Victrola Alhambra II

[stevedsmi]

I recently acquired an Alhambra II with the RCA Radiola 25. I wanted to understand more about the system and maybe what it might be worth. Any thoughts/ideas would be great. Phonograph works, but the 13 batteries required to run the radio is overwhelming.

[Django]

Cool machine. I would expect that a transformer would be able to run the radio, (someone on here could probably help you out there).

[OrthoFan]

I don't know if you've seen it or not, but this page provides some basic information -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/Alhambra%20II.htm

This was part of the early Orthophonic Victrola line, and the one you have seems to be equipped with an all-brass reproducer --

In terms of sound quality, it should rival the other models fitted with the "straight" or non-folded exponential Western Electric horn, such as the Consolette, early Granada, Colony, etc.

I also don't know about the current market value, but it looks to be worth restoring.

OrthoFan

[stevedsmi]

I don't know if you've seen it or not, but this page provides some basic information -- http://www.victor-victrola.com/Alhambra%20II.htm

This was part of the early Orthophonic Victrola line, and the one you have seems to be equipped with an all-brass reproducer --

The attachment Capture.JPG is no longer available

In terms of sound quality, it should rival the other models fitted with the "straight" or non-folded exponential Western Electric horn, such as the Consolette, early Granada, Colony, etc.

I also don't know about the current market value, but it looks to be worth restoring.

OrthoFan

[OrthoFan]

Yes, definitely a brass Orthophonic sound box, and definitely worth having restored--fitted with a replacement diaphragm, sealed air-tight, adjusted, etc.

As noted, this should rival the sound quality of the other smaller Orthophonic Victrolas, such as the Consolette --

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFQWTls2KYg

OrthoFan

[PeterF]

Please don’t experiment with any part of the radio, and get expert advice before doing anything with it. There are several expensive or difficult to replace components that you can easily destroy.

[stevedsmi]

Yes, definitely a brass Orthophonic sound box, and definitely worth having restored--fitted with a replacement diaphragm, sealed air-tight, adjusted, etc.

As noted, this should rival the sound quality of the other smaller Orthophonic Victrolas, such as the Consolette --

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFQWTls2KYg

OrthoFan

Where could I get the new diaphragm and get it adjusted?

[PeterF]

Wyatt Markus (known as “MicaMonster” on this forum) is the person doing the best job on these, at the present time.

[Phototone]

You need several levels of b+ voltage and a source for filament voltage. There are battery eliminators made to serve your purpose. I would suggest looking at Antique Electronics Supply (they have a web catalog). I think they would have what you need. A simple set of transformers would not work, as they are AC. You need filtered DC for all voltages.

[OrthoFan]

Wyatt Markus (known as “MicaMonster” on this forum) is the person doing the best job on these, at the present time.

I second that suggestion, and you might also want to be in touch with him about rebuilding the "voice coil" which is the radio's speaker unit, though I don't know for sure if he rebuilds them. (The voice coil is also equipped with an Orthophonic style diaphragm, but is driven by the electrical impulses from the radio's signal.)

By the way, I finally spotted a video of an Alhambra model playing a record, though it is the Alahambra I, which was equipped with the Radiola Model 20 -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FG3LcBW8gY

OrthoFan