The Fisher 800-C was quite a unit in its day -- it was the first really good of stereo equipment that I bought back in the mid-1960's. At that time, Avery Fisher still owned the company, and his equipment was some of the best of its day. As I recall, the sound of the 800-C was very musical, albeit euphonic and of limite power. I doubt it would compare well with the best tube equipment of today, but you have a nice piece audiophile "collectible", since the 800-C was one of the first receivers that was also of high quality. My advice is: enjoy your $120 investment on its own terms, without regard to how it compares to the much more expensive tube gear of today.