Reproducer Comparison: Exhibition vs. Victor No.2

[ewok]

What's your opinion on this comparison?

I recently bought a Victor No.2 reproducer on eBay and made two videoes in which an Exhibition and a No.2 were played on VV-VI.

1. 1921 recording. Vocalion. "Why You Marry." First part, No.2, and second part, Exhibition.
[youtubehq]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB-fBXnwqFc[/youtubehq]
(The record has a crack....)

2. 1919 recording. Victrola. John McCormack, "Thank God for a Garden." First, Exhibition, second, No.2.
[youtubehq]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFs-CttZXqc[/youtubehq]

[Lucius1958]

The No. 2 seems superior here, with far less blast than the Exhibition.

That said, I don't know whether either reproducer was adjusted to its optimum; and perhaps a larger Victrola might have brought out the tone differences better...

Bill

[m0xiemama]

I was wondering which is better too. My VV-X came with a Columbia tone arm and reproducer. I am in the process of changing the parts to Victor. I know it wasnt uncommon in the day to upgrade the reproducer so I was looking at both the exhibition and the No 2.

Thanks for the videos.

[HisMastersVoice]

I am in the process of changing the parts to Victor. I know it wasn't uncommon in the day to upgrade the reproducer so I was looking at both the exhibition and the No 2.

Or better yet, a No. 4! I actually switch reproducers depending on what record I'm playing, I find that some records sound better with an Exhibition and some sound better with a No. 2 or No. 4. depending on what type of instruments were used, etc.

[m0xiemama]

I am in the process of changing the parts to Victor. I know it wasn't uncommon in the day to upgrade the reproducer so I was looking at both the exhibition and the No 2.

Or better yet, a No. 4! I actually switch reproducers depending on what record I'm playing, I find that some records sound better with an Exhibition and some sound better with a No. 2 or No. 4. depending on what type of instruments were used, etc.

That is a good idea. My XI came with a No 2 so if I can pick up an exhibiton and a No 4 then I can just rotate.

[ewok]

No.4 is also my favorite! I have a HMV tabletop with a No.4 reproducer. IMHO, No.4 outperforms my HMV 5A and it can play both acoustic and electric recordings well. Maybe I'll make a test video with Exhibition, No.2, and No.4 tonight.

I am in the process of changing the parts to Victor. I know it wasn't uncommon in the day to upgrade the reproducer so I was looking at both the exhibition and the No 2.

Or better yet, a No. 4! I actually switch reproducers depending on what record I'm playing, I find that some records sound better with an Exhibition and some sound better with a No. 2 or No. 4. depending on what type of instruments were used, etc.

[ewok]

The Exhibition was rebuilt with new gaskets and needle spring. The No.2 was purchased several days ago and I have had no time to work on it. Maybe the VV-VI is too small. Also, I think I should have stood further away from the phonograph when taking the video. (The microphone on my digital camera really sucks!)

The No. 2 seems superior here, with far less blast than the Exhibition.

That said, I don't know whether either reproducer was adjusted to its optimum; and perhaps a larger Victrola might have brought out the tone differences better...

Bill

[Lenoirstreetguy]

I love this type of test! A larger horn would have made the Exhibition perform at it's best. Their small diaphragms seem to match best with a long air column, and supplied ideally by a large open horn. I like the sound of both, but I've always thought the Exhibition has a smoother response over all. I think McCormack sounds more natural with the Exhibition . The Victrola 2 seems to give more punch to the treble. And it tends to be louder hence it the Vocalion sounds better with it. I'm a big fan of the Exhibition but that said I play my No 2 a lot too. The Exhibition is more critical in terms of tuning. They can be made to sound lovely indeed, but you have to fuss with them.

JRT

[need4art]

Have Wyatt Marcus rebuild your #2 and you will not believe it-he did mine and I can play records from the 40's that used to blast and they sound great. I am truly impressed and his rebuild is WAY better than my own.
Abe

[larryh]

Boy this is a hard one for me.. Each has a sound in places that is appealing. They of course now are restricted by the condition of the reproducer, most likely gaskets or adjustment. The #2 has generally been the one I thought I preferred with Victor but the Exhibition has some appealing virtues as well. To me the 2 has a wider range ability, that is why they designed it with a larger size mica. I personally quit using Victors many years ago due to the blast and harsh sound produced to my ear. I went to the Brunswick after many machines as the superior sound of the vertical cut machines.. However that said, nothing holds a candle to the depth and realism of a well operating larger model Edison in my book. I think he was correct when he says that the competitors offered a outline of sound and his records filled in the details, so to speak.. I think if you can get the reproducers in top notch condition then you will be able to better determine which has the best tones. My guess is that there are fans of both including the ill fated 4, which most reports say was a big disappointment overall. I do read as above some who find it to be very good and it may well be that in the right machine and in the right conditions it is a fine head, but the ones I have owned were puny compared to the sound of other victors or competitors of the time..

Larry