Sound Comparison Between Brunswick Cortez and HMV 163

[JerryVan]

Many thanks for posting this. To my ears, the HMV 163 has a more powerful sound, overall. The thumping bass notes are more apparent, as is the mid-range, and the recording room resonance is clearer. The upper range of the Cortez, however, seems stronger.

To my ear, this exactly describes the differences between an Orthophonic Credenza and a Cortez. Also, pretty well describes an Orthophonic 8-9 & Cortez comparison.

[Henry]

Both machines sound very nice indeed. Definite, pronounced wow on the Brunswick, especially noticeable in the piano intro. Piano is always a dead giveaway for any speed variation; the ear will detect even the most subtle occurrence.

[Watanabehi]

I've always suspected that part of the boom sound on the bass of the 194 is due to horn resonances. I had a project (never landed) of filling the back of the cabinet with sand, covering the entire horn, to kill all resonances and so being able to test its real dead sound.
An easier version would be to simply cover the horn with poly foam, but I suspect then the sound would not be so dead, for the same w would add a considerable mass to damp the vibration, which a later of foam wouldn't do. Yet a simpler version, which I must try, is to place wooden sticks of adequate length fixing the lateral plain sides of the horn to the sides of the cabinet. Sticks just measured to fit squeezed in these spaces. The thumping surfaces of the horn would receive a vibration node on these points, so the vibration frequency of these metal panels would be switched up the least, and maybe killed. It's easy to do, and one of these days I'll try that...

Amazing!! You have many great ideas. Please let me know the results. Thanks.

Hideki

[Watanabehi]

Both machines sound very nice indeed. Definite, pronounced wow on the Brunswick, especially noticeable in the piano intro. Piano is always a dead giveaway for any speed variation; the ear will detect even the most subtle occurrence.

Thank you for your comments.

Hideki

[Watanabehi]

Both machines sound very nice indeed. Definite, pronounced wow on the Brunswick, especially noticeable in the piano intro. Piano is always a dead giveaway for any speed variation; the ear will detect even the most subtle occurrence.

Thank you for your comment. You have better hearing than I do.

Hideki

[JerryVan]

Both sound wonderful. I couldn't help but wonder what differences may be introduced by having the Cortez on a hardwood floor, versus the 163 on carpeting.

[Watanabehi]

Both sound wonderful. I couldn't help but wonder what differences may be introduced by having the Cortez on a hardwood floor, versus the 163 on carpeting.

Very good point. I have some issues about putting all the machines in one place in my house. My wife doesn't like any more machines in our house. So unfortunately the rooms' sound conditions are all different. I wish I could put all the machines in the living room, which has solid oak floor. Of course, my wife won't let me.

Hideki

[epigramophone]

Some owners have filled the void around the horn with loft insulation, less heavy than sand and less messy than foam.
Attaching the horn to the cabinet sides with resonating panels was a feature of the Micro-Perophone Chromogram, the best cabinet gramophone most people have never heard of. I used one as my everyday player until the EMG/Expert bug bit me.

[Watanabehi]

Some owners have filled the void around the horn with loft insulation, less heavy than sand and less messy than foam.
Attaching the horn to the cabinet sides with resonating panels was a feature of the Micro-Perophone Chromogram, the best cabinet gramophone most people have never heard of. I used one as my everyday player until the EMG/Expert bug bit me.

Looks great! I hope you can demonstrate on youtube how good the sound is using a same Duke Ellington's Warm Valley on Victor record (recorded in 1930's) and bamboo needles (hopefully susudake needles). I have EMGinn Expert Senior and EMG Xa. They are just amazing. Thank you for posting.

Hideki

[epigramophone]

I don't have a YouTube channel but the sound of the Chromogram, which I still own, was transformed when I replaced the original soundbox with a rebuilt Meltrope II. It is bright and forward, but with none of the harshness I have heard on some HMV163's.