I need help with a machine decision...which one?!

[gramophone-georg]

I'm trying to figure out what the "decision" is.

[marcapra]

Instead of buying either of those machines, I think you might be happier with an Edison Diamond Disc machine, perhaps a William and Mary console WMC-33, or a Hepplewhite H-19, or maybe a Columbia Viva Tonal 810 for 78s. The fact that I have those machines for sale has no bearing on my advice. Marc.

[EdisonWizard]

i'm a little late chiming in. Get the L-Door. This is an interesting variation, a late one. This one has the tab brake and the automatic stop. This variation was made a short time, before the more conventional VV XVI's came out. Most L-Doors have the bullet brake, but not many with the tab brake. These albums might be correct, because this is a late one.
Harvey Kravitz

Thanks for the info! I saw that tab and thought it was an auto brake like I've seen on a Columbia before, not sure how they operate but I'm guessing you set it where the tab on the tone arm will trip it at the end of the record. Had no idea it wasn't common to the machine however. Very cool. I can't wait to get it.

[Lucius1958]

i'm a little late chiming in. Get the L-Door. This is an interesting variation, a late one. This one has the tab brake and the automatic stop. This variation was made a short time, before the more conventional VV XVI's came out. Most L-Doors have the bullet brake, but not many with the tab brake. These albums might be correct, because this is a late one.
Harvey Kravitz

Just the same as mine! (Alas, no albums)...

Bill

[EdisonWizard]

Instead of buying either of those machines, I think you might be happier with an Edison Diamond Disc machine, perhaps a William and Mary console WMC-33, or a Hepplewhite H-19, or maybe a Columbia Viva Tonal 810 for 78s. The fact that I have those machines for sale has no bearing on my advice. Marc.

Oh I already have plenty of Edison machines including DD. Lol

[Valecnik]

Instead of buying either of those machines, I think you might be happier with an Edison Diamond Disc machine, perhaps a William and Mary console WMC-33, or a Hepplewhite H-19, or maybe a Columbia Viva Tonal 810 for 78s. The fact that I have those machines for sale has no bearing on my advice. Marc.

Oh I already have plenty of Edison machines including DD. Lol

I agree with Marc, except for the Viva Tonal.

Merry Christmas!

[fran604g]

I have to agree with Valecnik. I can't imagine my wife (or my children or grandchildren for that matter) ever even considering buying me anything related to a talking machine.

Happy Holidays!

Fran

[HisMastersVoice]

I have a 1909 L-door, and while the horn is small, the sound quality isn't as bad as many comments were leading me to believe.

I'm with Frank here...my VTLA sounds just as good as my XIV or any outside horn Victor, quality wise. Small horn does not equal poor reproduction. It may be slightly quieter, but that can often be a virtue. Go for the L door.

[Canuk Phonographs]

"L Door" and see if he can throw in the little nipper under the schoolhouse. I like that too.
Blain'

[Phototone]

You will need to rebuild the Exhibition reproducer on the "L" door. That will improve the sound a great deal, and will also be more gentle on the records.