The Fisher 500c is certainly one of the most sought-after pieces in vintage hifi. Known for its big, robust sound, the 500-C might open up new realms for the intrepid aural thrill-seeker, or it might just be a practical option for your summer home. Either way, it's guaranteed to put some kick back in your listening sessions. This particular piece has the natural character of a 60 year old piece, yet still sings like the birds.
- Production
- 1963-64
- Condition
- 8/10
- Serial No.
- 25795F
- Orig. MSRP
- $369
- Restoration
- Full 30-point service check
- Created new metal trim for cabinet
- Replaced all old electrolytic capacitors
- Refreshed wood cabinet
- Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis
- Specs
Type Tube-based FM stereo receiver
Tuning range FM
Power output 30 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Total harmonic distortion 0.7%
Frequency response 25Hz–25kHz, ±1.5dB
Input sensitivity 3.3mV (MM), 450mV (DIN), 230mV (line)
IM distortion (60Hz/7kHz, 4/1) 0.7%
Signal to noise ratio 80dB (line)
Channel separation 50dB (line)
Tuner 1.8µV IHF FM usable sensitivity
Dimensions 17.5"W x 6"H x 13"D
Weight 38 lbs.
- Documentation
500-C Owner's Manual
- The History of Fisher
- ... many people conflate the acquisition with the change in branding, but the trademark request was actually filed by Mr. Fisher in 1965, and held up by other concerns who felt they had the right to use the "Fisher" name. The timing was a happy accident for collectors, who could then quickly discern the age...
[ Read More ]
- Liner Notes
The debut of Avery Fisher's combo amplifier-receiver in the early 1960s signaled the dawn of the home stereo revolution. It initially came in two flavors: the basic 500B and the slightly pricier 500C, which added a headphone jack. Both injected recordings with a hitherto unheard liveliness, using a magic mix of vacuum tubes and capacitors to transform electrical signals into incredibly sweet music. When the first consumers to plunk down $370 heard Bob Dylan singing like he was a few feet away, many were convinced that nothing less would ever satisfy their ears. More than 50 years later, audiophiles still deify the two Fisher models. Revered by online communities, there's a cottage industry devoted to keeping the stereo 500s in working order. Some look at the stately metal-and-wood bodies and see a relic. The rest of us see the antidote to the sterility of the digital age.
-Michael Calore, Wired, Aug 2013
- Packing
- Prepare to be impressed. We have arguably the best packing process around. This piece will ship double-boxed, and fully insulated, taking extra care to ensure there's no pressure against the face. First, the component is first wrapped in 8mil plastic. Then, the unit is strapped to a plate inside an inner box to prevent shifting, and padded on all sides. We then suspend the inner box inside a double-walled outer box using shock-resistant foam corners. We also take great care to protect the tubes. When sensible, we will pack the tubes to prevent any movement. Other times, we'll individually wrap the tubes and mark their corresponding socket to preserve the bias. You can be confident that your piece will be snug as a bug in a rug.
- Shipping
- This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $125, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
- Stock No.
- 7996643246301
The Fisher 500c is certainly one of the most sought-after pieces in vintage hifi. Known for its big, robust sound, the 500-C might open up new realms for the intrepid aural thrill-seeker, or it might just be a practical option for your summer home. Either way, it's guaranteed to put some kick back in your listening sessions. This particular piece has the natural character of a 60 year old piece, yet still sings like the birds.
Production
1963-64
Condition
8/10
Serial No.
25795F
Orig. MSRP
$369
Restoration
- Full 30-point service check
- Created new metal trim for cabinet
- Replaced all old electrolytic capacitors
- Refreshed wood cabinet
- Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis
Specs
Type Tube-based FM stereo receiver
Tuning range FM
Power output 30 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)
Total harmonic distortion 0.7%
Frequency response 25Hz–25kHz, ±1.5dB
Input sensitivity 3.3mV (MM), 450mV (DIN), 230mV (line)
IM distortion (60Hz/7kHz, 4/1) 0.7%
Signal to noise ratio 80dB (line)
Channel separation 50dB (line)
Tuner 1.8µV IHF FM usable sensitivity
Dimensions 17.5"W x 6"H x 13"D
Weight 38 lbs.
Documentation
500-C Owner's Manual
The History of Fisher
... many people conflate the acquisition with the change in branding, but the trademark request was actually filed by Mr. Fisher in 1965, and held up by other concerns who felt they had the right to use the "Fisher" name. The timing was a happy accident for collectors, who could then quickly discern the age...
[ Read More ]
Liner Notes
The debut of Avery Fisher's combo amplifier-receiver in the early 1960s signaled the dawn of the home stereo revolution. It initially came in two flavors: the basic 500B and the slightly pricier 500C, which added a headphone jack. Both injected recordings with a hitherto unheard liveliness, using a magic mix of vacuum tubes and capacitors to transform electrical signals into incredibly sweet music. When the first consumers to plunk down $370 heard Bob Dylan singing like he was a few feet away, many were convinced that nothing less would ever satisfy their ears. More than 50 years later, audiophiles still deify the two Fisher models. Revered by online communities, there's a cottage industry devoted to keeping the stereo 500s in working order. Some look at the stately metal-and-wood bodies and see a relic. The rest of us see the antidote to the sterility of the digital age.
-Michael Calore, Wired, Aug 2013
Packing
Prepare to be impressed. We have arguably the best packing process around. This piece will ship double-boxed, and fully insulated, taking extra care to ensure there's no pressure against the face. First, the component is first wrapped in 8mil plastic. Then, the unit is strapped to a plate inside an inner box to prevent shifting, and padded on all sides. We then suspend the inner box inside a double-walled outer box using shock-resistant foam corners. We also take great care to protect the tubes. When sensible, we will pack the tubes to prevent any movement. Other times, we'll individually wrap the tubes and mark their corresponding socket to preserve the bias. You can be confident that your piece will be snug as a bug in a rug.
Shipping
This piece ships to the contiguous United States for a flat rate of $125, which includes our packaging and our insurance. Of course, we'll ship anywhere in the world, just drop us a line and we'll give you an estimate – even if you're just curious.
Stock No.
7996643246301
