Fisher Futura-F-5593 Owners Manual

\

CONGRATULATIONS!

With your purchase of a FISHER instrument you have com­pleted a chain of events that began many months ago, in our
research laboratories. For it is there that the basic concept of
the equipment you have just acquired came into being-its

Remember always that we want this equipment to give you
the best performance of which it is capable. Should you at
any time need our assistance toward that objective, please

write me personally.
appearance, its functions, its quality of performance, its con­venience of use.

But the end step-your purchase-is merely a beginning. A
door has now opened, for you and your family, on virtually
unlimited years of musical enjoyment. Recognizing that one of
the keys to pleasurable ownership is reliability, we have
designed this instrument to give long and trouble-free service.

In fact, instruments we made over twenty-seven years ago

Many hours have been spent by our engineers and technical

writers to create this instruction book for your guidance and

enjoyment. If you want the most out of your FISHER, there is

only one way to obtain it. With the equipment before you, please

read this booklet carefully. It will be time well spent:

AN IMPORTANT SUGGESTION

are still in use today.

1tu'lA.1(.

FISHERFIRSTS-Milestones in the History of High Fidelity Reproduction.

1937

First high-fidelity. sound systems Ieaturinq a beam- 1956 First performance m~nitor in a high-quality amplifier.
power amplifier, Inverse feedback, acoustic speaker 1956 First FM-AM tuner With two meters.
compartments (infinite baffle and bass reflex) and 1956 First complete graphic response curve indicator for
magnetiC cartridges. . bass and treble.

1937 First exclusively high-fidelity TRF tuner, teaturinq 1957 First GOLDENCASCODEFM tuner.

broad-tuning 20-20,000 cycle fidelity. . 1957 First MicroRay tuning indicator.

1937 First two-unit high-fidelity system With separate 1958 First stereophonic radio-phonograph with magnetiC

speaker enclosure. stereo cartridge.

1938 First coaxial s~eaker system. . . 1959 First high-quality remote control system.
1938 First high-fidelity tuner With amplified AVC. 1959 First complete stereophonic FM-AM receiver (FM­1939 First dynamic range .expander.. . AM tuner, audio control, 40-watt amplifier).
1939 First 3-way speaker In a h,gh-f.,del,ty system. 1959 First high-compliance plus high-efficiency Free-Pis­1939 First center-of~channel tuning !ndlcator. . ton loudspeaker system.
1945 First preamplifier-equalizer With selective phono- 1960 First to use MicroRay for FMtuning and as a record-

graph equalIZation.. ing audio level indicator.
1948 First dynamic range expander With feedback. 1960 Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D. C., receives
1949 First FM-AM tuner. With variable AFC. for its collection America's first commercially manu­1952 F!rst 50-watt ail-triode amplifier. factured high-fidelity radio-phonograph, made by
1952 First self-powered master audio control. . Avery Fisher in 1937.
1953 First self-powered, electronic sharp-cutoff Illter.svs- 1960 First reverberation device for use in high fidelity

tem for high-fidelity use. equipment-the Fisher Dynamic Spacexpandere.
1953 First universal horn-type speaker enclosure for any 1960 First stereo tuner with MicroTune.

room location and any speaker. 1960 First front-panel antenna selector switch, 72-300
1953 First FM-AM receiver With a cascode front end. ohm Local-Distant positions.
1954 First low-cost electronic mixer-fader. 1961 . ' . .
1954 First moderately priced professional FM tuner with First FM-Stereo multiplex. adapter With STEREO

two meters. BEACON and automatic SWitching, mono to stereo.
19S5First peak power indicator in high fidelity. 1961 First complete FM-multlplex stereo receivers.
1955 First master audio control chassis with five-position 1961 First FM-stereo tuners With STEREO BEACON and

mixing facilities. STEREOBEAM.. . ...

1955 First correctly equalized, direct tape-head prearnpli- 1961 First Internal SWitching system to permit Immediate

lier with self-powered master audio control. tape playback With use of all controls and SWitches.
1956 First all-transistor preamplifier-equalizer. 1962 First simplified-operation control-amplifier, with in­1956 First dual dynamic limiters in an FM tuner for home frequently used controls behind front-panel cover,

use. yet immediately accessible.

COPYRIGHT 1966 FISHER RADIO CORPORATION All Rights Reserved

il~

1962 First loudspeaker with eddy-current-damped voice

coil.

1962 First FM tuner kit with separate d'Arsonval meter

for tuning and separate cathode ray stereo broad­cast indicator (STEREO BEAM).

1963 First power amplifier to use oscilloscope-type fre-

quency-compensated input circuit.

