A Credenza with non-ortho tonearm?

[CMcPherson]

Be warned - it is a big machine, so it does take-up quite a bit of room.

Is that the reason for the lack of interest?
For a new collector that doesn't have an example of Orthophonic sound, is there a better model?

[melbourne]

Hi,

I'm a new collector and I went with a Credenza for my first orthophonic. I have a couple of external horn Victors and non-ortho Victrola's. IMO, the sound is a big improvement over the earlier machines with good records. Make sure you can rebuild or source a good reproducer and seal the horn.

-Mike

Be warned - it is a big machine, so it does take-up quite a bit of room.

Is that the reason for the lack of interest?
For a new collector that doesn't have an example of Orthophonic sound, is there a better model?

[De Soto Frank]

For some, the size is a turn-off, especially if the significant-other is not particularly a fan of talking machines...

If the machines has to be shipped by a third party, this can also be a big turn-off.


The Credenza is generally regarded as one of the pinnacles of acoustic phonograph development.

It has the the largest wooden horn offered by Victor. The "Orthophonic" system was developed by Bell Laboratories and featured an "exponential" horn, whose profile began at the reproducer. The horn's proportions and sizing were guided by fundamental mathematical calculations, designed to give the best frequency response over the range of audible frequencies (at least as well as an acoustic system could do).

There is some difference of opinion as to which flagship machine "sounds better" - the Victor Credenza, Columbia Viva-tonal 800 series, or Brunswick Panatrope "Cortez". The Credenza is favored to have slightly darker tone, better bass response; the Columbia and Brunswick are regarded as having a brighter, more responsive sound.

All are very, very good.


For the money, this Credenza is a decent deal.

Just noting that it is quite a bit bigger than the run of the mill upright talking machine.

[CMcPherson]

Thank you Frank.
I've been reading warnings about the possibility of needing to reseal the horn.
Does anybody want to give me an estimate of difficulty for an experienced DIYer?

[melbourne]

Hi,

If you are an experienced DIY'er - based on what I see this would be an easy project for you. Providing there is no major warping / wood damage and the motor is good. You would need to source the correct tonearm assembly and reproducer. Pull the 4 springs and clean/regrease. Look on youtube there are a series of videos on repairing the lid dampers which are often bad now. If you need parts Ron or Walt would have most of the parts you would need. The rest (wood glue, caulking, wax, etc.) are readily available. If you need to replace the feet, I found a set of similar looking feet on Ebay for around $19. If you want to replace the springs, Ron has them for around $30.

-Mike

[mattrx]

Thank you Frank.
I've been reading warnings about the possibility of needing to reseal the horn.
Does anybody want to give me an estimate of difficulty for an experienced DIYer?

I bought one of these a few years ago. The horn was not hard to seal with black silicone. Turn all the lights off, place a bright light in the horn, and look at the horn from the rear for light. Seal where needed.

The price on this one is decent and if it were near me, I'd probably buy it to work on. The tone arms are not hard to source and Ron Sitko and others sell reproduction back brackets that are not made of pot metal, but look very much like originals. The reproducers can be had easily. The sound is quite good. Eventually, I replaced my Credenza with a VV 8-35 and prefer the sound of the metal horned 8-35. Having only had non-orthophonic machines prior to the Credenza, I was blown away by the improvement in sound.

Good Luck,

Matt