Crosley Turntable Reviews: Top Best Models for Vinyl Enthusiasts

Interestingly enough, for some reason, vinyl records saw their resurgence in the 2010s. Despite technological advancements, it seems that people decided to come back to the good old analog sound they provide. However, things are kind of complicated when it comes to vinyl records. From the perspective of modern times, they're pretty impractical, especially because you need bulky and sensitive gramophones to play them. But luckily for all the vinyl lovers, a brand like Crosley came to the rescue with their compact and portable record players. With this said, we'll be taking a closer look at the best examples in these Crosley turntable reviews below. If you're a true fan of retro-style stuff, you'll definitely find something for your tastes below.

About the Crosley Brand

Crosley Corporation was first active from the 1920s and up to the 1950s. The brand was resurrected by Modern Marketing Concepts who purchased the rights to the name and started Crosley Radio. In the early 1990s, we got the first turntables under the revived brand. In recent years, they also started making old school vinyl jukeboxes under the name of Vinyl Rocket.

Website: www.crosleyradio.com

What's So Special About Crosley?

Crosley turntables are a combination of practicality and retro aesthetics. Yes, there have been some critiques thrown their way, but it's only because some vinyl lovers have missed their point. The whole idea behind the Crosley brand is to have pretty looking portable suitcase-style gramophones for music fans who enjoy retro aesthetic qualities. With them, you're not only getting a turntable but also that whole retro experience at a relatively low price, which also means that the Crosley brand has a specific following.

Going back to their portable turntables, their main focus is not on the sound, which is why some audiophiles have been very dissatisfied with the brand. Additionally, they feature ceramic cartridges which can get a bit heavier. But the general idea is not to play your rare collection of vinyl records on it, but rather something that you're planning to use just for fun. As already mentioned, these are far from pro-level gramophones, but rather something that brings aesthetic features and simplicity in one cute-looking package.

But They're Often More Than Just Turntables...

Looking further into the brand, Crosley also has some turntables with additional features on them. So it's not only a portable gramophone, but rather an all-in-one package featuring a CD player, a cassette player, a radio, and even auxiliary cable and Bluetooth connectivity. Aside from retro-looking and portable turntables and jukeboxes, they also make regular turntables, although these aren't as famous. Crosley also has replacement parts and accessories, as well as their line of old-school-styled telephones. You can also get other vintage-oriented goodies, including 45 RPM record adapters, retro-styled Bluetooth speakers with integrated radios, audio cassette players, as well as audio cassette player head cleaners. In case you're into other brands of turntables, Crosley offers a lot of cleaning accessories worth checking out. They even have a great phono preamp the P10 model, which can come in handy for any other brand of turntables that you might prefer.

Top 7 Crosley Turntable Reviews

Closest Thing to Old Models: Crosley CR6232A-BR Nomad

Featuring an extensive line of portable record players, Crosley has come up with some really clever modern twists to old school gramophone players. In case you really feel like getting close to the old record players that the company's original incarnation did back in the old days, then we'd recommend looking into their Nomad turntable, also designated as Crosley CR6232A.

Compared to some other examples that the company is offering, this one is slightly more expensive. However, it comes with its own special qualities. So let's look at the design first. This is a fairly practical one, especially with the well-conceived and quality-built suitcase. First off, it is intended to replicate those old record players from the first half of the 20th century and it gets pretty close to it.

Design

We even have a very well-made wooden casing that comes with quality fabric wrapped around it. Along with its chromed snap closures, you'll not only get a great-looking retro turntable but also a very safe enclosure that makes it easy to carry anywhere with you.

Secondly, this particular model keeps things very simple and to the point, combining minimalistic and simple features with the overall vintage design. What's more, the player manages to do things pretty well and reproduce the sound pretty well within this price level.

Features and Connectivity

The Voyager turntable features a belt-driven mechanism and comes with three rotation speed modes: 33 and 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM, and 78 RPM. This is yet another thing that makes it interesting within the price level. It also comes with a well-conceived NP5 needle system.

But that's not all. Aside from the RCA output, you can also use a standard 1/8-inch aux cable or a headphone jack. And as if that wasn't all, this vintage-styled turntable also combines old school and modern technologies with its special USB output. Now here's where things get really interesting with Crosley turntables, especially the Voyager. You can also rip your vinyl records and create digital file copies on any Windows or Mac device using special software that comes with this record player. Practicality, retro-oriented style, and sturdy casing are what make the Crosley Voyager model a viable choice for turntable lovers.

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Most Features and Functionalities: Crosley CR42D-PA Lancaster

As it's already obvious from this guide, Crosley is also about fusing old school stuff with some more modern principles. However, they really took a different turn and brought things to a whole new level with the Lancaster turntable, or the CR42D-PA model. In fact, this is more than just a turntable and is even referred to as an "entertainment center" or an "entertainment system" by the brand and its fans.

