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

[phonojim]

I have had both an 8-12 and an 8-30; together in the same room. I kept the 8-30 and have never been sorry I did. It (the 8-30) is sonically superior, although suprisingly not by much but still there is a difference. I do like the 8-12's cabinet, though. If you collect late '20s radios it fits right in.

Jim

[Skihawx]

I would much rather have an original finish 8-12 than a refinished
Credenza. I could tell a refinished machine 100 feet away but I don't think my
ears could tell the difference with my eyes closed...

[brianu]

I would much rather have an original finish 8-12 than a refinished
Credenza. I could tell a refinished machine 100 feet away but I don't think my
ears could tell the difference with my eyes closed...

definitely... given what everyone else has remarked about the wider availability of the 8-30, why not buy what sounds like an uncommonly clean example of a less common machine, the 8-12. then deal with the either/or dilemma when you come across a nicer (with original finish) 8-30?

[dennman6]

I own both and will agree on that as well. As far as acoustics and looks go, the Credenza is my favorite machine...
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.

My Credenza also has the self-supporting tonearm, which seems like a no-brainer for Victor to keep using. The serial number is 8062, with "Credenza" on the ID plate & the off-set turntable(no record support on the left though) I prefer it to the other type.

I got my Credenza this past January, having never heard one before(I've lived a sheltered life). I've had a VV-X as a listening reference for the last forty years, since I discovered it in the attic when I was 8. Also have a little Brunswick Panatrope 106 for 5 years. I've heard a 4-20, & one of the Brunswick "orthophonic-style" Panatrope consoles. So I was happily surprised by the superior sound of the Credenza, after an excellent rebuild on the soundbox by Walt Sommers. Nothing related to recorded sound excites me as much as hearing a good electrical record on the Credenza. Some audio stuff comes close, but doesn't excede the elation of having that vintage listening experience & inhaling the 84-year old wood & various aromas(aromi??).

Dennis "Dash-pot" Forkel