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VE 9-40E

RARITY: ¤¤¤   VALUE:  ¤¤ 

The VE 9-40 represented a minor upgrade to the earlier Borgia II model. When introduced in the final months of 1926, the 9-40 was the top-of-the line machine in Victor's product lineup. It featured an RCA-produced Radiola Model 28 radio (RCA's best set) and Victor's premium Orthophonic and Electrola phonograph with a large folded horn of similar dimensions as that used in the famous "Credenza" model.  A small electromagnetic driver was coupled to the neck of the horn, which allowed the radio's output to be heard with excellent volume and fidelity. The user would then switch a large valve to change the horn's input from the radio to the tone-arm when records were played. For record playback, the user of the 9-40 could select either acoustical reproduction or electronic reproduction, as there were two phono pickups attached to the tonearm (picture on right). A large tube amplifier provided audio power from the electric pickup to the horn's electromagnetic driver. The only difference between the 9-40 and its Borgia II predecessor was an improved amplifier design, resulting in slightly reduced noise levels. If the user tired of listening to electrically amplified records, he could simply switch-over to acoustic reproduction, which disabled the amplifier and provided a direct coupling of the horn to the Orthophonic soundbox, thus eliminating any unwanted artifacts of distortion and/or noise, which still remained problematic in the early days of audio electronics.
All these components were enclosed in a massive walnut cabinet that measured 44" wide and over 45" tall. The 9-40 shared an identical cabinet and appearance both the Borgia II and Borgia I.
The 9-40 sold for $1,000.00 (the same price as the Borgia II), which equates to almost $15,000.00 in today's money.  The 9-40 took over the title of 'the ultimate audiophile dream-machine' in late 1926; however, like the Borgia II, it quickly became obsolete with the introduction of the vastly improved performance of paper-cone speakers in 1927. The VV 8-60 model was the 'little brother' version of the 9-40, as it shared the dual-playback capability for records, but did not have a radio.
While few have survived, the imposing size and cost of restoration of these early and complex models limits the interest of most collectors in the current market.  Rebuilding of the amplifier alone can cost well over $500.00.
Given the high cost when new, a surprising total of approximately 5,100 9-40 models were produced, and all were manufactured during 1926. It remained available at dealers well into 1927, and was likely being significantly discounted by that time.

The current survival database shows the earliest existent VE 9-40 to be S/N 662 and the latest to be S/N 4259.    

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