Greetings all -
I have a question regarding Diamond Disc sound quality. I do not really know what the correct sound is since this is my first DD unit. (I have an LU-37) From what I've read, Edison was determined to be the absolute best in sound quality. So I am a little disapointed in the sound produced from my unit.
I recently had my reproducer sent out for repair as the diaphram needed replacement. I have it back and diaphragm and stylus are in good condition. The entire reproducer is in exellent condition.
1) While there is no doubt that records have that "record noise" or "record static", it seems too loud. The problem is, i'm not sure. The static noise is louder than my HMV phonograph using needles. Should this be the case?
2) What is the proper volume that a DD should play? I would say the volume i'm getting is a nice moderate sound able to fill the room.
3) When I lower the reproducer arm, should it be lowered all the way or only to the point that "sounds best"?
This forum and you all have all been a great help to me! Thanks for your time.
Diamond Disc sound quality...
Q&A about Talking Machines from the pre-electronic era (approx. 1885-1928).
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Phonophan79
Topic author - Regular Member
- Posts: 70
- Joined: Sun Mar 04, 2007 3:58 pm
Hi Phonophan!
Glad to hear the reproducer rebuild went well.
You will find generally that DD's do have more surface noise than you'd expect. The black etched label discs are the worst. The very early ones can sound great, but once WWI broke out, Edison was forced to replace different ingredience in the discs, which really didn't sound good. Some of the ones from around 1917-18 are really bad. They sound like your playing concrete. By 1921 when the paper labels were introduced, they were pretty good for surface noise,& by the late 20's when the electrically recorded discs came out, they were usually very quiet. That swish swish noise is just something you have to put up with Im afraid. Closing the lid can reduce it quite a bit though.
Edison disc machines are quite loud- probably the same volume as a good victor table model or smaller upright. Does the LU-37 have the volume control still?? I'm pretty sure they came out with them as standard.
And yes, you should lower the reproducer all the way to play records. The most important thing is to make sure the pin on the front of the weight is in the centre of the limit loop. I think theres a site that has the instruction book that you could copy- that will explain the does and don'ts better than I! I'll see if I can find it and post the link for you.
Glad to hear the reproducer rebuild went well.
You will find generally that DD's do have more surface noise than you'd expect. The black etched label discs are the worst. The very early ones can sound great, but once WWI broke out, Edison was forced to replace different ingredience in the discs, which really didn't sound good. Some of the ones from around 1917-18 are really bad. They sound like your playing concrete. By 1921 when the paper labels were introduced, they were pretty good for surface noise,& by the late 20's when the electrically recorded discs came out, they were usually very quiet. That swish swish noise is just something you have to put up with Im afraid. Closing the lid can reduce it quite a bit though.
Edison disc machines are quite loud- probably the same volume as a good victor table model or smaller upright. Does the LU-37 have the volume control still?? I'm pretty sure they came out with them as standard.
And yes, you should lower the reproducer all the way to play records. The most important thing is to make sure the pin on the front of the weight is in the centre of the limit loop. I think theres a site that has the instruction book that you could copy- that will explain the does and don'ts better than I! I'll see if I can find it and post the link for you.
Found it!
http://www.nipperhead.com/ddisc.htm
Just copy each page into your computer, and print it out. You can get original instruction manuals fairly cheap on ebay most of the time.
http://www.nipperhead.com/ddisc.htm
Just copy each page into your computer, and print it out. You can get original instruction manuals fairly cheap on ebay most of the time.
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Neophone
- Senior Member
- Posts: 174
- Joined: Thu Nov 02, 2006 4:18 am
- Location: South Boston, Mass., U.S.A.
Phonophan,
When you lower the reproducer all the way the limit pin should be in the center of the limit loop. It should never touch the top. It should float free, if not you must raise the horn. Again-Sorry for the late reply
Regards,
J.
When you lower the reproducer all the way the limit pin should be in the center of the limit loop. It should never touch the top. It should float free, if not you must raise the horn. Again-Sorry for the late reply
Regards,
J.
Listening to the Victrola fifteen minutes a day will brighten and alter your whole life...
Hi Phonophan,
Congrats on the ownership of an Edison DD machine! You didn't say what type of DD record you were dissatisfied with. The best sound is found on his latter records with either the black paper label w/white lettering or the white paper w/black lettering. The earlier incised records can be a hit or miss proposition as far as quality of sound, even if the record surface looks clean & shiny. So unless you want a particular piece on an incised disc and it's not found on a later paper label, stick with the paper label discs.
Bill
Congrats on the ownership of an Edison DD machine! You didn't say what type of DD record you were dissatisfied with. The best sound is found on his latter records with either the black paper label w/white lettering or the white paper w/black lettering. The earlier incised records can be a hit or miss proposition as far as quality of sound, even if the record surface looks clean & shiny. So unless you want a particular piece on an incised disc and it's not found on a later paper label, stick with the paper label discs.
Bill
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