A (very unscientific) comparison of the modest Edison Amberola Model 30 (original price $30) with the Victor Victrola X (originally $100). Both machines are from 1915-1916.
The Edison Amberola plays Blue Amberola cylinders with a playing time of 4-minutes. The metal horn is very small, much like a funnel, and connects directly to the reproducer. It measures about 8" x 6.5" at the opening. It uses a permanent diamond stylus which does not need changing.
The Victor Victrola X plays shellac records with average playing times of 2.5-3.5 minutes. The tapered tonearm leads to a medium-sized horn of cast iron and wood, measuring about 13.5" x 7.5" at the opening, further enhanced by doors. It uses steel needles which wear out and should be replaced every record side. In this video, it is using a new medium-tone steel needle from Soundgen.
Both of these machines have had their reproducers restored with new gaskets, adjustments, etc. The Victor is using the original Victor Exhibition sound box, while the Edison is using its Amberola Diamond C reproducer.
Although these are the same selection, I acknowledge they are very different in terms of technical ability/arrangements/styles/languages. I think it's safe to say that the Victor record by Ernestine Schumann-Heink is the better performance--but Mary Jordan does a lovely version in English on the Edison.
Just thought it would be fun to compare two contemporaneous recording formats.
Негізгі бет Edison Vs Victor: My Heart At Thy Sweet Voice
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