What type of Edison cylinder machine is best?

[toydk]

Hello all!

I would like to get an outside horn Edison 4 minute cylinder machine. The variety of machines has my head spinning. I know you have to be aware of the different types of reproducers and cylinder records composition. Any recommendations? The Home, Stamdard, Fireside?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Dean

[Jerry B.]

PM sent. Jerry Blais

[martinola]

I'm sure Jerry's PM touched on what I'm posting here, but here's my answer: "it depends". If you're a beginning collector, you really can't go wrong with a decent Standard model D. If you're more advanced (and have deeper pockets), I'd say a Triumph model D. I'm picking on the model D machines because they will play both 2 minute and 4 minute records (as long as you use the proper reproducer).

There are all sorts or permutations between, all of them with their advantages and disadvantages. If all you want to do is play cylinders, then one of the two above will do the job nicely. Obviously, some researching will be in order before you start spending money. Welcome to the forum and the gentle madness of Edison Phonographs!

Regards,
Martin

[Chuck]

That all depends upon what any one person
considers "best".

If by "best" you mean most valuable, obscure,
technically and historically interesting, then
perhaps a Class M machine would fit the bill.

If by "best", you mean most robust, decent sounding,
plays lots of records on one windup, strong motor,
super reliable, built like a battleship, then the
Triumph will suffice in that category.

If by "best" you mean versatile, reliable, robust,
and a bit less expensive, then a Standard model D
combination 2/4 minute machine is the obvious choice.

The Firesides and the Homes have their drawbacks, in
my humble opinion. Oh yes, there's the Gem too.

But, these are my picks:

Class M
Triumph
Standard D

Those are just the open-horn ones.
You did not ask about the cabinetized ones, I have
my preferred list of those too.

But, in the end, it all comes down to this:
They are all The Best, because they are genuine Edison
products.

[Victrolacollector]

I'm sure Jerry's PM touched on what I'm posting here, but here's my answer: "it depends". If you're a beginning collector, you really can't go wrong with a decent Standard model D. If you're more advanced (and have deeper pockets), I'd say a Triumph model D. I'm picking on the model D machines because they will play both 2 minute and 4 minute records (as long as you use the proper reproducer).

There are all sorts or permutations between, all of them with their advantages and disadvantages. If all you want to do is play cylinders, then one of the two above will do the job nicely. Obviously, some researching will be in order before you start spending money. Welcome to the forum and the gentle madness of Edison Phonographs!

Regards,
Martin

For that one machine, a nice Standard D or even a Fireside.... I actually have a Fireside Model A which can play both 2 and 4 minute records, however it does not do as well on later issue 4 minute Blue Amberols (namely 5000 series). For later 4 minute cylinders, I have a nice Edison Amberola 30 which is perfect, and I bought it from Jerry B.

[gramophone-georg]

I'm sure Jerry's PM touched on what I'm posting here, but here's my answer: "it depends". If you're a beginning collector, you really can't go wrong with a decent Standard model D. If you're more advanced (and have deeper pockets), I'd say a Triumph model D. I'm picking on the model D machines because they will play both 2 minute and 4 minute records (as long as you use the proper reproducer).

There are all sorts or permutations between, all of them with their advantages and disadvantages. If all you want to do is play cylinders, then one of the two above will do the job nicely. Obviously, some researching will be in order before you start spending money. Welcome to the forum and the gentle madness of Edison Phonographs!

Regards,
Martin

For that one machine, a nice Standard D or even a Fireside.... I actually have a Fireside Model A which can play both 2 and 4 minute records, however it does not do as well on later issue 4 minute Blue Amberols (namely 5000 series). For later 4 minute cylinders, I have a nice Edison Amberola 30 which is perfect, and I bought it from Jerry B.

I'm not a cylinder fan although I dabble in them... I think for the late 5000 series you really need a Diamond B or Amberola to play these.

I sort of wish Edison had made an Edisonic Amberola.

[VintageTechnologies]

For me, the Opera is the "best" machine, but it plays only 4M records and is expensive. The most versatile machine would be a late model Triumph equipped with a cygnet horn, horizontal carriage, Model O and also Diamond B reproducers. That would play any molded cylinder with the greatest volume and fidelity. If the belt does not slip, it should sound about as steady as the Opera. It also has a stronger motor than the smaller machines.

[Valecnik]

For me, the Opera is the "best" machine, but it plays only 4M records and is expensive. The most versatile machine would be a late model Triumph equipped with a cygnet horn, horizontal carriage, Model O and also Diamond B reproducers. That would play any molded cylinder with the greatest volume and fidelity. If the belt does not slip, it should sound about as steady as the Opera. It also has a stronger motor than the smaller machines.

I'm with you on the Triumph. A late model or B, D model that's been converted & has the large carriage plays so well and although still not cheap, well less than half the price of an Opera.

[Lucius1958]

Don't forget that earlier Edison machines are often found wth 2/4 minute upgrades...

Bill

[Jerry B.]

I agree that an Opera or Triumph are wonderful four minute players. But I think the original question is coming from a first time Edison buyer. An Opera is going to be from $4500 to $6500 and a Triumph with correct #11 Cygnet will be around $1500 or more. You can buy a really nice Standard, Home, Fireside or Amberola 30 or 50 for $500 or less and get a lot of bang for your $.

Jerry Blais