Small Player for Good Sound?

[R J]

Unfortunately, I can only fit one player in my small apartment. Originally I had considered a Victor Orthophonic for the sound quality, but I think the larger ones are too big. Now I'm thinking that a table-top player or smaller horned cabinet are a better choices. Can you steer me in the direction of some models that fit the criteria below?

• Has good sound quality playing electrically recorded records (I'll mostly be playing these), and acceptable sound quality playing acoustically recorded records,
• Takes up a minimal amount of space, and
• Is not too rare or expensive.

Perhaps something like a VV-IX with a #4 reproducer would get the job done? I also thought about the VV 1-70, but worry about the pot metal issues. I'm just getting started, so I defer to the experts in this forum.

Thanks in advance!

[Jerry B.]

The Victrola 4-3 "Consolette" Is reasonably small and it gives a ton of performance at a small price. It's perfect for playing electrically recorded records.

Jerry Blais

[gemering]

RJ,

Listen to Jerry.
You will not be disappointed with a 4-3.
It's a small machine that really packs a punch.

Gene

[gramophone-georg]

RJ, I just sent you a private message about something that may interest you.

[EdiBrunsVic]

A VV 4-3 is my suggestion. I have owned one since 1985 and it is a nice machine!

[Phono-Phan]

Welcome to this great Forum. It is great to see several new members join. The 4-3 is a great phonograph. The Brunswick Seville is also comparable but not as common. Please keep us informed on what you find.
Ken

[MicaMonster]

Remember.... "loud" doesn't necessarily equate to "good," when considering a phonograph for small spaces. Soft tone needles are one of the best secrets for sanity and fine listening.

[OrthoFan]

If you prefer electrically recorded records, then a VV-4-3 -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/4-3.htm -- would be an excellent choice, as noted. It also does a great job with acoustically recorded records.

Another option is the VV-4-7 -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/4-7.htm -- which has a cabinet about the same size as a 4-3, but is fitted with a longer, folded horn that pumps out a solid mid-range and a nice "hint" of bass.

For even more bass performance, a VV-4-20 -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/4-20.htm -- would be ideal. As one collector on this forum noted, it pumps out about the same sound as the VV-4-40. It's a few inches wider and slightly taller than the 4-3 or 4-7. It's also harder to find.

For table top models, in addition to the VV-1-70, there's the VV-1-90 -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/1-90.htm -- which has an amazing performance; it has a smaller version of the folded horn used in the 4-7. Unfortunately, it's relatively rare. (The HMV 130 or smaller 104 models are easier to find -- http://i725.photobucket.com/albums/ww25 ... atalog.jpg -- and provide the same listening experience, but only seem to come up for sale on UK ebay sites.)

If your space is really limited, you might also consider a good quality portable such as the VV-2-55 -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/2-55.htm -- or, even better, an HMV-102 or a Columbia 161/162 or 163 Viva-Tonal -- http://myvintagetv.com/updatepages1/cha ... bia161.htm Any of these models will provide you with a room-filling sound you'd swear was electrically amplified.

OrthoFan

[Oceangoer1]

I second the Orthophonic suggestions. The 4-3 and 4-7 are very small floor models, and hardly take up any room. They do a great job on electric records. If you want to go even smaller, the 2-55 (suitcase model Orthophonic) is a fantastic machine. I have about 5 of them and I have 3 of its cousin, the 2-65, which is also a great performer.

I have some 2-55's up for sale and I have a 4-7 that I would sell. Where are you located?

-Connor

[bigshot]

When I lived in an apartment, I loved my VV-2-65. It had an Ortho sound box and put out very good sound. Portable too!