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Vintage Asylum Classic gear from yesteryear; vintage audio standing the test of time. |
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Vintage Asylum Classic gear from yesteryear; vintage audio standing the test of time. |
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In Reply to: KM-60 posted by Monkeypunch! on July 19, 2003 at 16:47:34:
I used to grab these up for $25 or less (one or two for free) and restore them as gifts. But prices have spiked up as word has gotten around, at least in the world of Ebay and Audiogon.The KM-60 is a joy to service with a well-thought out and roomy chassis. The total for passive parts is usually under $10.
The Fisher "K" series, including the KM-60, were kits. While KM-60s were somewhat factory aligned, all are usually a little off due to their kit nature. While one can roughly align a KM-60 in mono through the meter, they really come alive with a complete professional alignment through the MPX section. If you value all that this tuner is capable of, pay for an alignment by a good tech. And as I have previously recommended to others, if you're going to invest in a professional alignment, be sure to replace all the 6AU6s first.
The KM-60 is virtually an FM-100B, with the same legendary 6DJ8/6AQ8 -based "Golden Cascode" front end. Fisher invested intensively in tuner research and development throughout the late 1950's, and the KM-60 is an heir to that effort. But the added advantage of the KM-60 over the FM-100 for purists is that it omits the stereo beacon circuit for a panel switch. It is therefore a far cleaner circuit past the IFs, with a more open and musical sound in my experience. The one shortfall of the KM-60 is a single 12AX7 for both audio outputs. However, I have not found this a practical disadvantage and it makes for easier tube rolling. It also combines both an eye beam tube AND a meter for tuning - a Fisher rarity.
In my main system, for which I can afford any tuner made, is a beyond mint condition Fisher KM-60. It embodies all that is wonderful about Fisher tuner design from the early 1960's without the frills, gadgets and unnecessary conveniences of the upscale models. As such it is a purist's tube tuner of the first rank.
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Follow Ups
- Re: KM-60 - sgmlaw 07/19/0318:51:40 07/19/03 (0)
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