Orthophonic portable reproducers

[TonyJ]

Just curious aside from the cosmetic differences, dust cover, etc. of the Orthophonic reproducer from a portable machine, are they comparable from a "fit" and performance point of view to one from the larger Victrolas? I have a VV 4-7 and purchased a reproduction brass reproducer that sounds wonderful, but often see these portable types pop up from time to time and thought it might be nice to have a spare.

[HisMastersVoice]

They are interchangeable and will both sound good, yes. Depending on who you ask though, the portable orthophonic soundbox is not well suited for use on a large machine. Apparently, the spider was omitted (the legs brutally severed) on the portable version and doesn't provide enough bass or something. Peter Wall and I had a long conversation about this a while back, but I think we were both drinking that night so I can't quite remember the details

[JerryVan]

I have not seen any differences in the diaphragms of portable Orthophonic reproducers versus that of the cabinet models. What I have noticed, is that due to them being covered & protected for many years, the portable style reproducers usually have very nice diaphragms, with no little holes poked through or other injurious invasions.

[estott]

One of the more notable rebuilders will SWEAR that they were engineered to reduce the bass response on portables. IMHO this is hogwash.

If you are searching them out, the later examples are the ones to find - the pot metal is of excellent quality.

[Joe_DS]

The sound boxes used on the Victor VV-2-55 have the spider. The very late style sound boxes, such as those used on the RCA Victor VV 2-65, did not have the spider, as noted on this page -- http://myvintagetv.com/updatepages1/cha ... r2-65a.htm

I agree that there is very little, if any, performance difference between the Orthophonic sound boxes designed for portables, and those used on the cabinet models.

One thing to keep in mind, there was a special Orthophonic sound box used on the VV-2-35 portable that will not fit a conventional Orthophonic tonearm. It does not have a "throat," and was held in place by screws onto the end of the machine's tonearm. Those seldom come up for sale, though.


Joe