Futura receivers of the early 70's

rBuckner

rBuckner

Luv 2 Restore
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Hi Fisher lovers!

One of my early lusts was a Fisher receiver I would go "visit" when my folks went to our local AGE store in Oakland, CA. My interest was re-sparked the other day when a fellow AKer purchased a 201 model. It looks like the one I used to drool over but I'm not sure. At any rate I searched this forum for any links to websites where I might find more info on this "Futura" series, but to no avail. Bottom line is I'd like to find out what all models were in this series that had that look. I've also seen 202 models which I'm guessing is more powerful but only like 30 watts or so. Is anyone up on this info?

By the way, I ended up buying an Electrophonic all-in-one as my first stereo... what a piece of junk! A couple of years later I got a Pioneer SX-626 based system... much better! The 626 is working and at my office at work currently.

Thanks for any info on these cool looking beauties!
 
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The Futura Series was Fisher's low-cost line of receivers which began with the 202 in 1971. These were offered at the same time as such receivers as the 500-TX, 450-T, 250-TX, 210-T, etc. I suspect that the models with the letter suffix were probably designed at the very end of the Avery Fisher era and built in the US. The three digit number models (with the possible exception of the 4-channel models: 601, 701 & 801) were probably the first series of Fisher receivers which were produced off-shore.

The 201, 301, 401, 601 series of receivers were from 1972. They were usually sold as part of a package with low-end Fisher speakers like the XP-65 and a BSR turntable. The 201 was advertised as part of such a package for $399. It boasted 80 watts IHF "music power" which probably worked out to around 20 watts RMS. 1971's 202 had 100 watts IHF music power or 28 watts RMS.

If I were to lust after a Fisher receiver of this era it would definitely be one of the letter suffix models. Their specs were far superior to the Futura Series models.
 
Thanks for the info Red! Yeah, there's much better stuff as mentioned but it's the emotional completion I'm after. That and I LOVE blackout era stuff. I did stumble upon higher powered receivers 203 and 205 so will be looking into those too. I'll post any acqusitions.
 
It just occurred to me that I have a price list from 1972 covering Fisher's entire receiver line-up. I'll post it here for posterity:

The Fisher 170 . . . 48 watts . . . $199.95*
The Fisher 180 . . . 64 watts . . . $249.95*
The Fisher 201 . . . 80 watts . . . $249.95 (Futura Series)
The Fisher 203 . . . 80 watts . . . $269.95
The Fisher 202 . . . 100 watts . . . $299.95 (Futura Series)
The Fisher 205 . . . 120 watts . . . $299.95
The Fisher 390 . . . 140 watts . . . $349.95
The Fisher 301 . . . 140 watts . . . $349.95*
The Fisher 450-T . . . 180 watts . . . $399.95 (w/RK-40 Remote Control)
The Fisher 505 . . . 180 watts . . . $409.95 (w/RK-40 Remote Control)
The Fisher 401 . . . 150 watts . . . $449.95* (Wireless Remote Control)
The Fisher 500-TX . . . 200 watts . . . $499.95
The Fisher 800-T . . . 200 watts . . . $524.95 (w/RK-30 Remote Control)
The Fisher 601 . . . 200 watts . . . $599.95 (4 Channel)
The Fisher 801 . . . 250 watts . . . $749.95 (4 Channel w/WT-50 Wireless Remote)

*Includes free walnut finish cabinet

Note that the wattage listed is IHF "music power" such that the 100 watt (both channels combined) 202, according to Fisher's own specs, is really 28 watts RMS per channel.

Also note that only the 201 & 202 are listed as being part of the Futura Series.
 
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Fisher 505-T

I have a rare Fisher 505-T receiver (it actually is a 450-T but numbered differently for identifiaction purposes: multi-voltage settings related to foreign sales).
Currently looking for the RK-40 Remote control scan?
 
R-2-R: Your Best bet is to put a search tag on EBAY. That's how I found the RK-30 for my 500-TX.

Larry
 
The search is on.........

Thanks for the tip 'Larry'.
How does one go about setting that up? I really don't spend alot of time on Ebay but it sounds like it could be very helpful. I'll check into it.
Again, thanks.


EDIT** O K I think I got it. I did it on my iphone (that is if I did it correctly :scratch2:).
 
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I've only heard about it, never done it. IPHONE??? what's an IPHONE? Don't tell me MA Bell has FINALLY made implanted personal phones!

(I'm lucky I can operate a TRAC-fone, much less one of those "does everything but wipe my ***" GEE WHIZ, gotta keep up with the Jones', obsolete in 6 month's that cost me a mortgage payment, things.) :D
 
larryderouin said:
I've only heard about it, never done it. IPHONE??? what's an IPHONE? Don't tell me MA Bell has FINALLY made implanted personal phones!

(I'm lucky I can operate a TRAC-fone, much less one of those "does everything but wipe my ***" GEE WHIZ, gotta keep up with the Jones', obsolete in 6 month's that cost me a mortgage payment, things.) :D
Click to expand...

:lmao::lmao::lmao::lmao:

Hey Larry, little Mr. Iphone is Ma Bell's great, great, great grandson! Smart little bastard too!
Don't feel bad, I'm still learning how to use it and finding out new things about it as I go and I've only had it for just a year!

Anyway, "IF" anyone happens to come across this thread/post about the Fisher RK-40 remote scanner, say a year or two from now, heck, still send me a PM or contact me. More than likely I will still be interested!
Thanks y'all!
 
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