Like some opinions on vintage TT for a Fisher

[kunkled]

Hello - I have just restored a '62 Fisher Futura III which has a Garrard 88 MKII TT. I plan to play vintage - 60's and later vinyl regularly. I know by '62 the 88 was outdated and they put the AT-6 in Fishers the next year. My dad has one of these. I can easily replace the mounting board and change the TT. I want to stay somewhat period but any recommendations like the AT-6, Lab A or something else that would make a good upgrade for the unit. The amp is great on the Fisher however I don't know much about TTs from this era.
thanks
Dave

[Alec124c41]

Perhaps a Dual?

Cheers,
Alec

[aardvarkash10]

...or if you wanted to stay with the Lion, an early LAB series.

[kunkled]

Yeah dual would be the simple answer but the console cabinet doesn't have anywhere to put it and I need to keep up the "decor" in the room. So I plan to keep my eyes open and simply box up the original with the base board and I always will have it if I ever get rid of the piece. I am leaning towards staying with Garrard and watch for a LAB unit. I know the highend Fishers used the Miracord 10 in this era. However I read a lot of good things about the Lab and I am not into really highend audio - just a collector wanting to play vinyl from when I grew up.
thanks
Dave

[kelvinMunson]

kunkled, I don't really follow your reply. What would be the poblem with using a Dual turntable, as opposed to a Garrard or LAB unit ?

[kunkled]

Well you can tell I am a bit of a neophite - LOL. I thought dual meant 2 TT hooked up but Dual was a later brand Fisher I have now found out. So a 1019 or something?
thanks

[walyfd]

I just signed up and and have the same question. I just sent out a Fisher 500B receiver for maintenance and am thinking about a Garrard A changer. I was told the Dual can be a bit of a challenge in the rebuild department.

[kunkled]

Ok so I have some advice but until I pick up something, I will be using my Model 88 MKII. So my TT was missing a spindle which I ordered. I just checked out the tonearm and the diamond is missing on the stylus - nothing but a small hole. So any guidance on a replacement?
thanks
Dave

[kunkled]

Ok - learning every time I look at this thing, I have a Model 380 Stanton with the red stylus. Looks like this is a good cartridge so will order a replacement.

[BrianMcAllister]

Although I would be more partial to a Dual, something to consider is that a Garrard Type A, A-II, or A-70 will mount in the same cutout as an RC-88/98, and uses the same record spindles and Idler wheel.

[kunkled]

Thanks for the input. The stylus for the 88 just came in and think I will set it up and make sure it is working. If I am going to upgrade I think I want at least a Lab 80 or a Dual and will watch the local market. Have a nice piece of walnut plyboard for a cutout and will just pack up the 88 and board in case I ever get rid of the Fisher (which wont be anytime soon).
Dave

[kunkled]

Hello - I just wanted to post an update on my Futura III TT upgrade. I found a Garrard Lab 80 which needed a complete overhaul. The lube was hard and the cam gear was frozen. The TT rebuild went fine and it is working great. I cut a new mounting board using the pattern from the base and all I have left to do is stain and finish the wood. It really sounds good in the Fisher and works perfectly. It came with a Empire 888 PE with a yellow stylus. Any recommendations on other carts to play with on this unit or stay with what I have? I have yet to find a "Yellow" replacement stylus for the 888.

Dave

[Chambi95]

Very nice !

[mmarston]

Hello - I just wanted to post an update on my Futura III TT upgrade. I found a Garrard Lab 80 which needed a complete overhaul. The lube was hard and the cam gear was frozen. The TT rebuild went fine and it is working great. I cut a new mounting board using the pattern from the base and all I have left to do is stain and finish the wood. It really sounds good in the Fisher and works perfectly. It came with a Empire 888 PE with a yellow stylus. Any recommendations on other carts to play with on this unit or stay with what I have? I have yet to find a "Yellow" replacement stylus for the 888.

Dave

I'm liking this very much. The Lab is a little newer than the Fisher, so looks like an upgrade someone might have made in 1964-67. And its arm is good enough that you can fit most any modern MM cartridge, although I'd avoid line contact styli if you're planning to use the stacking spindle (actually since you can't adjust VTA, maybe just stick to ellipticals anyway.) There are plenty of good choices from A-T, Grado, Ortofon, Stanton, Shure, and others. It's really a matter of personal taste. Plenty of opinions on the Cartridges and Preamps forum...

Best,
Mike