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

[EdisonWizard]

So my wife is getting me a machine for Christmas. I don't have anything to play 78s on...and I'm wanting to venture into them instead of just cylinders. I'm looking at 2 uprights...I want both but sadly don't have the room and I absolutely can't make up my mind lol. Price is not a concern as they are about the same. One is a L door, other is an Oak XVI. Only issue there is seems to be that with the oak there's some flower pot issue with a slight ripple and discoloration on top. L door looks great and has album's. Which would you choose?

[rgordon939]

L-Door.

Rich Gordon

[oldphonographsteve]

Hands down you should go with the L door. Though, it should be noted that some of the albums are not correct for the machine and belong with a later XVI.
-Stephen

[Django]

I would go for the machine to the left of the L-door.

[Jerry B.]

I'm with Rich and Stephen and vote "L" door. The "L" door was built early in the Victrola era when each model was unique and different from other Victrola models. It's a historic Victrola. The oak XVI is a fine machine but it was built when Victor standardized the Victrola style. It closely resembles its little brothers the XIV, XI, and X.

Jerry Blais

[EdisonWizard]

Thanks guys. I've just been going back and forth and I really love the look of the L door, but the oak looked neat and has a good sound. Something kept tugging at me about the L door and that's what ima go with. It'll be fun to rebuild the reproducer, I believe it has an exhibition.

I'd like to find a key too!

[Jerry B.]

There's always your birthday for the oak one! You married the right gal.

Jerry

[EdisonWizard]

Here are more pics

[EdisonWizard]

There's always your birthday for the oak one! You married the right gal.

Jerry

Haha yeah I'm lucky!! But they are constrained to my "man cave"...but I think I can convince her to let me put it in the living room

Unfortunately it seems like this is a one time deal as he has family driving thru this area, and they are gracious enough to stop by on their way home and meet me so I can pick up the machine...otherwise I couldn't get one. So that's why I was being so scrupulous with the decision. I think I bothered a few users on here trying to decide haha.

[EdisonWizard]

Now I need some good 78s to show the wife it was a good purchase lol