The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Subject: General Edison Model C Reproducer Survey Question...

Without getting involved with anything like correctness.... Which Diaphragm type do you prefer the sound of ?!?? Early Mica, or Later Copper made Diaphragms....And why????

I am curious to see the results...

Thanks you all!

)

Tony K.
Edison Collector/Restorer
Melbourne, Florida
(Formerly from Long Island, NY!)

Wow...Crickets....lol....

Maybe I should have posted "Free Idelia to a good Home..." instead...lol....

HAHAHAHAHAHA.....!

)

Tony K.

I'm surprised no one has spoken up! Anyway, I do like the extra loudness of the earlier mica diaphragms. But, I don't have a particular favorite--either way!

Mike Sorter
Riverside, CA

Are the earlier ones that had a mica diaphragm are the ones with the “REPRODUCER” flag sticking out of it?

AmberolaAndy wrote: Fri Jun 17, 2022 12:38 am Are the earlier ones that had a mica diaphragm are the ones with the “REPRODUCER” flag sticking out of it?

Well, those probably do too, but my two Model C's (1 mica & 1 copper) are the ordinary common C's and they look identical except for the serial numbers.

As for which I prefer, I don't.
To my ears they sound the same, though to be honest I've never done a side by side comparison using the same record, so maybe I should some time.

Well, I got 1 real answer so far... Hoping for a lot more here...!! )

I actually prefer copper myself. To me, a copper diaphragm gives a more pleasant listening experience. I usually use my machines which have larger horns for listening purposes, for example my Triumph with an oak cygnet and an O or diamond B reproducer. I only use 14 inch horns for display.

I like a mica diaphragm in an early C but a lot of folks prefer copper. I was ambivalent about this issue until I bought a C for my Home build. The C that I own now is an excellent replica by Mr. Paul Baker, with a copper diaphragm that he made -- not the standard stiff copper one, but a good copy of the original Edison part. It sounds superb and I would highly recommend it.