Design

The very first thing that you can notice is this device's design. In fact, the whole thing "screams" retro with its early to mid-20th century aesthetic traits. It's packed in a very well-conceived casing that brings both the looks and practicality in one full package. Lancaster also comes with its built-in full-range stereo speaker system. However, the whole thing still manages to look really retro due to the stylish grillwork on it. The very name Lancaster is retro-oriented and pays tribute to the oldest inland city in the USA.

Features and Connectivity

As far as the record player itself goes, it comes with a belt-driven mechanism and it's capable of playing records at three standard rates per minute – 33 and 1/3, 45, and 78. Of course, the turntable is located at the very top of the device and is covered by a wooden lid with a quality closing mechanism.

This is all accompanied by additional features, as well as an audio cassette player and a CD player. Of course, there's also an AM and FM radio which wraps up the whole classic combo formation of home stereos. However, they call it an "entertainment center" since it also comes with additional modern features. You can even connect any regular auxiliary source through a standard 1/8-inch cable.

But its best feature is that you can connect your phone, tablet, or computer through a Bluetooth connection. In the end, you get a full package with some pretty great-looking vintage vibes to it. Crosley Lancaster will come in handy if your living space is already vintage-oriented, making it more than just a turntable and a music player but also a suitable piece of furniture.

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Most Practical for Home Use: Crosley C62

Up next, we have a more stripped-down version of an entertainment system. In case you're a vinyl lover who also needs just a few basic additional features, then Crosley's C62 is an example that you'd want to look into. The main idea here was to have a turntable in the classic retro style, the kind that you've seen in the '70s and the '80s, while still keeping it really simple and easy to set up. In fact, it's marketed as a turntable that's ready to go "straight out of the box."

Features and Connectivity

The turntable itself is made from quality MDF (medium-density fiberboard) wrapped in a nice-looking veneer that comes in different color variants. It's capable of delivering two standard RPM modes, the 33 and 1/3 as well as the 45 one. Crosley C62 is equipped with a well-made aluminum tonearm, featuring a black matte finish and an adjustable counterweight. The motor is belt-driven and is accompanied by low-vibration features that keep things flowing smoothly and without any unwanted surprises. What's more, vinyl records are placed on a quality heavy steel platter. And working along with these features are vibration-damping feet that help in keeping things stable.

But what's really awesome with the C62 model is that it comes with a switchable preamp. You can connect it to a receiver or speakers and just select "phono" or "line" output modes. Additionally, the device has a standard RCA output with additional line and phono inputs. What's more, you can even use its Bluetooth receiver and have it play music from your phone, computer, tablet, or any other device.

In the end, it's important to note that the turntable is sold along with two external speakers. These have their boxes made from the same materials as the turntable itself, bringing a very aesthetically pleasing home entertainment package. Each of these speakers has a mid-range drive and one simple tweeter for higher frequencies.

Reliability

This particular turntable model breaks the common stereotypes about Crosley products. C62 will not only have things running smoothly, but it will also keep your precious vinyl records safe from any damage. In case you want to use its full potential, you can use it paired with some higher-end external speakers or a home entertainment system.

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Best for Performing DJs: Crosley C100

But in case you prefer to go with just a quality turntable for DJs without any additional bells and whistles (like Bluetooth connectivity), Crosley still has some great products to offer. So up next, we're looking into their C100, which differs from their other stuff in terms of functionality, sound, and aesthetic features.

Features and Connectivity

C100 comes with two basic speed modes, 33 and 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM. The platter is made out of aluminum which provides enough sturdiness and quality for a stable operation. This is also accompanied by a strobe platter which rounds up things nicely.

But what's noticeably different here is that there's also a pitch control, making it very useful for DJs. Along with the quality aluminum platter, great aluminum tonearm with adjustable counterweight, and an adjustable anti-skate, this will come in handy for any of your live performances. This pitch adjustment is fairly versatile, allowing for a wide sweep and even a great option to play music in the original pitch at a different RPM mode. Along with this also comes an easily switchable RPM mode with two separate switches and easily visible LED light indicators.

However, a turntable intended for DJs wouldn't be worth it without a nicely done vibration control. We have a great belt-driven motor in it with a low vibration system that helps you keep things in order while performing. Of course, the C100 also comes with its integrated switchable preamp. You'll be able to integrate it into any setup, either an amateur-oriented or a semi-professional one. It's definitely more than worth the price.

Design

This is also accompanied by C100's great functional design and its quality feet that do some additional vibration control. And add its great cueing level to this equation and you've got yourself a great but relatively cheap turntable for DJs.

