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Victor Workhorse?????

Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2014 9:56 pm
by Victrolacollector
There are many great Victor Victrola models. But for the person that does not have the room and wants a tabletop model to play alot of records and and have a machine that is built strong, and plenty of parts, and can play as many records on a winding as the average upright Victrola. How many would agree this is a list of models that would fit the bill, in no particular order.

VV-VI

VV-IX


I was reluctant to add the VV-IV, as the machine only has one small spring good for about one play on a winding.

Re: Victor Workhorse?????

Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2014 10:31 pm
by mattrx
You will get as many opinions as there are members, but I would choose the VV-IX. I have a VV-VI, early model. I recently sold my IX. The IX sounded better and was a better looking machine. If room is of a premium, use the VV-VI, but the IX just looked more impressive and sounded better.

I kept the VI (sold the IX)because it was earlier and smaller. I see quite a few IX's, but not so many of the early flat crank VI's in good condition. I also don't have a ton of room and have an Amberola V of roughly the same dimensions of the IX. I play the most records on my Vic V or my VV 8-12.

Matt

Re: Victor Workhorse?????

Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2014 10:50 pm
by Curt A
Personally, I like my VV-50...

Re: Victor Workhorse?????

Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:07 pm
by De Soto Frank
The VV-IX is about the best of the table model Victrolas, until you get to the Orthophonics.

Re: Victor Workhorse?????

Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:16 pm
by Uncle Vanya
All of the pre-Orthophonic Victrolas have more-or-less poor needle pont alignment, but the machines with the short tone arms, such as the Victrolas IV, VI, VIII and IX are particularly problematic in this regard. The late Victola IX maches with the "fat" tone arm are somewhat better. The portable VV-50 is very much better in this regard, but it has but a single spring motor.

The 1925 product line has some better alternative. The VV 1-70, which is not an Orthophonic, has excellent needle point alignment, and very nice reproduction, and a good 2 spring Burton motor.. The stock Victrola No. 4 reproducer is a bit "woofy" when playing some earlier records, but a No. 2 fits the tone arm just fine. The 1-90 is very nice, but is rather difficult to find in nice condition, and only has a single spring motor. The Orthophonic portable VV 2-55 is a great performer. Many of its original purchasers used it as their main home phonograph. it performed so well at Victor built a moderately expensive radio-phonograph combination around it.

Now, if one has space for a table model one probably can find room for a little Consolette or VV 4-7. These little machines are rally great performers, particularly the Consolette, which plays electric recordings very well indeed, and yet plays with a brilliance and even tone which cannot be matched by any other machine.

Re: Victor Workhorse?????

Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2014 11:48 pm
by Victrolacollector
I have to agree on the VV 1-70, I have one, fortunately it has a nice cabinet and nice nickel arm and Victrola #4 reproducer. I own both the VV-IX and the VV 1-70, if I had to sell one, I would probably keep the VV 1-70, it sounds great, and would be harder to replace.

The VV 1-70 is alot better in tracking records and sounds better over all due to the larger diaphragm, plus like you said, you get that Burton Motor.

Re: Victor Workhorse?????

Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2014 11:08 am
by Jerry B.
A Victrola IX provides classic good looks, quality, and a good mechanism. Jerry

Re: Victor Workhorse?????

Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2014 6:43 am
by Dave D
[quote="Uncle Vanya"]All of the pre-Orthophonic Victrolas have more-or-less poor needle pont alignment, but the machines with the short tone arms, such as the Victrolas IV, VI, VIII and IX are particularly problematic in this regard.

Can someone explain neede point alignment? I have heard of problems with alignment, etc but never really understood what the issue is.
Thanks,
Dave