HMV 102 or 97 portable?

[anthonyjhc]

In my quest for a really good portable with good sonority, is there much difference in quality of sound between the HMV 102 and the contemporaneous 97 or 'picnic' model? Did they use the same soundbox?
I have an Odeon machine of around the 1950s which is, I think, a rebadged 97 -- at least it comes from the same HMV factory -- and also a Columbia Grafonola of the same era which shares the same casing and is from the same factory, but which has far superior tone from its Columbia sound-box.
So can anyone advise me on what to search for in my quest for the best sound from this era? Most importantly, would I find an improvement in the quality of soundbox in one model over another amongst all these HMV products?
Best wishes
Anthony Clarke (Australia)

[brianu]

run a quick search through the various threads and posts on this forum - this question has been discussed at least a few times before. I think the conclusion generally, with the expected debate of course, was that the 102 (with the proper components and reproducer) was the best sounding and performing portable of the era.

[gramophoneshane]

The 102 is far superior to a 97. IMO, the model 88 is even better than than the 97, due to the soundbox used. The horn in both the 97 & 88 is maybe 10"-12" long & ends half way across the front of the cabinet, and simply blasts the sound into the open space beneath the motor board.
The 102 has full length & well designed horn, similar to that used in the 101.
I cant quite remember the model designation of the soundbox on the 97 (I think a No.21?), and the example I have, has a mica diaphragm & is original. I'm not sure whether this later changed to aluminium, but the soundboxes on the 88 all have aluminium diaphragms from what I've seen, & are a much better sounding box.
Im not sure why EMI chose Odeon as a brand for these portables, but both the 97 & 88 turn up labelled Odeon & Columbia, as well as HMV of course.
The tonearm on a 102 has a larger bore than the 97 & 88, and normally have the 5a or 5b soundbox, and these are much better than either used on the 97 & 88, so if sound quality is what you're after, the 102 is definately the way to go.

[anthonyjhc]

The tonearm on a 102 has a larger bore than the 97 & 88, and normally have the 5a or 5b soundbox, and these are much better than either used on the 97 & 88, so if sound quality is what you're after, the 102 is definately the way to go.[/quote]

Thanks both for your very helpful responses .. they'll serve well as I continue my quest!
Anthony