A friend of mine was looking into these amps because they look really nice, but he doesn't know anything about performance specs so he asked my opinion. Anybody ever heard of them, or these amps? I couldn't find any specs on the website for any of the models.
FisherAMPS | Bringing Art Back To Music - FisherAMPS is motivated by thorough hard work, ethics and the ability to hand tune each amplifier by ear. In doing so, James Fisher is proud to say we build the finest audio amplifiers available.
I don't think there is any relation to Fisher of the old days?
Here is a client testimonial
"Everyone knows the big names, the big pioneers in audio: Saul Marantz, Rudy Bozak, Bob Carver, and James (Jim) Marshall. Now its time to add James D. Fisher of FisherAMPS to that list. A true pioneer, a true engineer, with fresh and solid ideas about what Hi-Fi really means. I have two JDF pieces in my permanent collection and he is the only individual who will ever be permitted to service my inventory of special pieces I have been collecting for decades. Keep your eyes on this guy and grab as many of his pieces as you can while his works remain affordable." -Big George, Valencia, California-
I don't like to judge a book by it's covers but without specs I am thinking they are a basic tube circuit and nothing more. I really don't like them not having a metal enclosure, transformer orientation, terminal strip for connections.
FisherAMPS | Bringing Art Back To Music - FisherAMPS is motivated by thorough hard work, ethics and the ability to hand tune each amplifier by ear. In doing so, James Fisher is proud to say we build the finest audio amplifiers available.
I don't think there is any relation to Fisher of the old days?
Here is a client testimonial
"Everyone knows the big names, the big pioneers in audio: Saul Marantz, Rudy Bozak, Bob Carver, and James (Jim) Marshall. Now its time to add James D. Fisher of FisherAMPS to that list. A true pioneer, a true engineer, with fresh and solid ideas about what Hi-Fi really means. I have two JDF pieces in my permanent collection and he is the only individual who will ever be permitted to service my inventory of special pieces I have been collecting for decades. Keep your eyes on this guy and grab as many of his pieces as you can while his works remain affordable." -Big George, Valencia, California-
I don't like to judge a book by it's covers but without specs I am thinking they are a basic tube circuit and nothing more. I really don't like them not having a metal enclosure, transformer orientation, terminal strip for connections.
I auditioned this amp, but always thought it was a diy effort until I saw your link. At the time, it didn't leave much of an impression on me. The sound wasn't bad from what I recall, but then again it's hard to make an el84 sound bad.
Do you happen to remember what speakers were used?
An email was sent to the company asking for more details on the products. I will report back with more info.
They were 8" B&W bookshelves, not sure of the model. I'm curious what the response will be. In my opinion, you can do much better with some of the designs here. I was very impressed with the Baby Huey. $1700 is pricey for what you get.
I agree with you but the amp isn't for me, I am looking into this for a friend.
I built myself a couple Mullard 5-20's for just over $1k and they came out sounding awesome. Unfortunately for my friend he doesn't want to wait for something to be built and he doesn't want a Chinese amp. Icon Audio has a 20 watt pp stereo for $1300 that he might buy but he really wants something "exotic" looking. I heard some of the Icon Audio amps and they sounded pretty good but I don't remember the model or anything.
If that's the case, have him also look at the Luxman SQ-N10/SQ-N100. This comes with the advantage of a mm phono stage and headphone amp.
I would be rather wary of someone who tunes amps by ear, includes blue LED underlighting and plays soft music on his website, while apparently omitting any performance claims apart from purple prose. I suspect he is not selling sound reproduction, but a lifestyle choice. That will suit some people.
I would use the outputtransformers and built een "modern" design with them. That is soundwise a better idea.
Jaap, these are current production amps - not the classic Fisher you might be thinking of. (Not related to the original Fisher)
The website leaves me a little speechless..🙄
The website leaves me a little speechless..🙄
Sorry i see it now
I have used old Fisher OPT's with good result in Engineers Amp of Pete Millett
No response from the Fisher Amps about performance yet, I think my friend is coming around and realizing that those amps are just aesthetically pleasing and that's about it. "Selling a lifestyle not sound reproduction" is a great way to describe what is going on here.
