Exhibition or Victrola No. 2

[Victrolacollector]

I have a VV-IX tabletop, and am thinking about getting a Victrola No. 2 soundbox. It currently has a nice rebuilt exhibition. I am wondering how much better the Victrola No. 2 soundbox would be? All of my Victrola's have the Exhibition or No. 4, or Orthophonics.

[Phototone]

Why would you think it would be better? Its a judgement call.

[Victrolacollector]

I just thought it may be better since it was the next one made after the Victor Exhibition, thought it may be a improvement.

[Cody K]

Victrolacollector, does the machine have the fat or skinny taper-tube? I just did some work on a 1920 IX for my friend (and fellow Forum member) Woonetophone, and, being a later machine, that one had the broader taper-tube and what I presume was its original No. 2 soundbox -- sounds great! An earlier IX fitted with the narrower taper-tube would have come with an Exhibition. I'm very fond of No. 2s, but I'm a big fan of using the soundbox that was designed for use with the original taper-tube; I just think they sound best together. You can always change them intermittently, of course, to suit your mood...

[Henry]

What Cody said. You may also be interested in this: http://www.victor-victrola.com/Soundbox%20Article.htm

[Victrolacollector]

I would like mine to be used with the soundbox that was originally on it.

My VV-IX has the wide "fat" tone arm.

[Joe_DS]

Based on what I've listened to over the years, the #2 sound box with its larger diaphragm is louder than the Exhibition sound box. It has a more vibrant treble and stronger mid-range. The Exhibition sound box--at least the one I have--is more mellow, but nonetheless, does a great job with most records, including early electrics. (It was restored by the late Bob Waltrip about 25 years ago, and works as well as it did when I first got it from him.)

Along this line, what you'll hear depends on how carefully the sound box is rebuilt and adjusted or tuned. If all original, the diaphragm gasket (split ring type) and "tonearm mounting flange" will have to be replaced.

You might find this of interest -- http://forum.talkingmachine.info/viewto ... f=7&t=5812

JDS

[Victrolacollector]

My Exhibition soundbox was restored around 1990 by Mr. Waltrip, I do notice differences between the one Bob did and my two other Exhibitions. The one Bob restored does not have as much scratch, and I can hear the faint instruments and beats in the music.


I like hearing the "beat" in those late acoustic and early electric recordings.

[celticguitar666]

I put I believe the final touch to my exhibition I had already rebuilt it using a kit from Walt and followed those instructions I just ordered a new reproducer rubber flange from Walt and got today and installed it noticeable change much tighter sound it was really good before but definitely better I can really hear the details in the music and the back ground noise is less. I spent about an 1 ½ hrs just pulling one disc after another good times.
Dwight