The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Henry wrote:As a post script to the above, I doubt that a no. 2 (or 4, for that matter) would sound better on your vintage XI than the Exhibition; indeed, chances are that it would not sound as good.

That's completely not true at all. The #2 and #4 were sold separately when they were introduced as upgrades. If you've never heard a properly rebuilt #2 or #4, you're missing out. Further, something like a Meltrope from the UK will blow any of the above out of the water, take it from one who has all of the above mentioned, there most certainly is a noticeable difference in reproduction. I'm certainly not bashing the Exhibition, in fact, I just recently inherited a one-family owned XI with an Exhibition which I of course rebuilt, it sounds lovely (as they should) with acoustics.

Sean

OrthoSean wrote:

Henry wrote:As a post script to the above, I doubt that a no. 2 (or 4, for that matter) would sound better on your vintage XI than the Exhibition; indeed, chances are that it would not sound as good.

That's completely not true at all. The #2 and #4 were sold separately when they were introduced as upgrades. If you've never heard a properly rebuilt #2 or #4, you're missing out. Further, something like a Meltrope from the UK will blow any of the above out of the water, take it from one who has all of the above mentioned, there most certainly is a noticeable difference in reproduction. I'm certainly not bashing the Exhibition, in fact, I just recently inherited a one-family owned XI with an Exhibition which I of course rebuilt, it sounds lovely (as they should) with acoustics.

Sean

i would agree with you Sean on the difference between the Exhibition and the No. 4. How would you compare the no. 2? Maybe I need to get one.

I don't think you'd notice too much difference with a #2 and an Exhibition. The #2 has a larger diaphragm and slightly different needle bar assembly design, making it louder, but I wouldn't go out of my way if I were you, especially since I know how you enjoy the #4 for electrics...

Sean

OrthoSean wrote:I don't think you'd notice too much difference with a #2 and an Exhibition. The #2 has a larger diaphragm and slightly different needle bar assembly design, making it louder, but I wouldn't go out of my way if I were you, especially since I know how you enjoy the #4 for electrics...

Sean

Thank you for confirming what I said above about the no. 2 vs. Exhibition. Paul Edie agrees with both of us; see article link. (Disclaimer: I have no experience with the no. 4, so my comment there was an assumption, at best, and uninformed, so please disregard.)

OrthoSean wrote:I don't think you'd notice too much difference with a #2 and an Exhibition. The #2 has a larger diaphragm and slightly different needle bar assembly design, making it louder, but I wouldn't go out of my way if I were you, especially since I know how you enjoy the #4 for electrics...

Sean

Actually I realized I had a no. 2. You rebuilt it. You are right, hard to tell the difference between the no. 2 & the Exhibition, maybe it's a little louder as you say. But the no. 4... well that's something else entirely!

Ha! Well, I guess we BOTH forgot, because I don't remember rebuilding one for you.

I will say the #2 is an improvement over the Exhibition for classical acoustics, especially Caruso, Ruffo, Plancon, etc. When I rebuild one, my test record is Caruso's "O Sole Mio", a true test of a good rebuild.

Sean