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1963 Fisher A-68

G

grinder029

New Member
I just picked up a 1963 Fisher A-68 Ambassador console. It has an AM/FM tuner and a Garrard Turntable (both of which appear to work).

I've attached a scan of the back tube/amp diagram.

Everything powers up, but I get no sound.

I don't have the time to fix something like this so should I get rid of it as a whole device, or parts it out? (not really looking to make money, just need the space back in my garage).

Any advice is welcome as I'd like this to go to a good home.
 

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Firstly, you have a console that contains, pretty much, a separate Preamp/tuner combo plus a 2-channel power amp. The bad news is that the pre/tuner gets its operating voltages from the power amp chassis.

I'm sure it could be expected to perform on the order of the well-regarded Fisher 400/500/800 series receivers you see discussed here. The problem is that these chassis were designed for consoles rather than sit out. That means you would have to:

- Pull the chassis -both of them.
- Rebuild the power supplies in at least the power supply.
- Swap out some of the coupling caps in the power amp. Both of these items would make it reliable again, although you will find discourse here to the contrary and much debate.
- Figure out how to house the naked chassis if you're going to pitch the console box.

If you're not up for it, I suspect the chassis pulls would of interest for some folks here if you're willing to ship. For that matter, the tubes in the power amp section will be of interest for most any tube dudes.

Cheers,

David
 
Battradio, look again! It uses 12AX7 pre-gain and 7591 output tubes. I suspect the only transistor in that particular model, would be the solid state rectifier device.

Grinder, I would be glad to take it off of your hands! :D
 
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I have Fisher A-680 amp - is that from the A-68 console?

Fellow AK'er Narodow set this up as stand alone iron. I love it :banana:

IMG_0661.jpg
 
My Mistake ! looked at it wrong have one similar to that one that the output are transistors instead of tubes .

OOPPS

Mark
 
cademan said:
Battradio, look again! It uses 12AX7 pre-gain and 7591 output tubes. I suspect the only transistor in that particular model, would be the solid state rectifier device.

Grinder, I would be glad to take it off of your hands! :D
Click to expand...

Will take pictures and post them shortly.

If I can find a way to safely dismantle, pack and ship I could definitely accommodate. What price would something like this normally fetch (my wife just reminded me not to be an idiot)?

I will say that my wife and I searched the Internet for a group just like this and I am glad you folks exist. I grew up on stuff like this (great grandfather had Janzsen electrostatic speakers and multiple 300+ watt tube crown amps and his own recording studio) and the minute I found this thing all I could think of was "that sound" (I still have a crate of LP's in the basement). I'm heartbroken that I do not have time to fix it.

Thanks all!
 
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Some hint as to a location would probably help with finding a new home for this unit. :thmbsp:
 
Ok, here are the photos of the parts. I'm located in Hartland, WI.

The part number on the fourth picture says "680-A chassis", I cannot find any other identifying numbers. It looks almost exactly like the picture Shacky posted, except with bigger tubes.
 

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Maybe you could find a local tech (or a local AKer handy with a soldering iron) to help you get it going. That looks like a great console. I've been hoping to stumble across some Fisher tube gear in nice shape on my regular thrift store/garage sale prowls, but nothing has appeared yet.
 
Grinder, just a heads up. If you are not getting any sound, check the two 12AX7 tubes with the lights out to see that they are lit up. Second, make sure the speaker selector switch in front of the turntable, is set to "MAIN".
 
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grinder029 said:
Ok, here are the photos of the parts. I'm located in Hartland, WI.

The part number on the fourth picture says "680-A chassis", I cannot find any other identifying numbers. It looks almost exactly like the picture Shacky posted, except with bigger tubes.
Click to expand...

Not "bigger" - just different spacer on bottom. They look like 7591's - same as mine.

That would be a great console to restore to it's original glory :yes: Glad you found us. If you don't want it or have time to fix, or money to pay somone - someone here will gladly give it the love it deserves :yes:
 
Well since I know I don't have the time or money I am willing to sell.

As I mentioned earlier I'm located in Hartland, WI. I can ship the parts virtually anywhere.

All the tubes appear to power up properly (they all show light) so I'm hoping they are all truly good and there's just something else wrong.

What's a fair (but discounted) price to ask for something in this condition?
 
This thread will now end up in Dollars and Sense.....

Grinder029, I know you're new here and are asking normal questions but there are AK rules about what each forum is focused on. Its in the "read this before you post" notes in each forum.

Just suggesting you be prepared for it to move, that's all. Wish I had the time to dink with your project, btw.

Cheers,

David
 
grinder029 said:
All the tubes appear to power up properly (they all show light) so I'm hoping they are all truly good and there's just something else wrong.
Click to expand...

You never mentioned if you checked the speaker selector switch to make sure it is in the MAIN position. :scratch2:
 
I did check the speaker selector and it was on main. I flipped it back and forth (in a vain?) to attempt to clean the cobwebs out if any were stuck in there.

Still didn't work. :tears:
 
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