A few questions on HMV 162

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phonodesbois
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A few questions on HMV 162

Post by phonodesbois »

I have a HMV model 162 (La voix de son maître) fitted with a nice and working Thorens electric motor.
Although I don't think this model was available with an electrical motor, there are no additional holes on the motor board (neither for the spindle, the speed regulator or the motor itself). So ??
Other than that, how do you appreciate this model in terms of sound quality ? Should I go for a #4 reproducer or try with an Ortophonic one ?

Thanks,
Jeff
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Last edited by phonodesbois on Mon Dec 11, 2017 12:43 pm, edited 1 time in total.

estott
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Re: A few questions on HMV 102

Post by estott »

To fit an Orthophonic reproducer in place of a No 4 you would need to change the rubber isolator on the back. I would stay with the 4, or try to get a Meltope.

epigramophone
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Re: A few questions on HMV 162

Post by epigramophone »

As far as I am aware HMV did not offer the option of an electric motor for the 162, but they did for it's big brother the 192.

I assume you have checked for evidence of a redundant winding hole, perhaps carefully plugged. HMV normally made their own motors, so I would be surprised if they bought in and fitted a Thorens at the factory.

As for the soundbox, a 162 owner here in the UK has rebuilt his No.4 with a much thinner mica diaphragm held between individual soft gaskets. He reports that the improvement in reproduction is a revelation.

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Steve
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Re: A few questions on HMV 162

Post by Steve »

I've also rebuilt (assuming you weren't already referring to me?) No. 4's with a very soft (EMG QC tested, no less) gasket material in lieu of the harder red rubber gasket rings. Using the original diaphragm the results have been a significant improvement.

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Re: A few questions on HMV 162

Post by soundgen »

the paper label looks to read 162ac ? ac ? Alternating current ?

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Lucius1958
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Re: A few questions on HMV 162

Post by Lucius1958 »

soundgen wrote:the paper label looks to read 162ac ? ac ? Alternating current ?
From what I can make out by zooming in, it appears to read 162a... not sure if there's a c in there.

Bill

phonodesbois
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Re: A few questions on HMV 162

Post by phonodesbois »

soundgen wrote:the paper label looks to read 162ac ? ac ? Alternating current ?
I made a better pic and it seems to be 162 ac....
Quite surprising with a Thorens motor!
Does the serial number provide information on when this machine was made?
epigramophone wrote:I assume you have checked for evidence of a redundant winding hole, perhaps carefully plugged.
Well, instead of a winding hole, there is a plug (a female one which is weird).
Could someone explain how works what I supposed to be an automatic brake?
Thanks,
Jeff
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epigramophone
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Re: A few questions on HMV 162

Post by epigramophone »

The HMV 162 was available in the UK from late 1926 to mid 1929. As a possible guide to dating, yours has the so-called "Air" lid stay which holds the lid in any position. Earlier examples had a cheaper lobed cam type.

If the plug is fitted in the same position as a winding handle escutcheon would have been, I suspect that your machine has been converted from spring to electric power. A machine which started life with an electric motor would normally have the power cable exiting the cabinet unobtrusively from the rear.

phonodesbois
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Re: A few questions on HMV 162

Post by phonodesbois »

You're certainly right, the machine must have been converted from spring to electric power at some point of time.
Nevertheless, I'm curious to know if there are other machines with a label stating 162 ac...

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Re: A few questions on HMV 162

Post by epigramophone »

An acoustic machine with an electric motor makes a good everyday player, so even if not original I would keep it as it is.

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