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The Most Stylish: Crosley CR6233D-RE Dansette Bermuda

Now we'd like to take the opportunity and go back to the stuff Crosley is best-known for – those stylish retro turntables that bring back the good old times. If you really enjoy those 1950s aesthetics and still want to get yourself a decent turntable, then Crosley's Dansette Bermuda, or CR6233D, is worth looking into.

Design

But this isn't like the other record players that we mentioned here, at least in terms of its overall design. From the very first glance, we notice that it comes with its own legs. This makes it also a perfect addition as a piece of furniture if you're planning on decorating your home in a retro manner.

Features and Connectivity

Of course, aside from this aesthetic aspect that plenty of vinyl lovers are fond of, you can get a pretty great turntable for the price, not only a pretty-looking piece of furniture. The Dansette Bermuda model comes with a belt-driven motor and a standard mechanism with two rotation speed modes of 33 and 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM. These two rotation modes are selected using a vintage-styled toggle switch located in the bottom left corner of the main surface. This is accompanied by a nicely-done tonearm that comes with the AT-3600 cartridge model. This is a moving magnet cartridge which plenty of record player lovers prefer.

One really interesting thing is that Crosley's Dansette Bermuda comes with additional pitch control, allowing you to increase or decrease pitch 10 percent up or down. This is just the right amount to play records at a different RPM than the designated one and then adjust the pitch to match the original recording. Of course, this record player comes with a standard RCA output on the backside, although you can always use its integrated stereo speaker system. There's also an additional output for headphones that can be used as a simple line out as well.

In the end, things have a more modern twist with a couple of additional features. First off, you have an auxiliary input, meaning that you can use its integrated speaker system to play music from any other device with a 1/8-inch output. Secondly, the Dansette Bermuda model comes with an integrated Bluetooth receiver, basically acting as a standard wireless speaker for your digital devices. It's a pretty neat package with its vintage casing and these super-useful modern features.

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Best Turntable With Additional Features: Crosley CR701A Ridgemont

The 1980s and the 1990s saw some new developments, including compact discs and home entertainment systems that came with a full package. In case you're nostalgic for these times, Crosley has another great example in this regard with their Ridgemont or CR701A model.

Features and Connectivity

Here we have a fully-functioning model with a classic quality turntable, as well as five other devices in it. There's the standard AM and FM radio, an audio cassette player, a CD player, aux input, and a Bluetooth receiver. Things are all rounded up with the device's integrated speakers and even a small remote control.

As far as its turntable section goes, which is the main component here, we have a belt-driven motor with three standard playback speed modes. Of course, if you're not satisfied with its speaker system, you can always connect it to other speakers using the simple RCA output on the backside.

Design

Overall, you'll get a pretty great and well-designed home entertainment system device with Crosley's Ridgemont. And it's especially useful if you're into the 1980s-styled stuff. With all this said, this one comes as the best turntable with additional features. With the Ridgemont model, you get a 6-in-1 deal that fuses old school and modern principles in a single home entertainment device. Along with its simple 1980s-oriented design, you'll also be able to fit it into your living room as well.

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The Most Practical to Carry Around With You: Crosley CR8009A-SEA Discovery

As we already mentioned many times, Crosley is best known for their stylish turntables that are usually very easy to carry around. But the one that really stands out in this regard is the company's Discovery model.

Design

Also bearing a designated name of CR8009A-SEA, it comes in the form of a small briefcase, designed as an old suitcase from the mid-20th century. The model's name "Discovery" kind of refers to the very nature of this device. It's a small-sized turntable that you can take anywhere with you. What's more, it can even nicely fit your room and act as a very stylish piece of furniture. But, of course, one of its main traits is that it comes in handy for anyone who has just gotten into vinyl records and just needs something simple to get them started. After all, the model is pretty cheap and comes with some basic features, as well as a few useful additions that younger and new vinyl fans will love.

Features and Connectivity

This one comes with a fairly simple and compact belt-driven motor. It is also capable of doing all three standard vinyl playback rotation speeds, which lets you play pretty much anything that you want. Of course, it also comes with its stereo speaker system, with individual drivers located on its left and right sides. But to make things even more versatile, you can use one of the two outputs as well, one RCA output for speakers and a standard 1/8-inch headphone output.

But while this is a simple record player that lets you enjoy the wonderful world of vinyl records "straight out of the box," there are some other nice additions to it. The most surprising one is the pitch control, allowing you to play around with fine-tuning your records. And, just like most of their products, we even have a Bluetooth receiver within Crosley's Discovery, allowing you to pair up your external devices and play other music from it. Overall, this is a pretty practical one that you can even take with you on a vacation.

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Conclusion

While most of Crosley's turntables are intended as cheaper, simpler, and aesthetically pleasing devices, they still have some other high-quality examples as well. Looking through their vast array of products, you can find anything from a simple pretty-looking portable record player to a full-blown home entertainment system. It's just up to you to choose what you need. Either way, Crosley will always get you covered.