1963 First amplifier kit with STRATABALANCE® visual

dynamic balancing system.

1964 First multiplex adapter with 'flywheel synchroniza-

tion.' Closely approaches theoretical limit of noise

rejection, and of all spurious responses.
1964 First FM Stereo Tuner with STEREOSCAN®.
1964 First peripherally-driven tweeter with cotton, soft

dome,
1964 First to use TUNE-O-MATlC® circuitry in an FM

tuner.

1965 First All-in-One, All-Transistor 4-Gang Front-End.
1966 First F.E.T. front-end design with over 40 db of

Automatic Gain Control (more than ten times that

of the best prior solid-state techniques.)
1966 First FM tuner with Automatic FM Antenna Signal

Attenuator.
1966 First FM tuner to achieve 0.6 db capture ratio-three

times better than the best previous achievement.
1966 First FM Tuner to use a 10-megacycle-wide Counter

Detector, eliminating all distortion for the life of the

tuner.

1966 First FM Tuner with Clear Signal Indicator.
1966 First FM Tuner to incorporate a Power Amplifier

Circuit for high-quality, low-impedance headphones.

1966 First time-division multiplex circuit to incorporate a

Four-Diode Coincidence Circuit.

1966 First all-transistor FM Receiver to use Overload

Protection.

Founder and President

Printed in U.S.A.

II
~.

I

FUTURA®

F-5593

Stereophonic Radio-Phonograph

Your new console is an outstanding example of the bold imagina­tion, sound design, and care in manufacture which have made the

FISHER name synonymous with leadership in high-fidelity for over
a quarter-century. Combining old-world artistry in furniture design
and construction with the latest advances in electronics and
electro-acoustics, it exhibits the superlative FISHER performance

long praised by professional musicians and musical connoisseurs.

This unit is a complete high-fidelity stereo system featuring a

transistorized AM-FM-stereo receiver, a precision four-speed

automatic turntable, and two matched full-range speaker systems.

(The receiver itself incorporates several design innovations,

among them a revolutionary new FET front end, a multiplex de-

coder with exclusive STEREO BEACON', and a power-amplifier

section with the unique

Transist-O-Gard"

protective circuit.)
The console's inherent flexibility permits you to play AM, FM,
and FM-stereo broadcasts, mono and stereo phonograph records
of any size and speed, and anyone of a wide variety of auxiliary

program sources of your choice. Whatever the program, you may
shape its sound characteristics to suit your personal tastes and
listening conditions with the console's versatile array of controls
and switches. These also permit you to listen either through the
console's speakers or through optionally connected stereo head-
phones and extension speakers. A pair of FISHER WS-2 WIDE-

SURROUND'> speakers may also be connected for enhanced
stereo 'spread', if desired. Special facilities are also inclu.ded for
tape-recording the selected program while listening, for playing

back

the recording (or any prerecorded tape) through the console

at your convenience, and for adding reverberation with the

FISHER K-10 DYNAMIC SPACEXPANDER".

The automatic turntable can be quickly adapted either for auto-

matic operation with a stack of records or for single-play manual
operation. In either case, accurate tracking is assured by a coun-

terbalanced transcription-quality tone arm with stylus-pressure
and antiskating adjustments and a high-compliance diamond­stylus cartridge. The built-in cue lever may be used to lower the
arm to any selected band on the record without risking stylus or
record damage. If desired, the turntable will automatically shut
off the console after playing the last record in a stack, permitting
you to leave the set unattended when playing records.

Each of the compound speaker systems contains separate
speakers for the various segments of the audible spectrum and
a specially designed low-loss crossover network. All speakers-
custom built to exacting standards with large-diameter voice coils
and massive magnet assemblies-are precisely matched for the
smoothest overall response and minimum distortion.

As with any FISHER instrument, the most important advantages of
this console will become increasingly apparent with the passage
of time. These are the craftsmanship in construction, the use of
costly, more durable materials, and the rigid test procedures

behind every FISHER unit which receives the final stamp of
approval. Before leaving the factory, your set had to pass a com-

prehensive series of stringent examinations. In this way, we
endeavor to maintain our long-established world-wide reputation
for the very highest standards in performance and reliability.

"The trademark, STEREO BEACON", signilies this model has the exclusive

convenience feature that automatically switches to the stereo mode, signals the
presence of the stereo broadcast, and automatically switches back to mono
again-according to the type of program being received.

