Victrola 8-12 vs. Victrola 8-30...opinions please

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ColoradoPhonograf
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Victrola 8-12 vs. Victrola 8-30...opinions please

Post by ColoradoPhonograf »

I am looking for opinions from other collectors about the Orthophonic machines 8-12 and the 8-30 (Credenza). If you had neither in your collection and wanted one, would you go for the full sized machine (8-30) with it's attributes. Or would you place consideration upon a less common machine (8-12)? The 8-12 was in a walnut finish and measured 30.5" x 18.5" x 45"h. with an medium size Orthophonic horn. Whereas the 8-30 (Credenza) was available in walnut or mahogany with the full sized Ortho horn and measures roughly 32" x 22" x 45". Size wise they are within a couple of inches of each other.

If you could find both machines sitting side by side for the same price and the same condition.....which one would you be drawn to? I'd like to keep it within the confines of these two models and not get distracted by other models please.

Thanks for your insights and opinions.

ColoradoPhonograf

gramophoneshane
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Re: Victrola 8-12 vs. Victrola 8-30...opinions please

Post by gramophoneshane »

I'd go the 8-12. Those 8-30's are as common as Hmv 101 portables.

estott
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Re: Victrola 8-12 vs. Victrola 8-30...opinions please

Post by estott »

The 8-12 is a bit more compact than the 8-30/Credenza, which is a space filler, but you've got to like the 8-12 French-style cabinet.

Kirkwood
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Re: Victrola 8-12 vs. Victrola 8-30...opinions please

Post by Kirkwood »

I own one of each. Be aware that later versions of the 8-12 had a darker gloss finish with the "antique bronze" hardware. That's the model I own, and in truth I would much prefer this model in the earlier, lighter walnut with the gold hardware. It sounds quite good. But---sonically and visually, I prefer the common old Credenza. As I contemplate downsizing my collection and my life, the Credenza is the keeper. I honestly won't miss that 8-12.

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AZ*
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Re: Victrola 8-12 vs. Victrola 8-30...opinions please

Post by AZ* »

I agree wholeheartedly with Kirkwood. Although the Credenza nowadays seems very common (thanks to ebay and CL), I don't feel the 8-12 is rare enough to be considered unusual. The 2 machines take up close to the same floor space, and the Credenza performs better. Like Kirkwood, I also own both, so I know what I'm talking about.
Best regards ... AZ*

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phonogfp
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Re: Victrola 8-12 vs. Victrola 8-30...opinions please

Post by phonogfp »

I once owned both as well, but didn't want to devote the floor space necessary to keeping them. Although I liked the 8-12 very much, I chose to keep the Credenza.

George P.

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OrthoSean
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Re: Victrola 8-12 vs. Victrola 8-30...opinions please

Post by OrthoSean »

Agreed with George and Kirkwood and AZ. A friend of mine has an 8-12, it's nice and a bit smaller indeed, but a Credenza is a much better performer sonically.

Sean

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coyote
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Re: Victrola 8-12 vs. Victrola 8-30...opinions please

Post by coyote »

I own both and will agree on that as well. As far as acoustics and looks go, the Credenza is my favorite machine. That's in my dining room. The 8-12 is in my bedroom as both the machine and the room are smaller. It really comes down to which looks better to you and would fit better in the room you choose. While there IS a difference in sound, personally that's a secondary consideration as they both are Orthophonics and sound great.

Edit: In addition, I do prefer the earlier self-supporting tone arm of the Credenza to the pot metal bracket of the 8-12, which naturally crumbled and had to be replaced.

ColoradoPhonograf
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Re: Victrola 8-12 vs. Victrola 8-30...opinions please

Post by ColoradoPhonograf »

Thanks to all for your inputs and collecting advice. I have a Credenza in mahogany but it needs to be refinished. I came across a 8-12 model which is in very nice original condition and was at an impass as to which direction to go. I guess I should just keep the Credenza I have, refinish it and enjoy it. I do appreciate all the insights and words of wisdom from the Forum members.

Thank you,

ColoradoPhonograf

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Nat
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Re: Victrola 8-12 vs. Victrola 8-30...opinions please

Post by Nat »

I have a wonderful credenza, which I regard as a musical instrument and use to play my electronic records. It may be more common, but my research lead me to believe that it was the better machine for sound - wich was the purpose of buying it.

That said, if I had the room for another... :D

Nat

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