Is this "Integrated Stereo DC Amplifier" any good?

[Ziddy]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/ziddy5/amp1.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/ziddy5/amp2.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a91/ziddy5/amp3.jpg

My dad's had it for quite a while, and he's letting me use it for now. The rest of my setup is in my sig.

 

[Ziddy]

Does no one know?

 

[bundee1]

Ask over at AudioKarma.org. A lot of vintage enthusiasts there with expert knowledge.

 

[mkmelt]

It looks to be a Fisher brand integrated amplifier, made in Japan by Sanyo. Probably late 70s or early 80s design. It may have an integrated circuit (IC) or two in the preamplifier stage, or it may use all discrete components. From the size of the amplifier in the photos it probably has a decent sized power supply. If you hear no hum then the power supply filter capacitors are still ok. It will probably work better as a headphone amplifier for use with high impedance phones rather than low impedance, but try them all and decide for yourself. Also, the Fisher integrated should match up well with the JBL 4301 monitor loudspeakers. Definitely a keeper. Don't forget to thank your dad for hanging on those pieces of nearly vintage audio gear.

 

[Ziddy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mkmelt It looks to be a Fisher brand integrated amplifier, made in Japan by Sanyo. Probably late 70s or early 80s design. It may have an integrated circuit (IC) or two in the preamplifier stage, or it may use all discrete components. From the size of the amplifier in the photos it probably has a decent sized power supply. If you hear no hum then the power supply filter capacitors are still ok. It will probably work better as a headphone amplifier for use with high impedance phones rather than low impedance, but try them all and decide for yourself. Also, the Fisher integrated should match up well with the JBL 4301 monitor loudspeakers. Definitely a keeper. Don't forget to thank your dad for hanging on those pieces of nearly vintage audio gear.

Thanks for the info. My setup is certainly good to my ears, though I'll have to leave it behind when I move out. The highest impedance headphones I have right now are only 60 ohm, though, so I guess I can't really test it as a headphone amp right now.

How much would this have costed, though, and how would it compare to amps that you would recommend to someone nowadays?

 

[mkmelt]

Assuming that the amplifier cost $250 in the late 1970s, it would cost approximately 3X as much ($750) in current dollars to design, manufacture, and market a similar unit today. Of course advances in integrated circuits and smaller lighter power supplies mean that it does not cost that much to build and market a similar amplifier today. Compared to a current amplifier your Fisher integrated amplifier may not have as good noise and distortion specifications, but in listening tests it might sound as good or better depending on how it matches up with your chosen headphones or speakers. You will have a hard time putting together an audio system today that would perform on the level of your Fisher amplifier and JBL speakers for less than $1500.

 

[Ziddy]

Well, that's really good to hear, and to think I didn't have to pay a dime!

I'll be sure to tell my dad this; thanks for explaining it for me.