My restored Fisher 800-C, Prix and Me

I meant to post this message almost 2 weeks ago but I'm only now taking the time to shower, shave and leave the house on short errands; I've been enjoying (now there's an underpowered word for it) my vintage Fisher 800-C tube amp/receiver that has been masterfully restored electronically-speaking and now only awaits my elbow grease and a tube of Happich Simmichrome Polish for the final aesthetic touches.

Many of you may recall with anger and vindictiveness my finding this amp under a picnic table at a local yard sale last year for $1. Well, several dollars more have been put into it and suffice to say my entry into the world of vacuumology has been one of unspeakable thrills and aural nirvana. Of course, the 12" Tannoys I found at another yard sale for $15 help a lot too...groan...boo...

None of this would have/could have happened without the amazing Prix (actual name still being withheld by the Bush Administration, apparently). Not only did he arrange to have the unit serviced by his trusted wizard up in scenic Ukiah CA but he also personally delivered it to me March 27 up in Monterey where I had a speaking engagement. His wisdom, suggestions, recommendations and willingness to answer the most dumbellish questions by yours truly will not be forgotten any time soon. A public thank-you to you, Sir Prix! Any of you who are even thinking about buying/restoring/trading/selling audio gear of any kind should drop Prix a line before making a move, if only for an informed opinion (and Lord knows he's got plenty of those ;-)

I also want to HIGHLY recommend one Dick Billups, who put untold hours into restoring this unit above and under the hood and charged me SIGNIFICANTLY less than anyone else in the biz would have (and I know what they charge after researching the issue last year). His attention to detail, kindness and general down-hominess impress me no end. I hope some of you might be looking for just such a reliable and capable technician, so here's his number: 707.485.5415. Email [email protected].

And finally if anyone's read this far, a few pictures.

 

Dick Billups handiwork, indeed a work of art as Prix described it.

 

Finally (aren't you glad?) my (very) temporary setup in my office. The Tannoy cabinets are being refinished so I've got the Fisher hooked up to a pair of Mirage Omni 50 bookshelfs. Nice match, actually.

So do I get the Grover cables now?

 

I couldn't help but notice you have a Yamaha RXV-992 under the Fisher

It's a beautiful setup. Congrats.

 

Do you have X-ray eyes Javier? Yea it's a 592 actually...I use it to amplify audio from my Mac.

 

I bought a Fisher 800-B on ebay earlier this year and it's still making its way through the restoration queue. Now, I was doing pretty well at being patient, but this thread is making it tough. I've never used tubes either, but these old Fishers are supposed to sound pretty sweet. I've got a pair of vintage Fisher XP-7 speakers just waiting to be hooked up to it. Enjoy and keep posting more details!

 

Patrick, welcome to the world of Tubology!!!!!!

 

I just had my Fisher 400 restored and it sounds fantastic. I may end up selling my other equipment like the recently tuned up Mac C20 and Dynaco ST70's. congratulations - I will be on the look out for some Tannoys

 

Thank you for the kind words, Patrick. All I have to say is that helping each other and sharing advice is what this forum is all about. It's nothing that hasn't been done for me plenty of times in the past. Anyway, congrats!!!


BTW, thanx for the Gene Clark cd!!!!!!!!

 

No X-Ray vision, but I used to own the 992

That Fisher looks beautiful. Congrats!

 

What old MCA CD is that in the 3rd pic?
Sorry, I do not have X-ray eyes.
Congrats!

 

I think it's the maybe it is/maybe it isn't Hoffman STEPPENWOLF

 

Does it have tape-drag at the begining of most songs? Oh yeah, congrats on your tube initiation Patrick.

 

I don't hear it, but it's not the Canadian version. Let's start a thread....

 

Listen to "Everbody's Next One", does the piano come in without any sound of drag? If so, you got Steve's.

 

Starts nice and clean...hurray!

 

My understanding is that his actual name really is "The Amazing Prix".
He's quite a hit with the ladies

Seriously though: Prixie is a true star. Enjoy your new tube box
Best-
Norm

 

Ahhhh....now that's better!

After a month's worth of weekend polishing sessions and about 4,000 Q-Tips, my Fisher is buff and all ready to actually be placed in a position of honor in my listening room (i.e. office). I was up past midight listening on headphones....I still can't get over how this puppy sounds.

 

Congrats Pdenny! Prix is the man when it comes to equipment, vintage or otherwise. When I finally get into vintage gear, I'll deal only with Prix. Very friendly and trustworthy.

 

Pdenny, excellent job, a little elbow grease turned it into a great looking piece of vintage gear!

 

Gawd! That looks GORGEOUS! That jeweler's polish is amazing stuff, isn't it? How did the chassis lettering turn out? Do you have any closeups? Did you end up accidentally removing anything you didn't want to?

 

Thanks for your kind words, George! That is a very nice thing to say and I can certainly return the compliment. Geoman076 is the best!!

 

Nice looking gear!!! I'm yealous

 

Where do you get that polish?