The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I tend to use my machines more for playing music than for purely collecting them(though they do seem to be piling up!), so my concern has been to acquire machines for the quality of their sound.

I play my acoustics on a VV-X, and my electrics on a Credenza. Acoustic recordings sound pretty dull on the Credenza, and of course the electrics sound bad on the VV-X.

I'm very happy with the Credenza's sound - but what in your opinion, is the best-sounding acoustic machine? I wonder if a bigger/longer horn than the VV-X's might not sound better? What acoustic Victor has the longest/biggest horn?

Nat

for victors !
Best sounding acoustic pre 1925 is the L-Drro XVI with the floating horn,

best post 1925 i think is the credenza hands down.

I can only go by what I've listened to, but I'd have to say either the Vic V or Vic VI with the large "flower" horn -- for acoustic records. (Some prefer the #4 or #2 sound box in place of the original Exhibition sound box, but I prefer the Exhibition reproducer.)

For electrical recordings, I used to feel the Credenza with its six foot re-entrant horn was the best, until I heard a well restored 10-50, which was equipped with the largest horn (8 feet) Victor made for home use. SEE -- http://myvintagetv.com/Carsten%20Sales% ... 0-50Ad.htm

I prefer the Credenza, whether playing acoustics or electrics. Acoustic Columbia band records sound particularly good on a Credenza - the bass notes sound great.

For me , is just what kind of mood I am in , most of the time I like to play my HMV 193 & 202 .

Not that a 1050 or an 835 are bad machines ,


External horn machine will have to be my V with a wood horn .


Aloha

Nipper

Best sounding Victor? Hmmmmm... I guess one with a broken spring


Seriously, I'd have to agree with Orthofan and say the V or VI for acoustics and an Orthphonic for the later discs.

Victor itself I think pointed the way. The Schools machine was designed for the best sound they could demonstrate at the time. And there it is: open oak horn with either an Exhibition or Victrola No 2 Soundbox. Before the Schoolhouse machine was introduced Victor's Education Department under the direction of Frances Elliot Clark suggested a V with an oak horn which of course is essentially the mechanics of the Schoolhouse model. She lived to be 98 years old showing that a little Victor music is good for one's health .

Jim.

For acoustics I prefer the sound on my Victor VI with brass petal horn and No. 4 HMV soundbox, though my Vic V with oak horn and No.4 is a close runner-up.

For electrics probably the same 10-50 that Ortho_Fan heard, otherwise an 8-35 (apparently the 8-9 sounds identical, but I haven't heard one).