Phonolink

Electrical Reproducer
for Phonograph Cylinders

by Colin Loffler

 

Readers that are interested in the electrical reproduction of cylinders may recall my review article on the ACT electrical reproducer published in the Autumn 2002 issue of For the Record. Apparently, UK members have had difficulty in obtaining supplies of the ACT from the USA. Revised details on the availability of and the updated specifications for the ACT can be found on the preceding pages of this issue. Here is a device that is similar to the ACT, but is easily obtainable! - at least to UK members! Is is called the Phonolink. Some members may have come across this device before, but as I don't recall anything being published in our journal at least since I have been a member, I thought it worth writing a review. I was going to compare the Phonolink to the excellent qualities of the ACT, but I think that would be a little unfair as the Phonolink costs but a fraction of the price of the ACT. In fact I think it is very reasonably priced for what it offers.

Phonolink attached to an Edison Gem phonograph

The Phonolink attaches to your existing phonograph's reproducer and simply pushes on in place of the original horn. Although it was designed for use with Edison phonographs fitted with standard size reproducers (i.e., models B, C, H, and K), it also works well with other makes of vintage phonographs as long as the neck size is the same as an Edison type. I have used it in conjunction with a Columbia Graphophone of type BK fitted with the spring-loaded stylus bar Lyric reproducer, with good results. How does the Phonolink work? Quoting directly from the sales literature, it says: 'Phonolink is a magnetic device and the transducer is activated by the chamber of air in the neck of the original reproducer, resulting in matched acoustic impedance without actually making contact with the cylinder in the way a stylus would. The excellent acoustic properties of the original Edison stylus mechanism are retained and the results are dynamic and pleasing. Phonolink is fitted with a standard RCA phono plug and the output is suitable for connection to a microphone input on a mixer, amplifier or computer sound-card, and the sound can be recorded digitally onto computer or analogue tape.' As you will realise from the above description, the Phonolink does not come with a pre-amp, so you do need to connect it to a microphone input on, say, a tape, minidisc or cassette machine. Fortunately, I have a cassette tape machine with microphone inputs, which is rare these days. How does it sound? Well, I have obtained some very good results, although I cannot say in all honesty it is as good as the ACT, but one would not expect it to be at the price. A plus point for the Phonolink is that it is very robust, as it utilises the phonograph reproducer and not a delicate stylus of a modern pick-up cartridge. One could argue that acoustically recorded cylinders should also be replayed acoustically, and I suppose the Phonolink goes some way in achieving this as it is an acoustic-electrical device, rather than a full electrical reproduction system. As I mentioned in the earlier review of the ACT, your phonograph needs to be in good running order to get the best results. With the Phonolink, your original phonograph reproducer also needs to be in top condition. Any unwanted vibrations may be due to hardened gaskets, and should be replaced as required. Jeff Link, of Linkmultimedia (the manufacturer and supplier of the Phonolink) has been involved with electrical reproduction of cyinders for some years. In fact, just recently, I acquired from a member one of his original reproducers wich must be at least twenty years old, and still working! In those days it was designed on a similar principle to the ACT, but according to Jeff, it became too expensive to produce. Jeff is working on various prototype pre-amps, which he hopes to market in conjunction with the Phonolink and which will meet most customers' requirements. Further details will be published when available. To sum up the Phonolink, I think it is a good buy. It comes in a nice, felt-lined storage box with full instructions and a year's guarantee, plus full technical support. Jeff is also offering the Phonolink to members at a reduced price. What more can one ask! Phonolink costs £41-00 to members only (normal price, £47-99), + £2 p & p. in the UK. Shipping to Europe, £3-00, and to the U.S.A., £3-50. Other international shipping, at cost. Cheques are to be made payable to Jeff Link. Please mention that you are a member of the CLPGS when ordering. It is obtainabale from Linkmultimedia; 61 Watford Road; Croxley Green; Rickmansworth, Herts., WD3 3DS Tel.: 44(0) 77-2937-5970 Fax.: 44(0) 70-3115-1810 E-mail: sales@linkmultimedia.co.uk Website: www.phonolink.co.uk

This text was originally published in For the Record No. 8 (2003/04), pp. 459 - 460. For the Record is the official journal of the City of London Phonograph and Gramophone Society Ltd.