VV-XI Table Model

[CharliePhono]

Did the VV-XI early table model have the "floating" internal horn or the simple open space under the motorboard type of "horn," which essentially used the cabinet as the tone chamber? I had an early VV-X table model which had the latter, and even with a rebuilt reproducer the sound reproduction was anemic. It also suffered from transmitted motor noise from the motor being suspended within that "horn space."

TIA!

[OrthoFan]

According to the "Victor Data Book," the VV-XI table model has a non-floating horn. I've never seen one in person so I can't say for sure if the motor is suspended in the horn chamber or not, but I would guess it would be.

[CharliePhono]

According to the "Victor Data Book," the VV-XI table model has a non-floating horn. I've never seen one in person so I can't say for sure if the motor is suspended in the horn chamber or not, but I would guess it would be.

Thank you for the response, OF. That is what I suspected. I have a chance to get one, but as I like to actually listen to my machines, I think I'll let it go to someone else. As I say, the VV-X table model I once owned was essentially just two slats inside the cabinet, angled toward the doors, with the motor suspended in the center. It was an awful sounding thing with all the air leaks.

I appreciate it!

[OrthoFan]

According to the "Victor Data Book," the VV-XI table model has a non-floating horn. I've never seen one in person so I can't say for sure if the motor is suspended in the horn chamber or not, but I would guess it would be.

Thank you for the response, OF. That is what I suspected. I have a chance to get one, but as I like to actually listen to my machines, I think I'll let it go to someone else. As I say, the VV-X table model I once owned was essentially just two slats inside the cabinet, angled toward the doors, with the motor suspended in the center. It was an awful sounding thing with all the air leaks.

I appreciate it!

I had a chance to do some more research, and before you say "no," take a look at this video -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEudTWn ... yN&index=2
Based on the way the louvers are positioned, it looked like it might have a legitimate horn.

...especially compared to the way the louvers are positioned in a model without a horn.

VV-IV Victrola.jpg (104.43 KiB) Viewed 1693 times

So I checked out more videos on The Phonograph Stop YouTube site and spotted this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vke_5TQ7gPo
OrthoFan

Table Model VV-XI horn.jpg (57.84 KiB) Viewed 1650 times

So, while it's not a "floating" horn, it is, indeed, a horn.

pellicano1, who posted the linked video on his YouTube page, is a member of this forum. You might want to get in touch with him for more information.

HTH,
OrthoFan

[phonojim]

My XI table model has the same horn as that one. The horn is mounted to the rear panel of the cabinet, rather than suspended from the top surface (not the lid). It functions in the same way as the "floating" horn in other models and you won't hear motor noise through the horn. That machine is, in my opinion, the best table model made by Victor before the Orthophonic era and does give good sound. I would get it if it is in good condition and the price is right. If you are able, take pictures of the actual machine and post them here so we may be better able to advise you.

[CharliePhono]

The Victrola in question is here: https://shopgoodwill.com/item/225688968. After much consideration, I have decided not to go for it. The price is cheap enough at the moment (auction ends in approximately an hour and a half), but my concern over shipping outweighs my desire just now to bid on it. It's on the East Coast and I'm on the West, and while that wouldn't be a negative for people skilled at shipping such things, I had to remind myself I have had varying degrees of success with shipping of items won on shopgoodwill.com. I have no confidence that something that large, and relatively delicate in the scheme of things, would arrive intact at my door.

I do still appreciate the input from everyone regarding the VV-XI table model. It's been a useful education.

Maybe someone here and who is closer to the Carolinas will rescue the machine. But again, I have zero confidence in Goodwill's ability to ship such a thing and am going to err on the side of caution.

[FellowCollector]

I see that it sold for $167. A good deal for a VV-XI table model. I know one thing for sure about the lovely table model VV-XI's. You'd better eat your Wheaties before trying to lift one by yourself. The VV-XI table model and the VV-XII are about the HEAVIEST of any table model phonograph. I have a gorgeous oak VV-XI Victrola and two mahogany VV-XI Victrolas and whenever I need to lift any one of them I have to psych myself up if I need to lift it alone.

Doug

[CharliePhono]

Hi Doug,

Yes, a very good price indeed for a relatively rare machine. You mention the heft of the unit (my VV-X table model was pretty chunky, too), and that is another reason I would not trust Goodwill with the shipping. It may arrive as a pile of vintage lumber in a box. Let's hope not.

I also have collected typewriters, and without fail, almost every one of the big machines I purchased from Goodwill was damaged in some way during shipping. It got so I stopped buying things like that from them. I hope the buyer of this Victrola receives the machine safe and sound. If it's someone on this board, perhaps they can send some directives to Goodwill to effect as careful a shipment as possible. I don't hold my breath, though; they never listened to me when I repeatedly asked for safeguards in shipping typewriters!