1957 Fisher console - Hi-Fi or Stereo?

Greetings folks,

My first time poking my nose in here, so I hope this is the right place for this.

I came across a Craigslist ad for a 1957 Fisher console and started wondering... was real stereo really available in 1957 or was it Hi-Fidelity? I'm curious because I started thinking that the tube receiver might be worth rescuing.

Does anyone have any insights on this console or similar Fisher consoles from this time frame or this "hi-fidelity stereophonic" 1960 Motorola console ...?

[Duffinator]

I guessing the year is off on that one. I have a 55 Fisher Custom Electra console and it looks nothing like that. Maybe 1967? If so then yes it's stereo.

[Nolan Woodbury]

Duffinator is right on; that Fisher console from the 60s, not the 50s. I'd bet my tube tester on it.

Of the two, that's the one I'd choose. Anybody else notice there seems to be a lot of Fisher-activity here lately? That's a good thing, they made *b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l* stuff.

[skibjr]

As the proud owner of a 1963 Fisher Ambassador console, I'd have to agree. No pencil-thin tonearms on '50's model turntables. Probably a '75, but definitely not a '57. Don't expect any tubes in there, either.

[Sandy G]

Yep, that thing's a LOT later than '57.

[mhardy6647]

mid-1960's; the receiver is solid state. Definitely stereo though.

The Motorola looks to be a stereo... the FM may or may not be modern (so to speak) FM stereo MPX, if that's a concern/consideration.

Thanks for the insights folks. Drat! I was sort of hoping that Fisher console had tubes...

[cabinover]

The speakers kind of look like Wharfedales to me. Any guesses?

Originally Posted by cabinover

The speakers kind of look like Wharfedales to me. Any guesses?

Jensens. There's a photo of the paper from the rear in the lower right hand corner.

[Reece]

Just as a point of reference, stereo LP's were introduced in 1958, IIRC.

Reece

[walkandtalk]

Funny, I started my account today, read a few posts, and find this. I happen to have a model M-4592 Fisher Metropolitan right here in my living room. The receipt says it cost $649.50 (plus $26tax) on 8/18/1976, purchased from Almas Hi-Fi Stereo in Michigan. I picked it up in a thrift here in SC...

The manual is here too:it has an extra manual for the Dual phongraph installed. There's also a card to record the FM stations you've heard.

Some data:

Music Power output (IHF standard) 45 watts
Instantaneous Peak Output 90 watts

THD @ full output <1.0%
@ normal levels <0.5%

Input sensitivity PHONO 4.5 mV
Aux In 370 mV

Speakers 3-way: 10", 5", 3"

Power consumption 60 watts, 80 VA

Honestly, I bought this to use as a college stereo, and it worked really well hooked up to a CD player. Gets loud, and is a nice piece of furniture, too.

I emailed the seller and just received word that their Dad states 1965-66. They also sent a clearer photo of the chassis paper. It's a model M-4592 known as a Fisher Metropolitan. Solid state receiver, yes?

[walkandtalk]

my mistake, the receipt is dated 1967. Doh! Solid state and in stereo.

[Nolan Woodbury]

Can anyone tell me if 1.0% total harmonic distortion at full output is a good number for something like this? How does that compare to a modern high-fi?

I wonder how that figure would translate now, through 40-year old speakers? :-)

[truetone36]

[QUOTE=Reece;1218398]Just as a point of reference, stereo LP's were introduced in 1958, IIRC.

Actually, they were introduced in Sept. 1957 by Audio Fidelity.

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