors, 8 diodes

- 8.9 kg