Understanding Orthophonic sound box

[reverendpen]

I have a VV-IV that came with a NO.2 soundbox. I know it was not original but from what I understand the No. 2 and the Exhibition are interchangeable as they have the same coupler inside diameter. I recently came across a VV-IV with an Orthophonic soundbox but from what I understand the Orthophonic is NOT interchangable with the No.2 and Exhibition, different coupler ID. I have looked all over the web and have not found information on the various dimensions on the soundboxes specifically the dimensions of the coupler, where the sounbox (reproducer) attaches to the tonearm / sound tube. I apologize for not having the right terms for various parts, I just recently purchased my first machine (VV-IV) and am learning on the fly. So if anyone can give me a simple overview on the the NO.2, Exhibition and Orthophonic soundboxes with dimensions and how an orthoponic could attache to the VV-IV I would really appreciate it. thanks so much.

[52089]

Someone please correct me if needed, but here goes.

The inner dimension of the Exhibition and No. 2 flanges (couplers) is identical.
The outer dimension of the No. 2 and the Orthophonic flanges is identical.

You will occasionally find a No. 2 reproducer with an Orthophonic-size flange. This is because the Orthophonic reproducers are a bit more expensive and harder to repair. Fitting a No. 2 reproducer to an Orthophonic machine will not give as good a sound as an Orthophonic reproducer would, but it will provide a relatively inexpensive workaround.

However, the situation you described means that someone fit a No. 2 flange on an Orthophonic reproducer and then used it on a non-Orthophonic machine. I can see someone doing this as an experiment, perhaps to see if the Orthophonic reproducer could squeeze a bit more sound out of an acoustic record. Beyond that, I don't know.

Are you sure it's actually an Orthophonic reproducer on the VV-IV and not a similar looking reproducer from another company?

[De Soto Frank]

A picture or two of what you have are worth many words...

[Phonofreak]

Many years ago, I thought the same thing. I was lucky and got an Orthophonic that was missing the insert. I replaced it with a No.2 insert, and it fits just fine. I use that on my Victor V and it barks. If you do get an Orthophonic reproducer, don't attempt to change the insert unless it is brass. The pot metal backing will crumble if you try to do this.
Harvey Kravitz

[phonojim]

I have successfully removed inserts from potmetal Orthos but it has to be done very carefully. You can't simply pull them out without risking breaking the reproducer flange. I use a Dremel tool with a burr and grind as much of the hardened rubber out as I can (it stinks but it works) then very carefully pull the rest out. If the flange tube is flaking or badly crazed this will work well, although if it is too deteriorated, it may be best left alone. BTW: before you begin grinding the old rubber out, place a piece of rag in the tube to avoid getting fragments into the reproducer.

@Harvey Kravitz: You're right - an Ortho does sound great on a Vic V. It plays electrics very well, you just don't get the bass like on an Orthophonic machine.

Jim

[Victrolacollector]

Just a note, I picked up a Orthophonic soundbox and could not tap the back off, so it is probably swollen together. Anyways, I filled one small hole with clear fabric stiffner, and used some WD-40 on the thing, and low and behold, it sounds great, the depth is awesome, of course I only switched it out with the other one on my VV J 1-80 tabletop.

In this case, I think it was better to leave it alone and if it sounds great forget the rebuild.

[reverendpen]

So I went back to the antique store where I saw the VV-IV with an orthophonic and I took the ortho off the tone arm and saw that they wrapped the tone arm tube with what appeared to be black electrical tape so that the larger diameter (0.75") ortho would fit on the No. 2 (0.701") tube. The also cut the pin that is used to lock the soundbox on the tube. I also noted that the grill or webbing on the ortho soundbox that protects the aluminum was broken.

[FloridaClay]

So I went back to the antique store where I saw the VV-IV with an orthophonic and I took the ortho off the tone arm and saw that they wrapped the tone arm tube with what appeared to be black electrical tape so that the larger diameter (0.75") ortho would fit on the No. 2 (0.701") tube. The also cut the pin that is used to lock the soundbox on the tube. I also noted that the grill or webbing on the ortho soundbox that protects the aluminum was broken.

Sounds like a machine to pass up, unless it is really, really cheap.

Clay

[reverendpen]

I did pass it up. $170 was the price the problem I had with it is that all the wood was completely refinished, wood knobs had replaced the metal knobs on the doors, there was no name plate on the side, though you could see where it had been. then to add to it the wrong soundbox was attached. If the ortho had been in really good shape I might have bought it and made it a parts machine.

[Victrolacollector]

I would pass on that. The machine should most likely have a Exhibition soundbox, and good rebuilt can cost anywhere from $ 50.00 and up. Name plates and knobs can also run up the cost of restoration.