ABSTRACT
Experiments led to the exponential horn, in which the cross-sectional area doubles with each increase of x inches in distance along the axis. By 1920 the exponential horn was universally accepted, and in 1925 the orthophonic horn formalized the design and increased the length. Horns were external at first, then (from the Victrola of 1906) were concealed inside the phonograph’s cabinet; the concealment was achieved by folding the horn. Internal horns did not improve the sonic quality of the system, and, in fact, worsened it, but had cosmetic appeal; the term “hornless player” was used in advertising internal horn machines.
