Best sounding machine of the World War One period?

[Nat]

Victor III and Victor IV - Thanks for all the input; I'll bookmark this discussion for reference to the various Edison models, and once I get home from summering at the ranch, I guess I'll "have to" start looking for a DD player with the 250-size horn.

With regard to Victors and Caruso - I play them on my Victor IV, with the mahogany horn. The wooden horn takes the edge off bits that might otherwise sound strident, and I suspect that both the size of the horn, and the quasi-exponential shape of it, may make for the better sound I hear than with the metal horn, or any of the smaller horn Victrolas. I prefer the sound with the Exhibition reproducers.

In the end, of course, it comes down to one's own taste: I may prefer singer X to your Y, wine B to your wine C - science only goes so far. And who'd have it otherwise?

[Lenoirstreetguy]

I find, too that a well tuned Exhibition soundbox with a large external horn gives the most balanced sound. And a large wooden horn is as we've noted is sublime. But back to Edison, they really do give the best results. And the the late Blue Amberols, played with a Diamnond B and a Cygnet horn have surprising presence. I'll attach Exhibit A... clip from a late direct recording played in my dining room. This is a very silly and topical number:Hiram comes home from Boston with a copy of September Morn...the scandalous paiting of the " nekkid lady".
Jim

[bigshot]

We were able to place a large Oak Victor on the stage and made a number of recordings of it. What was so very obvious was the fact that those loud passages soared though out the hall while the lower ranges were of a more normal sound than heard in the home.

I made a recording of a Caruso record on my VV-X, and while it was playing there was a ringing sound on the loud passages. When I played back the recording, there was no ringing sound at all... it had been my ears ringing. The Brunswick definitely does present the peaks more naturally. The large wooden horn also tends to soften some of the horn resonances too.

[Phonofreak]

After reading the post, I'm surprised that nobody mentioned the Edison Army-Navy. Unless I missed it. I'd love to get one, but it is above my pay grade. That would be the ultimate WWI machine. With a lateral adapter that swivels to play Pathé, it would be an all in one disk phonograph.
Harvey Kravitz

[52089]

We were able to place a large Oak Victor on the stage and made a number of recordings of it. What was so very obvious was the fact that those loud passages soared though out the hall while the lower ranges were of a more normal sound than heard in the home.

I made a recording of a Caruso record on my VV-X, and while it was playing there was a ringing sound on the loud passages. When I played back the recording, there was no ringing sound at all... it had been my ears ringing.

That's because you can't record sheer acoustic pressure! I've said many times that listening to an acoustic phonograph is an experience that can't be fully captured on an electronic recording.

Besides, that "ringing" sold a lot of phonographs - and quite a lot of Caruso records too!

[barnettrp21122]

Victor III and Victor IV - Thanks for all the input; I'll bookmark this discussion for reference to the various Edison models, and once I get home from summering at the ranch, I guess I'll "have to" start looking for a DD player with the 250-size horn.

With regard to Victors and Caruso - I play them on my Victor IV, with the mahogany horn. The wooden horn takes the edge off bits that might otherwise sound strident, and I suspect that both the size of the horn, and the quasi-exponential shape of it, may make for the better sound I hear than with the metal horn, or any of the smaller horn Victrolas. I prefer the sound with the Exhibition reproducers.

In the end, of course, it comes down to one's own taste: I may prefer singer X to your Y, wine B to your wine C - science only goes so far. And who'd have it otherwise?

To me, the best and easiest Diamond Disc phonograph to find would be the C-19. There are so many of them out there that the prices are low, unless you want a pristine cabinet. They're the easiest to operate, with the turntable and winding crank positioned at the highest level, along with the horn. IMO the higher the horn, the better any phonograph sounds (Cygnets, EMGs, etc.)
Bob

[fran604g]

To me, the best and easiest Diamond Disc phonograph to find would be the C-19. There are so many of them out there that the prices are low, unless you want a pristine cabinet. They're the easiest to operate, with the turntable and winding crank positioned at the highest level, along with the horn. IMO the higher the horn, the better any phonograph sounds (Cygnets, EMGs, etc.)
Bob

I agree, the C19s are certainly plentiful, and especially one in a Mahogany cabinet.

A good one, with a decent reproducer can be had for $200 or less in western NY state, with a little patience.

And as with modern speaker systems, the closer to actual ear height, and up from the floor, the better the acoustics, IMHO.

Fran

[Torjazzer]

A common IX or XI may sell for a lot less than a nice L-door XVI, but the smaller horn in the XVI gives greatly diminished sound.

I could not agree more. The L-door design shrinks the horn, causing some highs to sound shrill and bass to drop off. You certainly don't want the L-door XVI for a superior sound but for its esthetics.

[schallplatte]

I find, too that a well tuned Exhibition soundbox with a large external horn gives the most balanced sound. And a large wooden horn is as we've noted is sublime. ".
Jim

Totally agree. Having a "well tuned" Victor Exhibition reproducer is essential for best possible sound. Replacing the old balance springs on the needle bar helps deliver the most balanced sound with the best fidelity, and is essential when the reproducer is rebuilt. This helps minimize the roar or buzz during loud passages, which is exaggerated if the springs are worn out or not properly adjusted. I think some criticism of Victor's sound is from people's experience with reproducers which have not been rebuilt or adjusted for optimal performance.

[Victrolacollector]

I would say the best sounding disc machine that I own from the WW I era would be the Magnola Talking Machine (Sharaton Model). Great sound, has a nice wooden horn with volume control knob.