Here is an early Caruso recording: Mi par d'udir ancora. This is taken from a 1930's HMV repressing taken from the original master. At the very start of the recording you can hear muffled talking before the singing starts.
Thanks for the addtional info. I will tweak the speed tomorrow to make it a touch slower - this transfer was done at about 76rpm, but I agree I need to slow it just a bit more.