The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Pooley flat-top, hands down. Far more historical machine and much rarer than a Victor VI.

Victor VI.

Sorry Pooley, your flat top looks disturbing to me.

I agree with the statement that the Pooley just does not appeal to my taste, so if I only had the choice of the two, I would go with the Victor VI. If I had free choice in that price range I would much prefer a fancy case Victor D or MS...

Andreas

Maybe I am somewhat partial, but Victor The 8th really does it for me. And strikes the right balance of features, performance, and cosmetics. The tiger oak finish is just so different and nice.

While I appreciate the history and scarcity of the Pooley, I would choose the VI for both aesthetic and performance reasons.

Then again, I'd rather have an Edison Opera, but that's just me...

Victor VI. I am done with buying floor models, plus I think that the beauty of the Victor VI beats any other.

I already have a Victor VI (actually it's an early "Victor 6," but I'd buy another if the price was right. I'd pass on a Pooley because I already have a late L-Door XVI, and the Pooley is just a Victrola XVI with an ugly hat on.

Mike

Victor VI

In my opinion no pre-orthophonic era cabinet models can compete in terms of interest with open horn models. In Europe most cabinet machines are near worthless today but it doesn't stop people asking ridiculous prices for them though.

The Pooley Victrola is not an aesthetically pleasing model anyway in my view.

The Vic VI is a stunning machine. I'd buy one if I could find one. I have one of the rarest models of Victrola pattern, produced anywhere in the world (one of only 24 sold in UK) but its not really a contender when stood next to the early high end open horn machines.