0:

11

Patent Pending

TABLE OF CONTENTS-PAGE 2

\

j

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INSTALLING THE CONSOLE
OPERATING THE CONSOLE
ANTENNAS
ACCESSORIES
MAINTENANCE

TECHNICAL DATA

INSTALLING THE CONSOLE

While installation is relatively simple, certain precautions must
be observed. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT OUR WARRANTY
DOES NOT COVER DAMAGE CAUSED BY MISHANDLING,
MISUSE, EXCESSIVE LINE VOLTAGE, OR INSUFFICIENT VEN­TILATION. We therefore urge you to follow the instructions in

this section carefully. You may then proceed directly to

ATING THE CONSOLE.

POWER REQUIREMENTS

This console will operate safely and correctly only on 50-Hz (cps)
AC power between 110 and 128 volts. If the voltage in your locality

is correct but the line frequency is

special adapter pulley to maintain correct turntable speed. If

local power is DC or if its voltage is appreciably different than
that specified, your dealer or a qualified technician must make
the necessary modifications to prevent damage to the set.

50

Hz, your dealer will supply a

OPER-

13
16

LOCATING THE CONSOLE

Place the console in any convenient location that suits both your

2
3
6
9

listening requirements and room decor but make sure that it is

away from radiators, warm-air ducts, or other sources of heat.

at least

Leave
the wall (or other obstruction) for ventilation. If the electrical
power in your home satisfies the requirements in item 1, connect
the console's power cord to a convenient electrical outlet.

2 inches clearance between the rear of the set and

PREPARING THE AUTOMATIC TURNTABLE

(a) Turn the two shipping screws (near the left-rear and right­front corners of the turntable's baseplate) clockwise as far as
they will go so that the turntable bounces up and down under

hand pressure. This 'floating' suspension isolates the pickup from

vibrations and jolts, minimizing 'skipping' and record damage.
(b) Remove the turntable platter from its shipping container and

install it as described in the instructions provided with the platter.

(c) Remove the stylus guard (if any) from the pickup cartridge
and the rubber bands that hold the pickup (tone) arm in place.
Please keep the arm locked in its rest clip when not playing rec-
ords. (See the turntable instructions for operating details.)

CAUTION: Should it be necessary to reship this set, lock the turn-
table baseplate to the cabinet by turning the shipping screws
counterclockwise as far as they will go, Lock the pickup arm in
its rest and remove its counterbalance. Then remove the turn-
table's spindle, spring clip, and platter and pack them for ship­ment as described in the CAUTION card packed with the console.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE PRECAUTIONS WILL VOID ALL
WARRANTIES ON THIS INSTRUMENT.

I.'

•

ANTENNAS

Your console's built-in FM antenna (the 'T'-shaped twin-lead
dipole at the rear of the set) and AM antenna (a ferrite-core loop

l

COPYRIGHT 1966 FISHER RADIO CORPORATION All Rights Reserved

2

I

I

on the receiver chassis) should yield excellent results in most
cases. However, certain urban localities with severe FM multi­path interference, some steel buildings, or distant 'fringe' areas
with weak-signal problems may require external antennas. If you
encounter consistently poor FM or AM reception when operating
the set, refer to the

ANTENNAS

section.

ACCESSORIES

The

ACCESSORIES

a pair of WS-2 WIDE-SURROUND® speakers to the console (for
enhanced stereo effect) as well as headphones (for private listen­ing) and a pair of remote speakers (for stereo listening in another
room). Instructions are also included for connecting an auxiliary
program source, a tape recorder, deck, or player, and the FISHER
Model K-10 DYNAMIC SPACEXPANDER.jj) reverberation unit. We
recommend, however, that you go on to

SOLE

and familiarize yourself with basic operations before con-

necting any accessories.

section provides instructions for connecting

OPERA TING THE CON-

OPERATING THE CONSOLE

it has played the last record in a stack. In such cases, set the
switch ON,

other program source.

f)

AC POWER SWITCH AND VOLUME CONTROL

Turn this control clockwise towards 10 until it clicks. If the
AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF switch (item 1) is OFF, the tuning dial
and the pilot lamp near the base of the console will light imme-

diately to indicate that the set is on. (If, however, the AUTO-

MATIC SHUTOFF switch is ON, the set will not turn on until you

start the automatic turntable and will shut off automatically after

the turntable has played the last record in a stack.) After select­ing the program source you want (item 3), adjust the VOLUME
control for a comfortable listening level. To shut off the entire set
manually, turn the control to AC OFF.

This control incorporates a special 'loudness' circuit that prevents
apparent 'thinning out' of music and speech at
tings by automatically emphasizing low- and high-pitched tones.

