Vintage Fisher SA-100 Stereo Tube Amplifier 7189 EL84 Based Restored & Ready
Saturday, May 11th, 2024
For sale is a fully restored Fisher SA-100 tube amplifier in far better working condition (yes, it sounds and measures better) than when it left the factory in the early 1960s. I did this work myself and this is one of the dozens of pieces of audio gear and test equipment I have restored in the last five years. I did not do this level of a restoration with the intent to resell the unit, but I simply have too much gear and this amp sounds too good not to be enjoyed. Restoration was the following (please also see relevant photo). Nearly all resistors and capacitors replaced including wirewounds where appropriate for heat dissipation. The bulk of the resistors were 1% tolerance of better military grade Vishay metal film resistors. These are on another planet compared to the noisy and out of spec carbon comp resistors. The “sound” of the amplifier is largely dependent on the output transformers and the carbon comps were simply holding this amplifier back and of course a limitation to the reliability of this already hot running small stereo amplifier. The tight, low-reaching bass this amplifier is known for is very much present and enhanced. Potentiometers and switches disassmbled and thoroughly cleaned. Chassis gently cleaned and protected with synthetic wax. Original 7189 tubes were weak and were replaced with a quad matched set of new production Tung-sol 7189s. Russian made before the war. Put some NOS tubes in here if you’d like. The 7247s are still the originals. Tube sockets were cleaned and tightened. The work done on this amplifier is cleaner than that one. I’ll note the cosmetic flaws but if you care about these when you consider the level of restoration undertaken here, you’re missing the point. Power transformer has a slight tilt to it. There was a small nick on one of the edges that I gently filed down as it was very sharp. You can see it in the photos. Some small nicks and scratches, but this amp is far cleaner than average. Rubber feet a bit deteriorated, but still serve their purpose. Additional things you should know. This amp runs hot and it was even hotter before restoration. The temperature is not harmful to the components but it is likely going to be warmer than you’re used to. Terms (Please read these). I sell mostly vintage electronics. As such, these items are old and typically out of spec from when they were new. I do my best to test these items and make sure they work before they’re sent out, but I do not guarantee or represent that they will meet the original specifications. I may not even be able to test them, in which case assume that they don’t work. However, there are times where I may miss something. If that happens, I hope that you would agree that the most efficient way to take care of an issue is if you simply message me before opening a case or doing anything else. I need an outlet for these items online, so I have no reason to send you something that doesn’t work unless I’ve noted that it doesn’t. I pack items correctly. I know what it takes to get an item to you safely. You will NOT have to ask for it. I will do my best to get items out within a few days, however there are instances where that is not possible especially around holidays. The policies here are difficult in this regard because these vintage items in particular need to be moved and packed carefully. I do not want to damage anything by rushing. With this all being said, if there is any reason that you don’t feel that you can leave FIVE stars in every category, please reach out to me before leaving any feedback other than positive with all five stars in every category. Please message me to work this o.
