The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

doctor t wrote:I've got her down to $220:

http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/sop/4887812936.html

Good deal, or a waste for a common console?

Tod

That one has almost certainly been refinished on the outside, judging from the photographs, so that's another factor you might want to consider.

Also has some funky aftermarket reproducer on it.... should have a Victor # 2.

The VV-210 is a decent machine, in terms of performance & sound quality, but they consume a larger foot-print in the room than an upright, offer less record storage space, and the big one-piece lid is kind of a pain.


I can't knock the Victrola XVI ( I have a 1909 version ), but also consider the XIV ( Victrola the 14th ), and the XI.... all are good-playing machines and reasonably desireable, especially if the purchase prices is below $200.

Be forewarned that many XVI machines are missing their record albums. This should reduce the purchase price.


As for holding-out for an Orthophonic, these are the acme of the acoustic phonograph, if space and money allow you only one machine, then an Ortho would be worth waiting for.

I have a VE 8-12 X from 1927, that belonged to my Great Grandmother, and it is both an attractive machine and a fine peformer.

The Credenza ( VV 8-30 ) is "the best" ( arguably ) among Orthos, having the largest horn.

The other guys will have to comment on which are the better of the smaller Orthophonics.


Good hunting !

The VV-210 is surely one of the most common, if not the most common of the console style Victrolas. And, with apologies to those who love this model, probably one of the most boring of all Victrola models. As De Soto mentions above, they take up more space than most of the floor model (more tall than wide) Victrolas. The only VV-210 that might be interesting would be one in oak simply because of the oak grain which I personally like, as well as many others. But, as with most of the earlier console and floor model Victrolas the dominant wood was mahogany so finding one in oak would be pretty unusual. If you're seeking a reasonably priced and decent sounding Victrola I would look for a VV-XIV or VV-XVI if you have the space for a floor model or a VV-VIII or VV-IX if you like the table models. The latter table models have lids to help keep dust away as opposed to the VV-IV and VV-VI models. Orthophonics have nice sound, in general, but the higher end models that produce the nicest sound are also very hefty and space-taker-uppers. The small Orthophonic models have better sounding and more refined reproducers (in general) than their acoustic older brothers with the Exhibition and Victrola #2 reproducers but the small Ortho models simply don't pack the punch of the higher end (larger) Ortho models playing the same exact records. Obviously, the electrically recorded records are going to produce superior sound relative to the acoustic recordings so perhaps you should start with what types of records interest you most. If you prefer earlier acoustic records then stick with the VV-XIV or VV-XVI (for example). If you prefer listening to electrically recorded records then look for a decent Orthophonic model. Just my two pennies worth. Good luck.

Doug