Expert: Cleggsan - 5/4/2011

Question
I just recently picked up an older fisher stereo system the amp is a model #ca-276. I hooked up the speakers and the am/fm tuner. then selected a radio channel. The tuner acts like it's working. But I get no audio from the amp. This amp has a place for a pre amp. Do I need a pre amp for it to work?

Answer
This is an integrated amplifier.  It has built in amps - see the speaker terminals on the back side.  The preamp out is for you to feed another amp if you are driving another system or bigger power amps.

Make sure the speakers are connected right, all the settings are correct. Tape monitor off, eq settings normal, etc.  If you are not getting anything out then it is possible the power amplifier section is faulty - not uncommon for old rigs like this.   You can take it in for service and repair but quite frankly it might be cheaper to purchase an stand alone power amplifier and connect it via the preamp outputs on the Fisher.  You can power amps for under $100.  You cannot fix this one for that.

However, make sure you are hooking it up right first. It may be working once you figure out the buttons and settings.

Let me know if you need more.