Opinions wanted on these two listings

[stbasil]

So, both of these are about a 1.5 hour drive for me, in opposite directions!

A nice Fisher, maybe a E-46X? I have asked the seller for a photo of the back of the unit:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... _code=null

Or this Motorola 3-channel. Also asked seller for a full picture of the back. Not sure if this is a 12" or 15" woofer in this guy:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/it ... _code=null

The Fisher cabinet is obviously in better shape, but pricier. Wondering what would be a fair offer for each of these?

I figure I will engage each seller with more questions this week, depending on any new info that I get from you guys.

Thanks for your help!

[William]

The cabinet is definitely in better shape with the Fisher. The Motorola is not a Drexel cabinet, but it is a deluxe model as that VM changer was used in their Drexel cabinet models and the amp has 6-6V6's in PP. Without knowing what is under the hood in the Fisher it is hard to make a choice.

Bill

[stbasil]

I think this is the Fisher model:
https://www.fisherconsoles.com/service% ... x%20SM.pdf

[Hi-Fi-Mogul]

I would go with the Motorola because the custom
V-M changer would be a bit easier to service than
the Garrard RC-210 that is in the Fisher.

Here's the 210's guts...not fun looking to me !

I used to ask sellers what their minimum bid would be,
and offer a bit less than that.

Also, please tell both of the sellers to STOP powering up those
amps !
A shorted filter cap can could wipe out the power
transformer.

[electra225]

I vote for the Motorola. The VM changer is a plus. I'm not a fan of Fisher. But that's just me. Good luck with whichever one you choose......

[macgolf]

I think you're right on this being a 62 Custom Electra in Modern. I'm an EL84 and Fisher fan but I've had better luck with VM changer vs Garrard. In Central IL, Fishers typically command a premium even for later SS models. That's probably why I haven't landed one. Good luck with whichever one you decide to pursue.

Mark

[Brettzky99]

Given these 2 choices I would go with the fisher

That's a stylish fisher cabinet...even tho the top looks like it needs to be refinished.

Motorola's my favorite but this model has a 12" woofer instead of a 15" and tape input is likely mono not stereo

There are quite a few Motorola's I would take before this Fisher but SK111 is not one of them

Anything you pick up is gonna need work. They will both sound great.

[Motorola minion]

Motorola would be less trouble to restore and probably make you very happy.

The Fisher is a bit more of a pandora's box for several reasons but its less common.

1. Fisher used more European electro and paper caps. No run till recap!!!
2. Fisher will require good EL84s, not just any 6BQ5. A meltdown is catastrophic at 360v B+
3. Fisher used Garrard changers, from the good AT60 to odd variants noted by HiFi Mogul

[stbasil]

Lots of great information, thanks everyone! Both consoles have mono tape inputs, but I can probably modify that without too much trouble. Both also have reverb and stereo mpx. I couldn't find a schematic specific to the SK-111 in the downloads, though. Any chance somebody has that? Or, would it be essentially the same as the Sam's for SK 106 through 110?

[Motorola minion]

Lots of great information, thanks everyone! Both consoles have mono tape inputs, but I can probably modify that without too much trouble. Both also have reverb and stereo mpx. I couldn't find a schematic specific to the SK-111 in the downloads, though. Any chance somebody has that? Or, would it be essentially the same as the Sam's for SK 106 through 110?

The SK-111 is in same Sams folder as the SK112, set 665. I will upload it later this week.
Those earlier models like SK107 weren't the same, those used SE6BQ5 for R+L, PP6V6 for bass.

[stbasil]

Thanks!

[Brettzky99]

Thanks!

I would leave that Motorola piano key switch permanently in the ON position and switch it remotely via a power strip. That is a really clear sounding 3 channel with the 12" woofer and PP6V6 amp. Not quite the 15" bass monster... but still very punchy. There's only a handful of caps to replace but the pre amp can sometimes be kinda tricky to access.

Electronically It's very similar to this one..which sounded really good
viewtopic.php?t=2678

[stbasil]

Well, the Fisher sold, but I had already decided to go with the Moto. Unless it gets sold before this Sunday when I'm supposed to pick it up, very responsive seller, has taken several additional pictures for me, so we shall see....

[William]

Good choice and I think you will be very happy with it. In the world of console stereos, Motorola made some really nice stuff and from what has been written here they sound great too. I have two of my Motorola's restored. One is a not so portable, it weights 40 pounds. It sounds good, the volume will blow you out of the room, but it really lacks in the bass department. The other one is a three-channel large stereo tabletop radio with aux inputs. That one has bass, and plenty of volume and sounds good too. My third is a console that I finally started on this past fall starting with the cabinet. The cabinet is finally worthy to be in the house and I am hoping to start on the electronics over the winter. It is a model SK52W and here is a link from Radiomuseum:

https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/motorola_ ... s_862.html

Bill

[walyfd]

The Fisher is marked SOLD at 250 and the other one is still available so someone else saw the value in the Fisher...

[Brettzky99]

Well, the Fisher sold, but I had already decided to go with the Moto. Unless it gets sold before this Sunday when I'm supposed to pick it up, very responsive seller, has taken several additional pictures for me, so we shall see....

Congrats. you will love that Motorola. The 3 channel separation is awesome. I was listening to that amp yesterday.. it is a monster.

[stbasil]

So, I've now got the SK -111 in my garage and taking "before" pix--I'll start another thread in the Motorola section cause I'm sure I'll have lots of questions!

[William]

Congratulations, stbazil, on your new toy. I do not think you will be disappointed once you have it sorted out and go through the rebuild process. After that, you can sit back and listen to lots of music.

Bill

[Grand137]

I love the things you find on Marketplace. Nice score. I am debating this. My wife would not be happy but she thinks it looks cool.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1GUEFUsa ... tid=79PoIi

[William]

That is definitely unique, it has everything all rolled into one unit and the only thing missing is a reel to reel tape player.

Bill