The "Credenza" was one of the largest models of Victors "Orthophonic"
line, introduced in the mid-1920s.  Designed in conjunction with Bell
Labs, the Orthophonics were mechanical phonographs (mostly spring-
wound, although they could also be purchased with electric motors to
drive the turntable) which were designed to play the new
electrically-recorded records.

Using a reproducer with a aluminium diaphragm and a large, internal,
re-entrant horn (which folded in on itself) they did an incredible job
reproducing electrical records via a totally mechanical process.  They
sounded far better than the totally electric phonographs (such as the
Brunswick Panatrope) of the time.

A range of models was made.  The Credenza was one of the largest: its
horn, if unfolded, was over 6 feet long! The largest, though, was the
10-50, which had an even larger horn and featured an electric record-
changer but still a mechanical reproducer.  We have both a 10-50 as
well as a 8-9 in our collection (see my web site).  Properly restored,
they are still the best way to enjoy electrical recordings from the
1920s and early 30s!

Columbia and several other companies jumped on the bandwagon, but the
Victor machines were by far the best.

Jim Canavan
Alexandria, VA
http://members.aol.com/vapianola/