I did find a sub reddit forum while googling around and James Fisher, the person who makes those amps posted a link to here and said he is a frequent member of diyaudio.com, maybe he will see this thread and chime in on more details about his amplifiers.
Once I dialed in the capacitor value on the feedback circuit using a scope, my 5-20's give any commercial amp that my friends have a run for their money. I think I convinced him to wait a couple weeks so I can build him some, although he thinks they are too "industrial" looking, I attached a pic.
Any ideas how to "fancy" the chassis up? Maybe wood sides? I am not artistic or fashionable, as long as it sounds good to me I am not too hung up on looks. I am open to any ideas.
I did find a sub reddit forum while googling around and James Fisher, the person who makes those amps posted a link to here and said he is a frequent member of diyaudio.com, maybe he will see this thread and chime in on more details about his amplifiers.
Once I dialed in the capacitor value on the feedback circuit using a scope, my 5-20's give any commercial amp that my friends have a run for their money. I think I convinced him to wait a couple weeks so I can build him some, although he thinks they are too "industrial" looking, I attached a pic.
Any ideas how to "fancy" the chassis up? Maybe wood sides? I am not artistic or fashionable, as long as it sounds good to me I am not too hung up on looks. I am open to any ideas.
Attachments
Have a look at the chassis made by Landfall Systems here: https://www.landfallsystems.com/ Their chassis are a bit expensive, but exceptionally well made.
Frontpanel Express here: Front Panel Express:*Front Panel Design Software and CAD Conversion Service (They have a linux version that runs fine under Ubuntu as well as Win, Mac OS versions)
Wood front or side panels are always dressy. I do this to my ugly looking stuff.. 😀
A linear layout often appeals to the layman. (All tubes in rows, symmetry where possible)
BTW I think your amps look just fine.. The Mullard 5-20 was the inspiration for one of my earliest designs, the 5-20 was excellently engineered and good sounding as well.
It seems as though there should be a pretty good budget available for you to build something that will be both sonically and aesthetically excellent.
Frontpanel Express here: Front Panel Express:*Front Panel Design Software and CAD Conversion Service (They have a linux version that runs fine under Ubuntu as well as Win, Mac OS versions)
Wood front or side panels are always dressy. I do this to my ugly looking stuff.. 😀
A linear layout often appeals to the layman. (All tubes in rows, symmetry where possible)
BTW I think your amps look just fine.. The Mullard 5-20 was the inspiration for one of my earliest designs, the 5-20 was excellently engineered and good sounding as well.
It seems as though there should be a pretty good budget available for you to build something that will be both sonically and aesthetically excellent.
Take a look at the recent "KT88" buildup here on this forum. I was impressed w/the wood base. My plans are to do the same utiing the teakwood base of a DD75 table. Dale
Thanks for the links, those Landfall chassis are nice indeed. I am friendly with a local machinist and now that I think about it maybe he can help me out.
I haven't downloaded the software yet for Frontpanel Express but I am sure it will run fine on my OS (Linux Mint is based off Ubuntu). Surely adding panels will help against looking so DIY.
I am worried about changing layout too much but I hear you about being linear with design. I have seen a lot of builds that the noise floor is exceptional even with cramped quarters so it is not impossible to achieve.
I was checking out some of Tubelab's stuff and maybe can get a PCB from him, or somewhere similar. This would help cut down on me doing some work as I usually make my own boards for my builds with flameproof epoxy boards and turrets. I do love the 5-20, a tried and true design, is there any PCB's for them out there?
And thanks for the kind words about my amps, I think they look good too 🙂
I haven't downloaded the software yet for Frontpanel Express but I am sure it will run fine on my OS (Linux Mint is based off Ubuntu). Surely adding panels will help against looking so DIY.
I am worried about changing layout too much but I hear you about being linear with design. I have seen a lot of builds that the noise floor is exceptional even with cramped quarters so it is not impossible to achieve.
