600 (TA600) receiver in 1959. (A multiplex option, the Fisher MPX-200, required four additional tubes) Between 1964 and 1968, Fisher produced a series of tube stereo receivers that are considered by many to be among the finest ever produced. Starting with the 500c (which debuted in the mid $300, a hefty sum in 1964) and, paradoxically, ending with the 400, tens of thousands of these units were produced. Today these have become collectors items, beloved for their sound, build quality, FM tuner and phono stages and beautiful appearance. The 400 included a green magic eye tube which, by creating an image of a broken green bar that slowly closed to a sold bar, assisted users in tuning to the best possible position on the dial for a given station and added to the aesthetics. The 400 is considered by many to be the best sounding of the three models. Between 1963 and 1964, Fisher introduced their first all-transistor stereophonic receiver, the Fisher 400T. Early transistor receivers were not highly regarded by hi-fi enthusiasts, so manufacturers such as Fisher began using them only gradually. In the 1960s, Fisher made two trend-setting breakthroughs, marketing the first all-transistor (solid state) amplifier and the first receiver-phonograph combination, the forerunner of the compact stereo and integrated component system. These products brought Avery Fisher both fame and fortune. From 1959 to 1961, the firm also made important improvements in AM-FM stereo tuner design. Sale of Fisher Electronics In 1969 Fisher sold his company to the Emerson Electric Company for US $31 million. Fisher distributed a sizable portion of the proceeds from the sale among his key employees. Fisher served as a consultant to the new management team. Sanyo purchased Fisher Electronics from Emerson in May 1977. Community service and philanthropy A lifelong philanthropist, Fisher served on the board for Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, the New York Philharmonic, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and the Marlboro Festival. He also established the Avery Fisher Artist Program that includes the Avery Fisher Prize and Career Grants in 1974. Avery Fisher Artist Prize It was Avery’s idea to start this program in 1974. Avery Fisher Artist Prize winner Emanuel Ax said of the prize "One problem musicians face, is that we are constantly being judged. I've tried to learn not to rely on outside opinion, because if you do, you can go mad, and you can end