If you’re into vintage tube receivers then you know this unit is the iconic Fisher 400. Some claim that the 400 is one of the finest tube receivers ever made. Fisher produced them from 1964 up until 1968.
Aesthetically the Fisher 400 looks similar to the 500 and 800 models. Here you can see the Fisher logo of a bird with a musical note in its beak. the face plate is brushed metal and the knobs are brass faced.
There is a head phone jack at the center of the receiver and the infamous Magic Eye tube which indicates the signal strength. If you’re interested in how the Magic Eye tube works you should check out the article at AntiqueRadio.org.
Avery Fisher founded Fisher in 1945 and was the dominant producer of hi fi tube gear up through the 1960’s. He actually had founded a company before that, in 1938, called Philharmonic Radio. he sold that company in 1945 and started Fisher Radio Company.
Around 1964 Fisher introduced the 400T which was the first all transistor receiver. But, the hi fi community wasn’t really quite ready to make the transition to all solid state so Fisher kept the 400 available until 1968. In 1969 Fisher sold his company to Emerson which then sold it to Sanyo. The quality of the receivers dropped significantly after that. Note the two output transformers and huge power transformer?
Lots of point to point wiring in these old tube receivers. The selenium rectifiers in these units should be replaced if they haven’t been already. Obviously the inner workings are a bit complicated and servicing should probably be left to a professional.
Here you can see the four power tubes in the Fisher 400. It uses 7868 tubes in a push-pull configuration while the 500 and 800 series use 8-pin 7591 tubes. Notice the heat shield between the transformers and the tubes. Nothing better to a tube enthusiast then glowing tubes. Well, other than the warm tube sound.
The Fisher 400 is a beautiful receiver that was built with attention to detail and performance. It is highly collectible, as are all of the early Fishers, so they aren’t cheap. They don’t come close to some of the high priced solid state monsters from the 1970’s but as far as tube receivers go they fetch a good price.
just perfect !
Wow I saw one the other day from the owner of the Lafayette LR 400 which I purchased .
Would like to know sources for Fisher 400 knobs. Thanks very much.
Your best bet would probably be eBay.
I am wondering how to connect my speaker wire to the 400. Does the red lead go to far left screw and black to gnd?
Yep.
I have a Fisher 400 tube stereo reciever that i purched new, It is in the origonal optional wood cabinet. The last time it was turned on and played it was great whitch was about 30 plus years ago, Since that time to the present it has been in my den covered and protected from the elements and prior to retireing it i discovered that the on/off switch was inoperative. It is presumed that a new switch with the addition of a load resister for the switch will put this gem in charge of your stereo system as it was with mine. It still looks new but i missing one of the knob gold colored inserts. It is available.
IS this still available? How much are you asking for it?
Is it still available?
Hi, I have three FISHER TUBE RECEIVERS in various conditions. I have two 500’s. One’s a 500-C and the other a 500-S. The 400 needs the most work. Please let me know if you’re interested. thx
This units is available
This unit is available.
Where do l plug my wires from my fisher 80az to my fisher 400c preamp.
I bought a vintage Fisher 400 stereo receiver from Quest For Sound last year.
It pretty much ran like a brand new one.
But here lately, it has been giving me signs that some of its caps needs to be replaced.
I want it to continue to give me the same sound that Avery intended it to give you or anyone.
My question is, where can I find the right caps for it?
Thanks in advance!
Try the guys at Audiokarma.org in the Fisher forum. They would be able to tell you.
Hi, I have a Fisher model 400 that my father bought new in the early 60’s. It’s been in my closet for over 20 years and I recently took it out and connected it to speakers. It fired up and sounds great! Because I don’t really have a need for it I’d like to sell. Is this the correct forum for selling something like this? I can send pictures and videos if anyone is interested.
Thanks,
Alan
Hi Alan – yes I would be interested in buying the Fischer. emeadley@hotmail.com
Alan
Please send pictures if still available. Thanks.
James
I have a Fisher Gotham IV which I understand is the same as the 400. The tuner is very difficult to turn. Anyone know how to clean and lube this?
watch the fisher 500c is good inf in [you tube] for tuner lub
Does anyone have the full list of tubes number that require The Fisher 400T?
I have working 400 /65watt in it’s original console.has original Garrard AT60 turn table w/cartridge and it works.original speakers are outstanding. And have satilite speakers, but they need reconed. This is the last one I have!!!! Serious offers only. 360 275 3138 D.J
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I have a lot of vintage stereo receivers, Marantz,Pioneer , Sherwood, Sansui etc., but my Fisher 400 is my favorite love the great sound it’s just the absolute best.