The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I am thinking of getting a table top Columbia with a lid, not sure the exact model as I don't have it yet. But its in nice shape and has the two horizontal lovers in front of the horn. I also have a Panatrope Portable which is in excellent condition. It can really put out the sound. Yet I wonder if a cabinet type phonograph although of an earlier period would perhaps overall have a better sound quality than the smaller horn in the Brunswick? I am not wanting to compare to electrical records which the Brunswick will handle quite well but as to the abilities with the acoustic records. I have been quite surprised at the abilities of the latter reproducer of the Brunswick to play acoustic selections well. I still wonder if a actual wooden horn might have some advantage to the sound?

Larry

I think your portable might sound better. The horn will be larger on the Columbia, but the design of the Brunswick reproducer is superior.

Yes I believe you may be correct the reproducer on the Brunswick is quite amazing.

larryh wrote: But its in nice shape and has the two horizontal lovers in front of the horn.

Lovers? Tell 'em to move, they're blocking the sound!

Barry

Yes, the Brunswick is a better sounding machine.

My RCA-Victor VV 2-65 sounds darn good too.

If it's the 109, I'd say there was no finer sounding portable. Only flaw might be the pot-metal repro body, but if you're careful, that shouldn't be a problem. I still want to get another one, as mine has been loved until it is a bit sad looking.

This turns out to be a bit off topic but I knew they also had a Columbia 800 at the sale. I was in real hopes of purchasing it as I sold my 810 many years ago and ever since regretted it. Its only the second time in my whole life I have found one in this area. At any rate a new neighbor woman whom I had not yet met turned out to want it a whole lot worse than I did. The machine was very nice with a good grill and cloth as well as interior an light cabinet work needed, mostly cleaning. I thought that a local auction it might go anywhere between 300 and 500. But she had different ideas and I ran her to 925.00 and gave up.. In some ways I still wish I had purchased it but latter I heard she was willing to go to at least 1,500 for it.. So she got what she wanted. She also got the columbia which was in mint condition looks wise but had a frozen tone arm pivot. In my experience freeing those successfully hasn't usually worked so I let her have it at 130.00. A very long day but somewhat sad. At least its quite near me and I think she will be willing to share some time listening to hers and my collections from what she and her husband said.

Larry

I am thinking about buying a Brunswick Panatrope Portable. I do not know much about them. How good are they. Are the motors good, a Brunswick design or a off brand motor such as Heineman?

Whats the best model and what should I expect to pay?

For sheer sound quality, my portable VV-2-65 sounds great with just about any record, acoustic or electric. In fact, with an adapter I can attach an Exhibition sound box and it sounds like the best small early players. My Brunswick Cortez sounds even better with everything, but that is because of the large horn, not because it is in a cabinet instead of a suitcase.