Fisher – A legend of his time, especially in the United States

Philharmonic Radio's real success story began in January 1940, when Consumers Union (then the US Consumers' Association) published a comparison test of high-quality radio and record player systems, which were once large furniture-like cabinets.

Philharmonic Radio's Linear Standard model performed well in the test. The review stated: "The sound quality was rated as the best of all the hi-fi radios tested." "For critical listeners who want the best possible sound quality regardless of price, the extra cost of this model is justified." By the way, the combination once cost $295 (equivalent to about $6,400 in 2023).

Second place in the test was also taken by the Philharmonic model Futura Carillon, which was slightly cheaper ($219, about $4,760 in 2023). According to the estimate, the difference in sound quality between the Linear Standard and the Futura Carillon was “audible only to professional musicians or engineers”.

“Its performance in radio transmissions was excellent.”

Fisher's ambitions to develop high-quality sound were finally realized when Edwin Armstrong invented the FM radio system, which allowed for better sound quality than AM broadcasts. In comparative tests of the first FM receivers, the Philharmonic Radio Futura K-1 model received the highest recommendations: "Its performance in radio transmissions was excellent."

Reviewed in November 1941, the device cost $377 at the time (about $7,830 in today's money) and, according to one test, featured one of the best record changers and excellent sound quality. The review also noted, “that unlike other devices tested, the Futura K-1 did not pose a risk of electric shock when using the turntable.”

In 1942, the US government ordered that civilian radio production be suspended for the duration of the war. Philharmonic Radio Corporation began manufacturing radio systems for the military industry instead of civilian equipment. Philharmonic Radio also manufactured approach systems for commercial and military aircraft. The largest systems were installed at LaGuardia Airport in New York. The company also worked for the US Navy, developing IFF (Identification, Friend or Foe) equipment, which could be used to identify friendly and enemy aircraft.