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What is different about the original copper diaphragms used in the model C reproducer that makes them sound so good? To be honest, I think the new diaphragms sound TERRIBLE compared to the originals. Any thoughts?

I have been using Ron Sitko's copper diaphragms and gaskets for years and I think they are every bit as good as originals. Where are you buying yours?

Jim

Victrolaboy wrote:What is different about the original copper diaphragms used in the model C reproducer that makes them sound so good? To be honest, I think the new diaphragms sound TERRIBLE compared to the originals. Any thoughts?

"sound so good"
"so good"
"good"
lol

I get my copper diaphragms from George Vollema. They sound good to me. I have saved all my original diaphragms when possible, and re-use them. I carefully clean the originals and put some 3 in 1 oil on them to prevent rust and wipe them down really good and let them dry before re-installing.

Some argue that the new rubber gaskets are not the best, but who knows.

winsleydale wrote:

Victrolaboy wrote:What is different about the original copper diaphragms used in the model C reproducer that makes them sound so good? To be honest, I think the new diaphragms sound TERRIBLE compared to the originals. Any thoughts?

"sound so good"
"so good"
"good"
lol

What's so funny? I meant as for as cylinder machines go. And I actually do think that some records that are bands performing and are in pristine condition sound great.

Victrolacollector wrote:I get my copper diaphragms from George Vollema. They sound good to me. I have saved all my original diaphragms when possible, and re-use them. I carefully clean the originals and put some 3 in 1 oil on them to prevent rust and wipe them down really good and let them dry before re-installing.

Some argue that the new rubber gaskets are not the best, but who knows.

Yes that could be it. The new gaskets are made of neoprene and I don't use them. Instead I cut my own out of foam material that you can buy from the craft stores such as Michael's.

phonojim wrote:I have been using Ron Sitko's copper diaphragms and gaskets for years and I think they are every bit as good as originals. Where are you buying yours?

Jim

I had two model C reproducers. One had an original diaphragm and the other was rebuilt by someone else in the past (but not years and years ago) and not me. It had a reproduction copper diaphragm. The one that sounds the best has the original diaphragm and gaskets. I've never messed with it.

A lot too has to do with how you rebuild them. I agree though that modern replacements are not as good sounding,also there was an alloy to the original ones, not just copper. The diaphragm must be centered, not touching any portion of the body of the reproducer Gaskets should be soft, new gaskets can work, but not as well as the original natural rubber ones did, they had more bass, the key is to tighten the retaining ring down just where it is air tight, and no more, all moving parts moving.

a great subject for sure and in my opinion(not worth much)it is how the new gaskets fit,the linkage length and how much you tighten down the clamping ring....if you rebuild it and it sounds poor just start over and stretch out the linkage.....just a opinion....mark( croakinfrog )

Victrolaboy wrote:

winsleydale wrote:

Victrolaboy wrote:What is different about the original copper diaphragms used in the model C reproducer that makes them sound so good? To be honest, I think the new diaphragms sound TERRIBLE compared to the originals. Any thoughts?

"sound so good"
"so good"
"good"
lol

What's so funny? I meant as for as cylinder machines go. And I actually do think that some records that are bands performing and are in pristine condition sound great.

It's true that, as far as cylinders go, they are pretty decent. In fact, I hear subtle overtones from mine all the time that I thought for sure would have been lost. I was mostly being weird, but just ask anybody in my family and they will say that they sound like crap. Of course, they aren't initiated, either.