Rocky's new toy

[Matt Brown]

Delivered a C-450 DD machine to Rocky today - hoping this will prompt him to post here regarding our visit, which included listening/comparing various DD reproducers:

- We heard the follwoing reproducers"

1. DD repro with Bogantz, rebuilt my me
2. DD repro with orig. dia, never rebuilt
3. DD repro with Bogantz, NEW stylus, rebuilt by Dave Jolly
4. DD repro, orig. dia, rebuilt by me
5. Edisonic, Bogantz dia., rebuilt by me
6. Edisonic, orig. dia, rebuilt by unknown

By far the best sounding reproducer was #6. I've had this one for months now, but had never listened to it. Don't know who rebuilt it, but it sounds GREAT - far superior to any other.

#5 comes in second, but the difference in the two Edisonics was not a small one. I'm going to have to play around with this one and adjust it to sound as good as #6 (which really did sound quite extraordinary!)

Beyond the two Edisonics, I think they were pretty close, however the original UN-rebuilt (#2) and the one with the brand new stylus (#3) sounded better than the other two DD reproducers (#1 and #4), but those were quite good as well.

Has anyone noticed a difference in sound quality based on the gaskets used (gaskets from one supplier vs. a different supplier)?

Anyone like to make any observations regarding choice of diaphragms?

Any other observations/comments regarding OTHER factors that play a part in changing the sound of a DD reproducer?

Hope this is the making of an interesting and informative thread....

Matt

[rocky]

I was really pleased to get the C-450. The machine has great sound and also has intricate artwork on the grill. Quite an imposing machine! Matt and I had a great time listening to DDs and cylinders!

Here's a picture of the C-450 as shown on Matt's website:
www.misterphonograph.com/images/C450front.jpg

Matt, I'm glad you decided to leave Michigan to move back east!

I was really surprised to hear first hand the differences in sound created by a variety of reproducers. The Edisonic reproducer that Matt mentions below (No. 6) was stunning! Very loud sound! And very clear sound reproduction. I've never heard acoustic records sound this good! I, too, was also very impressed with the standard reproducer (No. 2) that Matt gave me with the purchase of the machine. Matt had offered to rebuild the reproducer, but I decided against this, as the sound was superb. I also note that the standard reproducer rebuilt by Dave Jolley with a new diamond stylus that I put in my C-250 several months ago is an excellent reproducer--the best sound from a standard reproducer that I've heard to date.

Rocky

[neophone]

Rocky,

Congratulations (again!) that's a beautiful machine. You keep this up and I'll just have to hop a train and come down ther for a visit. ;D Whether you want me or not!

Regards,
J.

[neophone]

Rocky,

So have you picked a favorite DD machine yet? Have you done any "comparison" listening?

Regards,
J.

[maroongem]

Matt,

Was the Edisonic an oxidized one perchance? If so, it may have been the one I traded with you for one in gold. I rebuilt that one and make my own gaskets from a rubberized cloth. I find they give great results.

Bill

[Matt Brown]

Hi Bill,

Yes, the "superior" Edisonic that Rocky is referring to is indeed the one that I got from you. Well done! Sounds is indeed superior to the other one I have, which is a NOS nickel one that I rebuilt using a Bogantz diaphragm and gaskets from Sitko.
Any suggestions/comments on how to get one to sound as good as the one you did?

Matt