Fisher SA-1000 Legendary Tube Amplifier - All Original

**Please click here to check out our newly launched SkyFi Audio website with additional items for sale**

The Fisher SA-1000 is a legendary tube amplifier - right up there on the “Holy Grail” list of HiFi pieces that every audiophile must own at some point.

This list includes items like the Quad ESL57 and Rogers LS3/5A speakers, Audio Research D79 amp, McIntosh MR78 Tuner, etc.

This piece is all original with no upgrades or modifications. It is currently working, but could use a restoration to increase reliability. We realize some clients want all original units, while others want them electronically or cosmetically restored (or both).

This unit is a great candidate for any of these scenarios.

You can purchase it as-is, or commission us to provide any upgrades or mods. Most tasks can be carried out in under four weeks.

Electrical restoration would include:
• The replacement and upgrading of all capacitors in the signal path.
• Replacement of all tubes.
• Lubrication of all potentiometers (POTS) or replacement as needed. 
• Bias of all tubes.
• Installation of a power-on delay board for a softer power-on start. This helps extend the life of all components. 
• Testing and replacement of all resistors that measure out of spec, or that show signs of aging. 
• Replacement of diode rectifiers in the power supply for reliability and performance.
• Installation of a MegaSurge InRush Current Limiter for softer and safer starting.

Cosmetic restoration would include:
• Full disassembly.
• Prime, prep, and painting of the transformers, chassis, and tube cover with the appropriate period correct paint colors.
• Polish and replace knobs as needed.
• Polish and buff all brass parts.
• Clearcoat all parts to extend life.
• Re-stencil all writing and numbering.

Physical condition is good for the age but far from perfect.

The good:

1. Faceplate is super clean and free from dents or scratches.
2. Writing is very clean.
3. Tube case is intact and free from dents.
4. All knobs are present and original.
5. The door functions and is solid.

The not so good:

1. The brown paint on the side of the chassis is flaking off a bit.
2. The transformer tops have a few scratches.
3. The tube case could benefit from a re-spray.

If you’d like to purchase this piece restored, simply let us know and we'll provide a quote.

Click here for a PDF copy of the original SA-1000 Schematic

Specifications:

Power Output: 
58 watts per channel into 8Ω (stereo)

Frequency Response: 
7Hz to 30kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion: 
0.11%

Damping Factor: 
13.3

Input Sensitivity: 
0.5V

Signal to Noise Ratio: 
85 dB

Speaker Load Impedance: 
4Ω to 16Ω

Tube Complement: 
ECC808, ECC83, ELL80, 8417

Year: 
1963

Price: 
1963 - USD $329.50
2019 - USD $8,539.00 (via usinflationcalculator website)

Our Testing Process for Amplifiers (Tube) at SkyFi:

We start with a visual inspection of all internal components to make sure there are no signs of stress or aging. Capacitors are checked for telltale sings of bulging or leaking, resistors are checked for signs of overheating or cracking, and tubes are inspected for signs of stress overheating or cracking.

We then power up the unit carefully and run a simple 1k sine wave while monitoring the output on an oscilloscope for signs of distortion or noise. Finally we run the amplifier to its full rated power into the appropriate resistive load provided by our Sencore amplifier tester. If there is an issue, it will usually be noticeable at this point. If it all looks clean we will often test for THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) measured by our Keithley distortion meter, and compare it against the original manufacturers specifications. The amplifier the remains powered on to "burn in" on our test bench for a few hours to make sure there are no heat related issues. If there are balanced inputs available they will also be tested.

We also test all tubes for output gain and leakage on our calibrated B&K 747 tester against the original manufacturers specifications. If needed, the tubes will be replaced from our vast NOS (New Old Stock) vintage or modern inventory. 

Final testing involves pushing actual music thorough the amplifier. We've learned over time that some issues are only noticeable to a trained ear while listening to familiar source material. Our test bench has reference vintage Kef speakers that we're very familiar with which quickly reveal any discrepancies. Some amplifiers will then move into our listening room where they are tested with our in-house reference speakers of choice.

