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Comparison between Edison phonographs
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 9:12 am
by Int3rstell
Hello, I am somewhat amature at talking machines and I am considering buying an external horn Edison phonograph, preferably one with 2/4 minute playback so I can start collecting 2 minute and 4 minute wax, and even record my own recordings from blanks+. To be honest I´d rather buy one in not working condition so I can fix it.
The machines that immediately come to my mind is the Standard, GEM, Fireside, Home, and Triumph. So I've come to ask what the difference is between the 5 models? Such as build quality, features, maintenance, and prices.
Re: Comparison between Edison phonographs
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 9:27 am
by MarkELynch
Int,
You have the model names correct and you’ll no doubt get hundreds of of opinions from members on this message board. I would suggest that the best way of researching Edison cylinder machines is by first reading this definitive book and then asking specific questions. We are all happy to help but most would rather let you do some of the research on your own first. You may not have known about this book.
Here is a link to the Edison Cylinder Machine book:
mulhollandpress.com/styled-5/styled-13/index.html
Re: Comparison between Edison phonographs
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 10:41 am
by Homestead
Checked out the publisher link available for 14.95. From iTunes....but I don't have an iPhone or a Mac. Guess I'm out of luck. Of course for 250.00 you can buy the print version....ouch!
Re: Comparison between Edison phonographs
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 10:49 am
by JerryVan
Int3rstell wrote: Wed Feb 25, 2026 9:12 am
The machines that immediately come to my mind is the Standard, GEM, Fireside, Home, and Triumph. So I've come to ask what the difference is between the 5 models? Such as build quality, features, maintenance, and prices.
First, build quality on all Edison machines is excellent.
If properly accessorized, they all have approximately the same features. For the most part, the Gem will likely offer the least ability to use a larger horn, (unless a floor crane is used). The Gem will also deliver the least run time per winding, (the Triumph will offer the greatest).
As for acoustics, the earlier version of each will essentially use the same reproducer, C, H, K reproducers will deliver roughly the same sound. Later versions of the Standard, Fireside, Home & Triumph will allow for the use of a Diamond B reproducer, which is great improvement over the C/H/K choices. However, the Diamond B will only play Blue Amberol, 4M cylinders. These same, later era, machines will also hold an "O" reproducer, which performs well and will play all 2M & 4M cylinders, in wax or Blue Amberol materials. The "O", however, tends to be an expensive option, and sometimes the victim of pot metal decay. There are other reproducer permutations/options, but these are the most common ones encountered.
Once any problems or issues have been addressed, maintenance on any Edison will be minimal.
Prices are largely dependent upon condition, accessories, "early" versus "late" examples & horn choices. Prices/values, in order of magnitude, from lowest to highest...
Gem
Standard
Home
Fireside
Triumph
This is a very rough and highly subjective estimate. There will be some Gems, (like the Model E), who's price will exceed some Triumphs. Most of these models will fall somewhere between $250 and $3500+. A wide margin... but one that offers a lot of leeway for your needs & wants.
Re: Comparison between Edison phonographs
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 11:16 am
by martinola
Apart from an adapted Home model A (which had a warble I could never completly eliminate), I can only comment on Standards with any real experience. They can be made to play very well.
My main advice is to not fool around with an adapted 2&4 minute gear train. The adapter gears are tiny, far more subject to excessive wear, tend to get noisy, and not terribly well anchored to stay in place. From an engineering standpoint, the purpose-built model D is a far more robust system.
I wouldn't be afraid of replacing the potmetal mandrel bearing. It is do-able. Yes, you have to be careful. But if you want your machine to play really well, you'll need to be able to do things to it. Buying a machine from a dealer, especially on ebay, is a crapshoot. As far as a "restored" machine goes, some folks know what they are doing and ask a lot of money, others do not (or at least cut corners on the idea that you'll never know) and still ask a lot of money. Patience and time are your best tools.
In any case, good luck!
Martin
Re: Comparison between Edison phonographs
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 11:59 am
by JerryVan
Where are you located? There are shows, auctions and various dealers around the country who may be able to help find the right machine.
Re: Comparison between Edison phonographs
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 12:50 pm
by Int3rstell
JerryVan wrote: Wed Feb 25, 2026 11:59 am
Where are you located? There are shows, auctions and various dealers around the country who may be able to help find the right machine.
I live in the Jacksonville Florida area
JerryVan wrote: Wed Feb 25, 2026 10:49 am
Int3rstell wrote: Wed Feb 25, 2026 9:12 am
The machines that immediately come to my mind is the Standard, GEM, Fireside, Home, and Triumph. So I've come to ask what the difference is between the 5 models? Such as build quality, features, maintenance, and prices.
First, build quality on all Edison machines is excellent.
If properly accessorized, they all have approximately the same features. For the most part, the Gem will likely offer the least ability to use a larger horn, (unless a floor crane is used). The Gem will also deliver the least run time per winding, (the Triumph will offer the greatest).
As for acoustics, the earlier version of each will essentially use the same reproducer, C, H, K reproducers will deliver roughly the same sound. Later versions of the Standard, Fireside, Home & Triumph will allow for the use of a Diamond B reproducer, which is great improvement over the C/H/K choices. However, the Diamond B will only play Blue Amberol, 4M cylinders. These same, later era, machines will also hold an "O" reproducer, which performs well and will play all 2M & 4M cylinders, in wax or Blue Amberol materials. The "O", however, tends to be an expensive option, and sometimes the victim of pot metal decay. There are other reproducer permutations/options, but these are the most common ones encountered.
Once any problems or issues have been addressed, maintenance on any Edison will be minimal.
Prices are largely dependent upon condition, accessories, "early" versus "late" examples & horn choices. Prices/values, in order of magnitude, from lowest to highest...
Gem
Standard
Home
Fireside
Triumph
This is a very rough and highly subjective estimate. There will be some Gems, (like the Model E), who's price will exceed some Triumphs. Most of these models will fall somewhere between $250 and $3500+. A wide margin... but one that offers a lot of leeway for your needs & wants.
Thank you
Re: Comparison between Edison phonographs
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 2:02 pm
by epigramophone
If you want to try home recording, a good steady running motor is a must.
Go for a Triumph if you can afford one. It has by far the most powerful motor of the models you mention.
Re: Comparison between Edison phonographs
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2026 5:57 pm
by MarkELynch
Homestead wrote: Wed Feb 25, 2026 10:41 am
Checked out the publisher link available for 14.95. From iTunes....but I don't have an iPhone or a Mac. Guess I'm out of luck. Of course for 250.00 you can buy the print version....ouch!
If you can’t buy or borrow someone’s Apple iPad, here is another option.
All 14 volumes of Wendel Moore’s reprints of The Edison Phonograph Monthly are available on Archive.org
https://archive.org/search?query=edison ... ph+monthly
Study these and you’ll be an expert!
Mark