The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

A fellow collector mentioned to me that some gramophones were used in large public enclosed spaces such as cinemas and that some of these gramophones were very large indeed.

Has anyone heard of such things and if so perhaps have a photograph of one or two examples ?

Search the board for "auditorium Victrola" and you'll find the little information that's known.

52089 wrote: Fri Dec 17, 2021 6:57 pm Search the board for "auditorium Victrola" and you'll find the little information that's known.

Very interesting indeed.

Thank you.

The APS Journal for September 2019 carries a six page article on the Auditorium Orthophonic Victrola by Robert Baumbach.

Doing a search I've found this photo

This post string describing the giant Orthophonic Victrola installed on the Victor factory is interesting -- viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3642

Also see: which shows the giant horn.

OrthoFan

Inigo wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 5:00 am Doing a search I've found this photo

Very interesting. Thanks Inigo.

OrthoFan wrote: Sat Dec 18, 2021 11:16 am This post string describing the giant Orthophonic Victrola installed on the Victor factory is interesting -- viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3642

Also see: Whats the best loudspeaker and why.pdf which shows the giant horn.

OrthoFan

Really great links and information.

Thank you OrthoFan.

I was once in the former residence of a phonograph dealer who when he built the house had a huge horn built over the sitting room, with a conduit to a player in the hallway. Apparently one could relax in the sitting room with sound descending from above.

Apparently, although I have not found evidence of this (mentioned in a catalog as a possible use), Paillard hot-air powered Gramophones could be used in a auditorium setting. I assume because of their long play time and loudness. Sure won't be my first choice of use.