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PURCHASING FROM SKYFI

This item will be professionally packaged and insured for safe transit to your home. 

This item is also available for pickup in Glen Rock, NJ, with convenient parking near our building.

Click here for specifics on our specialized packing process that separates us from the rest.

If we don’t have the original manufacture’s packaging, we use heavy duty double-ply corrugated boxes with Instapak expanding foam custom inserts. In many cases this has proven to be better than the original packaging! We also use high quality fiber reinforced tape to seal our packages. Lightweight items will be bubble wrapped and shipped in a high-quality box. 

NJ Residents or anyone picking up without a resale certificate will need to pay NJ Sales Tax.

Thanks for looking and be sure to call us at 201-879-0000 with any questions. 

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WHO WE ARE 

SkyFi Audio is a small startup business specializing in the purchase, reconditioning, and reselling of select high-end audio equipment. We only buy equipment the we admire and are passionate about. No mid-fi, no gimmicks, no junk.

Each piece of equipment is cosmetically restored and fully tested in our well-equipped lab by an engineer with 30+ years of experience in the HiFi world. If it does not meet or exceed the original manufactures specifications, it will not be sold.  We are very selective about the equipment we purchase, focusing on mostly analog, high-build quality, American, and European built units.

Through our sister company, which is an authorized dealer for McIntosh, Audio Research, Sonus Faber, ClearAudio, Pro-Ject Audio Systems, and Sony ES, we have access to OEM parts, service, and support. If you’re local and looking for new equipment from the above-mentioned manufacturers, please drop us a line as we can arrange both sales and professional installation in the tri-state area.

PURCHASING GUIDELINES

We do not accept or review any offers that do not go through the official Audiogon system. We have too many items for sale and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of offers outside of the official system. Please don’t message, email, or text any offers. 

PAYMENTS

We prefer working through PayPal which allows you to use a credit card or bank transfer. We do not charge extra for any payment fees if you purchase the item at the asking price.  You can also send us a personal check (which will need to clear before shipping), certified check, money order, or wire transfer. International clients without access to PayPal should use a bank wire transfer. 

If you’re picking up an item we do not accept PayPal. You must pay in person with a certified or bank check, or wire transfer. If you make a PayPal payment and are picking up the item, your PayPal payment will be returned. 

TRADE IN POLICY 

We accept trade-ins of equal or lesser value under certain conditions. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration. We will only consider high-end equipment from mainstream manufacturers such as McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Audio Research, Krell, etc. and will typically pass on displays, projectors, receivers, dated surround processors, and mid-fi equipment of any type. We will offer a fair value for your equipment, but keep in mind we’re running a business and will need to be able to resell the equipment at a profit after investing a great deal of time and resources in testing, certifying, repairing, cleaning, and packaging the incoming equipment. If you’re looking for top dollar, we suggest selling it directly on your own.

SELL US YOUR GEAR (Working or Broken)

We’ll also purchase your used or broken gear and arrange pickup if you are in our local market. Simply click here to submit your gear for full consideration.

SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT                                                                                                       

We are currently operating from our shop located inside our dedicated building in Glen Rock, NJ. You’re welcome to make an appointment if there’s a piece of equipment you’d like to see in operation before or after purchase. We have several well-equipped, dedicated listening areas plus a dedicated studio with tons of equipment of all makes and models. We’re not a store, so please don’t make an appointment if you’re just curious as to how a speaker or piece of equipment sounds. In essence - no tire kickers please.

You can call or text 201-879-0000 with any questions, or to schedule an appointment. We can also arrange to install, calibrate, and tune your newly purchased gear in your listening room if you’re local to our area. This is super useful when purchasing large speakers or heavy amplifiers. It’s also great for ensuring your new turntable is setup correctly in its final resting place.

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