I was checking out some of Tubelab's stuff and maybe can get a PCB from him, or somewhere similar. This would help cut down on me doing some work as I usually make my own boards for my builds with flameproof epoxy boards and turrets. I do love the 5-20, a tried and true design, is there any PCB's for them out there?
And thanks for the kind words about my amps, I think they look good too 🙂
check out this ebay item:
Handmade Tube Amplifier Incased in Bullet Proof Glass and Walnut Fisheramps | eBay
Art
Handmade Tube Amplifier Incased in Bullet Proof Glass and Walnut Fisheramps | eBay
Art
Hey guys
I found this, but I am about to head out the door for dinner, can I ask were you auditioned one of my amps at? Would be more than happy to answer any questions later tonight.
I found this, but I am about to head out the door for dinner, can I ask were you auditioned one of my amps at? Would be more than happy to answer any questions later tonight.
Hello James, I never auditioned your amps but sporc on here has, see post #2 on page 1.
I had sent you a message via your website inquiring more detailed information about your amps but never got a response. I was interested in input impedance, input sensitivity for full rated output power, THD at full rated power, signal to noise ratio, frequency response,is there negative feedback, etc................
Hey again
Hey,
Sorry I didnt get back to you last night, my wife and I met a few close friends while we were out and lost track of time.
I also apologize for not receiving your massage. Aaron is looking into it, and we have taken the website down to try to fix the issue..... Ahhhhh launch time blues.
I took a look at your amp builds and great work! It has been my experience that Edcore transformers are some of the best bang for you buck.
I did measurements with the trainees rotated at 90 degrees and in my opinion, it wasn't worth it. But, some purest's still prefer them that way, and being how each one is made completely by hand. I would be more than happy to reorient them as requested. Here is how it would look.
http://i.imgur.com/ltBPtfb.jpg (#003 is rocken out in upstate NY)
The terminal connections are only used for supporting the internals, All grounds are made directly with solder. The actual connections can be seen here.
http://i.imgur.com/p5E2pym.jpg
The input impedance is 500k ohms
Max power is 17.5 watts x 2
It's been my experience that some tubes favor power or distortion at one frequency, and other tubes at others. I would be more than happy to post a sweep after the next build is completed with the tubes I use. But trust me, the distortion figures are excellent for a tube amp.
They are about 85% st-35 and include Dave Gillespie EFB
There is negative feedback.
I am currently booked for about the next 2 months on the amps. So your friend would need to wait a few, and I know he is not willing to do that. From your own build experience, you can imagine how long these take me. This also explains the price. If your friend is looking for a great sounding amp, there are others that can be found for cheaper.
Hey,
Sorry I didnt get back to you last night, my wife and I met a few close friends while we were out and lost track of time.
I also apologize for not receiving your massage. Aaron is looking into it, and we have taken the website down to try to fix the issue..... Ahhhhh launch time blues.
I took a look at your amp builds and great work! It has been my experience that Edcore transformers are some of the best bang for you buck.
I did measurements with the trainees rotated at 90 degrees and in my opinion, it wasn't worth it. But, some purest's still prefer them that way, and being how each one is made completely by hand. I would be more than happy to reorient them as requested. Here is how it would look.
http://i.imgur.com/ltBPtfb.jpg (#003 is rocken out in upstate NY)
The terminal connections are only used for supporting the internals, All grounds are made directly with solder. The actual connections can be seen here.
http://i.imgur.com/p5E2pym.jpg
The input impedance is 500k ohms
Max power is 17.5 watts x 2
It's been my experience that some tubes favor power or distortion at one frequency, and other tubes at others. I would be more than happy to post a sweep after the next build is completed with the tubes I use. But trust me, the distortion figures are excellent for a tube amp.
They are about 85% st-35 and include Dave Gillespie EFB
There is negative feedback.
I am currently booked for about the next 2 months on the amps. So your friend would need to wait a few, and I know he is not willing to do that. From your own build experience, you can imagine how long these take me. This also explains the price. If your friend is looking for a great sounding amp, there are others that can be found for cheaper.
He did find a used unit locally that is pretty nice, 45wpc KT88 stereo power amp hand wired with walnut chassis for $900.
Thanks for responding and good luck with your launch.
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