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Any thoughts on sound difference when comparing the early Ldoor 16 with the square horn, to the later style with the wider horn?
I have grown very fond of my Ldoor, but have been considering a later style 16 to keep him company lol. What are your thoughts?

I've owned both, and the later rectangular horn model had a fuller sound to my ears, but I preferred the sound from an external horn machine such as a Victor V or HMV 32.

My 1911 L-Door ("Eldora") currently sits right next to my 1920 XVI ("Chuck"), and while they really are good companions, there's no real comparison between the sounds they produce. Both soundboxes are rebuilt and functioning perfectly; the earlier is an Exhibition of course, and the later a No. 2. But the biggest difference is in the shape and size of the horns. The L-Door's horn just doesn't have the space or size to develop as strong and full a sound as the later XVI. Because of this, Eldora's a good choice for late-night playing, especially with soft needles, but I consider Chuck one of the best players for louder times of day, and even his performance with soft needles beats Eldora's.

Overall, I tend to think of an L-Door more in terms of its iconic place in phonographic history than as an excellent player; but a later XVI in good repair, while more common, is an excellent player simply because of the improvements in its design. It definitely can't hurt to have both. And since a good later XVI can sometimes be had relatively cheaply these days, I'd say keep your eyes open for one, especially on Craigslist or in local auctions.

Ohh good to hear, and also, the one I'm considering has a gold plated improved concert reproducer. Just a little added bonus!!

Ohh good to hear, and also, the one I'm considering has a gold plated improved concert reproducer. Just a little added bonus!!

My 1909 L-door is plenty loud, with a loud-tone needle - enough to chase you out of the room (14 x 16 x 9ft ceiling).


It seems to be equal in volume to my 1918 VV-XI, with # 2 soundbox.


Granted, the horn is "smallish", and the frequency response is probably somewhat limited compared to Victrolas with larger horns, but if improved volume and tone are your goals, I think you're better served getting an Orthophonic, rather than a later XVI.

Just a thought...

Got one! I have a victor Victrola 8-4, this 16 is just something that came up and is at my fingertips, temptation and phonograph bug at its best.
Someone please start a support group!!
Ohh never mind we're hear lolololol.

edisonsclone wrote:Got one! I have a victor Victrola 8-4, this 16 is just something that came up and is at my fingertips, temptation and phonograph bug at its best.
Someone please start a support group!!
Ohh never mind we're hear lolololol.

Ah... the old "because it is there" phenomenon...


Well, if it's in nice condition and you have the room, why not ?


Yes - this IS a support group - we support each other's "habit"...

You had me at gold plated improved concert reproducer.

I have one of each, a XVI c l door 1909, a XVI J 1918 and also have an 8-4 orthophonic.
By far the ortho has the best sound, but I like the sound from all three. They are great
machines.
Gene