Fisher 500B Receiver: what speakers can I use?

I just bought a restored Fisher 500B (hasn't arrived yet) and I have no idea what kind of speakers I can drive with it. I'm sure my B&W's will be too power hungry for it, so I am posting to ask for ideas that will work for lower powered tube amps. Either vintage, used, new, or whatever. Bookshelf or stand-mount models would be fine. I'm not even sure how much power this amp actually has. The only speakers I know of that would be recommended are vintage Tannoys, but I believe those will be priced beyond my means right now. So any ideas will be appreciated.

Oh, by the way, here is a photo of the actual unit I bought:

 

I know my Castles are a tube compatable speaker, but I'm not sure exactly how available they are because they're at least 7 years old and according to a few salesmen I've spoken with they say that mine were the last decent year of production by Castle. FWIW mine are the Conway II's rated at 50W, but they do give a lot of decent sound for their rating. I'm 100% certain they would be fine with a unit like yours Ian. They are a stand mounted speaker BTW.

PS. Nice looking receiver BTW!

 

How many watts is it? I drive my B&W 604s with a 60W with no problem. It's rated from 25 to 200W.

 

I have the Fisher KX100, and I posed a similar question a few weeks ago.

http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?t=40710

As you can read in there, I went with a restored set of AR-2ax speakers, on the advice of Joe. I love 'em.

 

The most logical and cost effective way to go would be to pair it with speakers that were voiced for tubes, ie made in the tube "era" (when everything was tubes). Advent, ARs, Dynaco A25, EPI 100's, vintage KLHs, and Avid 102 or 103 (I just got a pair of the 102a's myself for $50 including shipping and think they sound great) are the most recommended - old "East Coast" Henry Kloss sound - sealed enclosure two ways (Avid 103 are 3 ways). These are all highly regarded. The ARs and KLHs are known for a more withdrawn, darker sound, while the Dynacos, EPIs, and Avids supposedly have a more "upfront" sound. The Avids are not as well-known so can be had cheaper, and use rubber surrounds so there is no foam rot like on some of the others.

Note that ARs often need work on the LPad tweeter adjustment, and some of the others may need yhe foam replaced (kits are available).

As always, your musical preference will determine which you will like as well.

See www.AudioAsylum.com - Vintage Asylum if you haven't; tons of info on the older stuff.

 

Thanks guys for the replies so far.

Keith, after reading your link, I realize I not only read that thread the whole way through, but actually replied twice to it originally! Short memory indeed. For some reason, I have always thought Acoustic Research speakers required lots of power. But the 2ax work well with tubes, huh? I've never actually heard a pair of AR speakers.

Dave, thanks for the compliment. I thought the exact same thing when I first saw the photo. I can't wait to have it set up in my own living room

 

You know, I'd be using my Fisher right now if it didn't need some work. The music was so damn warm, vibrant, and lifelike playing the Fisher through the AR speakers. The odd thing is that the JVC unit I'm using right now sounds fine... but I definitely heard a difference.

The guy I bought these from is restoring another pair, so if you're interested I can let you know when they're ready.

 

The 604's have a 90 dB sensitivity, so I would think they would be fine with the Fisher. I know this is kind of an apples to oranges comparison, but I drive a pair of Klipsch RF-35 with a 5 watts SET tube amp with no problems at all. Try them out before getting too worried about it.

 

IF you want to buy my Klipsch KG4's Horn mid/trebble, dual 8" woofs and 12" passive, they are LOUD and efficient with power. $250/pair. Or I have a pair of Classic vintage KLH 33's 10" woof and grated tweeter, 2 way, cloth surround, so no aging and work like new. $120/pair. RE

 

My B&W CDM7-SE sound really good with my 500-C. I'm really glad i didn't get rid of them. It was that lousy Parasound amp which made them sound really bad. Its gone now, traded it for some current Tannoy reveals.

 

Okay, I have an extra pair of B&W 602 I can try with it. I have the 604, but they are hooked up to my Mac gear. I will definitely give the B&Ws a try before getting anything else though. Rolf, thanks for the offer, but the Klipsch sound is too bright for me these days.

Keith, any idea of the cost on those AR speakers you mentioned? How about shipping? Shipping costs for speakers has me a little concerned.

Thanks everyone.

 

Of course everyone here knows I recommend AR speakers!!

The AR-2ax and the AR-5 would be good choices if you want the larger AR speakers. The 4x would be a good choice if you want a smaller speaker.

 

Well, mine cost $155.00. Since he lived close by, I met him to save on shipping. He lives in Canton, Ohio.

My speakers were restored with new surrounds, the cabinets were revarnished, he applied speaker glue (50/50 with water) to the cones to stiffen them up slightly, and he replaced the grill cloth with black cloth and added a non-vintage AR logo plate. He said he got a couple emails from people who were giving him a hard time for not keeping them "vintage."

He said he wants to refurbish his new pair to those vintage standards. The grill cloth has a stain, but he's going to try and remove it. The correct AR logo plates are present too.

I'll shoot you a PM with his contact info. I'm at work, so I don't think I have it right now, but I can send it when I get home tonight.