This overcomes the ear's naturally reduced sensitivity to such
tones at low listening levels. At normal and high VOLUME set­tings, the emphasis tapers off gradually.

but remember to set it OFF again when playing any

low

VOLUME set-

This section-keyed to Figure 1-describes the console's controls
in the order in which you would normally use them. Follow the
instructions in step-by-step sequence and you'll find that, in a
very short time, you will have mastered operation of the unit.

o

AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF SWITCH

This switch (in the record-player compartment) determines
whether you or the automatic turntable will control power to
the console. When playing program sources other than records,
keep the switch OFF so that you can turn on and shut off the set
without having to operate the turnable. Occasionally, when play­ing records, you may want the turntable to shut off the set after

6) SELECTOR SWITCH

Select the program source you want (except tape; covered in

item 4) by setting this switch to the appropriate position:
PHONO-to play phonograph records on the console's automatic

turntable. Do

stylus supplied; objectionable distortion will result.

tion on ordering and installing an optional 78-RPM stylus, refer to

REPLACING THE PHONOGRAPH STYLUS

section of this manual.)
FM AUTO-to listen to radio programs on the FM-broadcast band

(88-108 MHz). Broadcasts in this band are high fidelity (and, in

not play 78-RPM records on this turntable with the

in the

(For informa-

MAINTENANCE

3

II

---,

many cases, stereophonic) and are relatively immune to natural
and man-made electrical noise. They are therefore widely used
for symphonic concerts, operas, and other musical and cultural

programs. Refer to item 7 for FM (and AM) tuning instructions.
AM-to listen to radio programs on the AM standard-broadcast

band (510-1630 kHz). Programs in this band are monophonic only
and consist chiefly of news, sports, and popular music.

AUX-to playa stereo or mono auxiliary device (short-wave or
multiband tuner, TV set, sound-movie projector, etc.) through the
console. Refer to the
any such devices.

NOTE: While listening to the selected program source, you may
simultaneously record it on an external tape recorder or deck con-
nected to the console. Refer to the

o

MONITOR SWITCH

Normally, keep this switch OFF; otherwise any program source
chosen with the SELECTOR switch will be silenced. Set it ON
only when

or player connected to the MON jacks. (Refer to the

RIES

o

SPKRS SWITCH

Normally, keep this switch set at MAIN to hear the selected pro-

gram through the console's built-in speakers. If you connect
stereo remote speakers to the console, set the switch to REMOTE
when you want to hear the program through them instead. The
REMOTE position is also useful for silencing the set when listen-
ing through headphones, answering telephone calls, etc. For fur-
ther information, refer to the

o

MONO/STEREO SWITCH

This switch determines whether you will hear mono or stereo

playingormonitoring

section for details.)

ACCESSORIES

tapes from a tape recorder, deck,

ACCESSORIES

section before connecting

ACCESSORIES

section.

ACCESSO-

section.

sound from your speakers or headphones. When listening to FM

broadcasts (either mono
at STEREO; in most cases, the set will automatically switch be-
tween mono and stereo reproduction for you to match the type

of program received. (The STEREO BEACON lamp at the left of
the tuning dial will light whenever the set is in the FM-stereo

mode). For the rare exception to this rule, refer to
When listening to records, tapes, or auxiliary program sources,

set the switch to STEREO if the program is stereophonic (so
that you actually
is monophonic (to ensure that you always hear the program
through both speakers-though monophonically-and to mini-
mize objectionable rumble from older mono records). AM broad-
casts will always be heard through both speakers, whether the
switch is set to MONO or STEREO.

hear

or

stereo), always keep the switch set

TUNING.

stereo sound) and to MONO if the program

GTUNING

Turn the TUNING control
either the desired station on the appropriate band scale or a
coinciding number on the small 0-10 logging scale at the bottom
of the dial. Use whichever scale is more convenient, but always
tune each station for the highest possible reading on the tuning
meter (at the left of the dial) and for clear, undistorted sound
and minimum interference from adjacent stations.

If the STEREO BEACON lamp start to blink on and off during an
FM-stereo broadcast, or the program sounds noisy, distorted, or

erratic in quality, the station signal might be weak or marred by
transmission or reception problems. In this case, set the MONO/
STEREO switch to MONO; the blinking and interference should
stop and you can listen to the program in mono. Should you en-
counter this problem with many stations, or if you hear symptoms
of overload (a strong nearby station appearing at more than one
point on the dial and sounding distorted), you may be in a local-
ity that requires a change in the antenna or its connections for

slowly

until the dial pointer indicates

I

~

~

~I

Ii

I,

,

\

III

U()I'VI{I<111

1066 FISHER RADIO CORPORATION All Rights Reserved

4

I