Fisher 100-T Preamplifier/Tuner, Mini-Review and Photo Set

[Charivari]

The Fisher 100-T AM-FM Tuner and Master Audio Controller was a preamplifier/receiver available for purchase separately or in Fisher's more expensive consoles circa 1960 shortly before the transition to transistorized designs. This particular unit was paired up with a Fisher SA-16 amplifier in The Fisher Coronet console Model C-55P.

Recent posts at the Audio Asylum have praised the sonics of this particular, borderline rare unit and as such have inspired me to dig my 100-T out of storage and take some photos of it. The comments I mention have placed the 100-T far above a McIntosh MX-110 preamplifier in direct comparison, which I find surprising for a "console controller". When all is working properly with this unit, the sound is surprisingly "liquid" even for a tubed component. For the positive, the sonics are very lush, full, rich, and I suppose the favorite review terms "syrupy" and "chocolaty" applies. For the remainder of the preamplifier section, the negatives abound including a very fuzzy soundstage and exceedingly dark muddy sound when not paired with an overly bright pair of speakers, amplifier, and source. "Tar like" is an apt phrase to describe the sonics when too many dark components are connected to this preamplifier, though I've no doubt that fresh tubes and recapping could correct these fairly strong detractions. The weakest point of this preamplifier is the phono section and the sound, while still heavily colored, is a bit closer to neutral when auxiliary sources are connected.

While the phono preamplifier isn't the greatest, the tuner section is the prime example of these properties adding a lot of extra "breath of life" to the otherwise heavily compressed and damaged signal that comprises the typical radio station. Even AM stations sound surprisingly good thanks to these pleasant colorations and nearly FM quality in listenability -- the 100-T is the best sounding AM receiver I've yet heard. For the FM component, the mono is surprisingly satisfactory for the same reasons. The stock 100-T does not come with the add-on multiplexer required for stereo FM reception and as I understand from what John (blue_lateral) told me on this subject in the past, the appropriate Fisher multiplexer model makes the 100-T exceedingly common in comparison. Fortunately, most regular multiplexers from the era will work such as the Korting that is wedged into mine. The other nice features of the tuner are separate controls and indicators for both the AM and FM sections minimizing the need for retuning in a station when switching between the modes. Furthermore, the separate magic eye tuning indicators make tuning easy and, well, look kind of cool. The options for the tuner are a bit unusual in their number and it is possible to listen to two stations simultaneously, one through each speaker, though I do not know how this can be practical.

The tone controls are too gross in scale to be of much use with a decent setup unless one wants to adjust the knobs minutely. The knobs are concentric, so it is possible to have separate settings for the left and right speakers. The loudness is pretty much too excessive to engage and would appear to have been intended for somewhat lacking console speakers.

Unfortunately, I am not aware of the 100-T ever being offered with a case, stock or optional nor does the brushed brass faceplate show any sign of being designed to join with a case. This is likely due to its primary intent being for console or custom installations.

These units do not come up for sale very often, so an approximate price range is difficult to ascertain. Units showing a bit of wear and of unknown electrical condition fetch ~$400-500. Good condition units can fetch ~$600. "Trashed" console pulls may be found for <$200.

The owners manual and schematics may be found in this thread.

- JP

The front of the 100-T

Attached Image (Click thumbnail to expand)

[Charivari]

Powered on

Attached Image (Click thumbnail to expand)

[Charivari]

Back panel

Attached Image (Click thumbnail to expand)

[Charivari]

Top

Attached Image (Click thumbnail to expand)

[Charivari]

Underside

Attached Image (Click thumbnail to expand)

[Charivari]

Information sheet from console showing tube types and locations.

Attached Image (Click thumbnail to expand)

[Charivari]

The Korting FM multiplexer that sort of sits over the square opening in the chassis

Attached Image (Click thumbnail to expand)