Fisher XP-56S (1970s)
At 8 inches and 50 watts, these bookshelf speakers carry the weight of Fisher’s legacy—though owners remain divided on whether they deliver.
Overview
The Fisher XP-56S emerged in the 1970s as part of Fisher’s XP series, a line that had already built momentum in the 1960s. Marketed as a bookshelf speaker system, it carried the brand’s reputation for American-built audio gear during a period when hi-fi was becoming a household pursuit. While the XP series was known for solid engineering, the XP-56S occupies a murky spot among collectors—present in catalogs and classifieds, yet rarely celebrated in enthusiast circles.
Described in various sources as both a 2-way and a 3-way speaker system, the XP-56S remains ambiguous in configuration. The Vintage Technology Archive classifies it as a 3-way system, while the Olson 1974 Catalog lists it as a "2-Way 8" Speaker System"—a discrepancy that has never been officially reconciled. What is consistent is its use of an 8-inch woofer, reportedly paired with a 3-inch tweeter, housed in an acoustic suspension cabinet. This design choice, common in the era, aimed to deliver tighter bass response without the need for porting, though it likely limited low-end extension under real-world conditions.
Built in the USA, the XP-56S featured a wood veneer finish, commonly seen in walnut across surviving examples. Its bookshelf form factor made it suitable for smaller rooms or desktop setups, fitting the domestic audio trends of the decade. Owners report mixed experiences: one noted they “were ok for a while, but they were not what I'd call quality speakers,” while another on Audio Asylum simply stated, “I liked the sound.” Such divergent impressions suggest performance may vary significantly based on condition, room, and associated electronics.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Fisher |
| Product type | 3-way speaker system |
| Design | acoustic suspension design |
| Cabinet Design | Bookshelf design |
| Finish | wood veneer finish |
| Woofer size | 8 inch woofers |
| Tweeter | 3" tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms |
| Power Handling | 50W RMS (per channel) |
| Frequency Response | 22-48,000 Hz |
| Crossover Frequencies | 40, 150, 1600 & 5000 Hz |
| Country of Origin | Made In The USA |
Collectibility & Value
The Fisher XP-56S trades quietly in the vintage audio market, often as part of larger lots or paired with other Fisher components. A recent listing on USAudioMart priced a pair at $100.00, reflecting modest demand. Condition appears to be a key factor—grills are frequently described as “a bit rough and need cleaning,” suggesting cosmetic wear is common. One owner on Audio Asylum experimented with upgrading the tweeter using a unit from 1980s-era speakers, indicating that replacements may be improvised when originals degrade. No documented common electronic failures exist, though aging capacitors in the crossover—typical for speakers of this age—are likely candidates for eventual service. Original pricing and production dates remain undocumented, leaving a gap in its historical footprint.
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