The year was 1958, and the word "stereo" was the big buzz. The engineers over at Fisher Radio Corporation knew that this was no fad, and it was time to get a move on. They were one of the first to produce home stereo gear, joining the ranks of the early pioneers like Ampex, Bogen, Eico, and Grommes. The 400-C "Master Audio Control" was The Fisher's first stereo piece, and more than likely ended up feeding two monoblocks, because stereo amplifiers were still rare at the time. It wasn't until 1959 that Fisher would offer a stereo power amp, "The 300," which we acquired in the same collection from the original owner, and is also available.
This particular example is easily one of the finest pieces we've encountered from that era, and definitely the most pristine 400-C you are likely to find. It's been electronically restored back to factory specs and the mahogany cabinet has been completely refinished. We're tempted to describe it as "museum grade," but regardless of what we say, we're fairly certain that any vintage HiFi collector would eagerly welcome this very rare and important piece into their personal collection.
- Production
- 1958-62
- Condition
- 9/10
- Serial No.
- 1121012
- Orig. MSRP
- $169.50 ($187.45 with cabinet)
- Restoration
- Full 30-point service check
- Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis
- Cabinet sanded and refinished
- Main electrolytic capacitor rebuilt
- Replaced mylar capacitors
- Replaced pilot lamp
- Replaced 12AX7 (4) & 12AT7 (2) with NOS
- Factory Specs
Type Tube Stereo Preamplifier
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 25,000 Hz (Uniform)
Distortion less than 0,15% (for 2 volts output); 0,3% (for 5 volts)
Hum and Noise Better than 85 dB for high level inputs and 2 volts output; 65 dB for 10 mV low level input and 2 volts output
Tube Complement 4x 12AX7, 2x 12AT7, 1x EZ80
Power Supply 110 -125 Volts AC, 60 cycles
Power Rating 32 Watts, .30 Amp At 117 Volts Ac
Dimensions 15.25"W x 9"H x 5"D
Weight 10 lbs
- Documentation
Fisher 400-C Service Manual
- The History of Fisher
- ... many people conflate the acquisition with the change in branding, but the trademark request was actually filed by Mr. Fisher in 1965, and held up by other concerns who felt they had the right to use the "Fisher" name. The timing was a happy accident for collectors, who could then quickly discern the age...
[ Read More ]
- Liner Notes
The Model 400-C Stereo Master Audio Control has 16 input jacks and 9 controls for any combination of stereo or monaural uses. Provides for stereo tapes, disc, AM-FM, FM-FM, FM Multiplex and mikes; monaural tapes, disc, Am, Fm, TV sound, Short-wave and mike; recording stereo or monaural with monitoring facilities; and, electronic crossover at 650 cps handling monaural program sources into stereo systems for stereo effects. Four outputs in two pairs for stereo or monaural use. A twelve stage audio circuit with shielded transformer provides hum-free performance. Four AC outputs for driving other equipment.
- Stock No.
- 7561179857117
The year was 1958, and the word "stereo" was the big buzz. The engineers over at Fisher Radio Corporation knew that this was no fad, and it was time to get a move on. They were one of the first to produce home stereo gear, joining the ranks of the early pioneers like Ampex, Bogen, Eico, and Grommes. The 400-C "Master Audio Control" was The Fisher's first stereo piece, and more than likely ended up feeding two monoblocks, because stereo amplifiers were still rare at the time. It wasn't until 1959 that Fisher would offer a stereo power amp, "The 300," which we acquired in the same collection from the original owner, and is also available.
This particular example is easily one of the finest pieces we've encountered from that era, and definitely the most pristine 400-C you are likely to find. It's been electronically restored back to factory specs and the mahogany cabinet has been completely refinished. We're tempted to describe it as "museum grade," but regardless of what we say, we're fairly certain that any vintage HiFi collector would eagerly welcome this very rare and important piece into their personal collection.
Production
1958-62
Condition
9/10
Serial No.
1121012
Orig. MSRP
$169.50 ($187.45 with cabinet)
Restoration
- Full 30-point service check
- Cleaned controls, switches, and chassis
- Cabinet sanded and refinished
- Main electrolytic capacitor rebuilt
- Replaced mylar capacitors
- Replaced pilot lamp
- Replaced 12AX7 (4) & 12AT7 (2) with NOS
Factory Specs
Type Tube Stereo Preamplifier
Frequency Response 20 Hz - 25,000 Hz (Uniform)
Distortion less than 0,15% (for 2 volts output); 0,3% (for 5 volts)
Hum and Noise Better than 85 dB for high level inputs and 2 volts output; 65 dB for 10 mV low level input and 2 volts output
Tube Complement 4x 12AX7, 2x 12AT7, 1x EZ80
Power Supply 110 -125 Volts AC, 60 cycles
Power Rating 32 Watts, .30 Amp At 117 Volts Ac
Dimensions 15.25"W x 9"H x 5"D
Weight 10 lbs
Documentation
Fisher 400-C Service Manual
The History of Fisher
... many people conflate the acquisition with the change in branding, but the trademark request was actually filed by Mr. Fisher in 1965, and held up by other concerns who felt they had the right to use the "Fisher" name. The timing was a happy accident for collectors, who could then quickly discern the age...
[ Read More ]
Liner Notes
The Model 400-C Stereo Master Audio Control has 16 input jacks and 9 controls for any combination of stereo or monaural uses. Provides for stereo tapes, disc, AM-FM, FM-FM, FM Multiplex and mikes; monaural tapes, disc, Am, Fm, TV sound, Short-wave and mike; recording stereo or monaural with monitoring facilities; and, electronic crossover at 650 cps handling monaural program sources into stereo systems for stereo effects. Four outputs in two pairs for stereo or monaural use. A twelve stage audio circuit with shielded transformer provides hum-free performance. Four AC outputs for driving other equipment.
Stock No.
7561179857117
