I bought the Cheapest turntable I could find at Walmart. You should probably do the same but not for the reasons you think. Crosley Record Player amzn.to/3xE2rlh Check out this video for another option ua-cam.com/video/2k6L169jPQY/v-deo.html
This was great Randy. I sort of had the opposite experience this weekend. I bought my daughter the new TS album on vinyl - her first record. We get home and she of course wants to listen to it on my system. Before I knew it I was barking out directions: “No, you save the hype sticker!”, “We have to clean it first, it’s from Optimal!”, “Don’t put it back in the paper sleeve, use this Mofi one!”, “Now we let the tubes warm up”, “You have to sit EXACTLY here”….The moral of the story is that WE are the weird ones, and kids who just want to listen to some music on suboptimal turntables are going to be just fine.
I feel like every hobby has this item. The "good enough to get you started" item that the purists scoff at but is actually a good bang-for-the-buck entry point. It's something I think people need to be more sensitive to in general. If buying the cheap thing is the only way you're going to get into the hobby then DO IT!!
Yep, plenty of times in the audio world I've come across items I can't believe are such good value only for purists to scoff. If it lets people enjoy the hobby cheaply it will keep the industry alive. Look at the camera industry for a view of what happens if you don't, 120 million cameras a year at the peak down to about 10-20 million total a year now.
My advice would not to buy a Crosley or one of it's many derivatives and buy a second user system with a good name, and a new stylus. The tinny sound of the Crosley sounds like one of those 1960s transistor radios with the 1.5 inch speaker.
Then I would opt for an AT LP60 with powered speakers. Suitcase players with all their flaws can be big dissapointment for some. If you are one a tight budget get one of the Crosleys with an MM-cartridge, or at least a model that is known for having a correctly impediance matched ceramic cartridge.
My 18 year old daughter got one for Christmas. When she put on a record for the first time in her life, she was expecting some magical sound quality. The look of disappointment when the needle hit the record was almost humorous. I tried to explain that it is just a novelty product and we could always upgrade it. She insisted on keeping it though and continues to buy records and continues to be disappointed. She'll learn. But, I am happy that she is at least into something that is not on a phone.
I wonder if this is the majority of customers of these - youngsters who want to learn more about turntables and record collecting. I bought a very simliar one with an 'Akai' badge (in the UK a lot of Akai products are very poor rebadges, sadly). She was 12 at the time. She collects most of her vinyl from charity shops (or thrift stores, as they're known in the US XD). I mean, it sounds pretty awful but I hope it leads to something...it also teaches younger ones how to 'take care' of their belongings, for obvious reasons.
As a lifelong musician and former audiophile I surprisingly found myself purchasing a Crosley I came across at Walmart on clearance for 21 bucks. I figured if I didn’t like it I could hand it off to one of my grandchildren. I immediately upgraded it with a diamond stylus I ordered from Amazon for 4 and a half bucks and picked up a few jazz records at a local thrift shop for a buck and a half each. I must say I’m really having a blast with this machine. I mean it is what it is, but actually better than l expected. Now nearly everyone in the family wants one ! But I can’t complain….it’s cheaper than a good pair of jeans. Have fun and be happy y’all.
Thank you so much for your incredible words and feedback on the Cruiser! We absolutely hope we can be a stepping stone for someone on their vinyl & audio listening journeys.
Reminder: those sapphire styli only have a lifespan of 40 HOURS until they need to be replaced. Most people who buy these aren't even aware that they need to change out the stylus which is why these decks are reputed to "destroy" your vinyl.
Thanks Randy. I’ve been wanting to get something for my granddaughter. She’s six years old. I think she’s ready for something like this. She’s very responsible. I love it. Say hi to your camerawoman for me. She did a great job.
I would recommend some of the Victrola units instead provided they come pre-installed with an Audio-Technica ATN-3600L cartridge for better sound quality (although they are at least double the price of Crosley record players). Crosleys are still using cheap styli and often with really cheap plastic cantilevers instead of metal cantilevers which accounts for the mediocre sound quality.
Yes, Crosley record players are for the masses to start a record collecting hobby and they're not for audiophiles or any seasoned collectors, but there is no doubt that they were a key part of this massive vinyl revival that we are enjoying now thanks to those Crosley units making the hobby more accessible to novices. Audiophiles should acknowledge that even if they do so begrudgingly. Haha! In many ways, it's like a newbie buying a First Act electric guitar to dip his or her toes into that hobby to see if he or she even likes playing electric guitars without having to break the bank buying more high-end guitars by Fender, Gibson, etc. Then over time, they can upgrade. :)
I started with a simple portable mono record player in the 1960s, which would have sounded terrible compared to my modern gear. But it's what got me started on the love afair with records that hasn't left me, and I owe a lot to it (and to the parents who bought it for me).
You speak the truth there sir! I must be of similar age, and it was parent's Philips stereo record player with ceramic cartridge that fired my love of listening to records - those old original Beatles albums (mono) still sound great when I play them today; no nasty distortion caused by the heavier tracking cartridge.... 👍
On my way to Walmart right now. The hell with all this "audiophile" stuff. I am Cruising now! You are so right in trying to get people to listen intentionally. Well done.
I would recommend some of the Victrola units instead provided they come pre-installed with an Audio-Technica ATN-3600L cartridge for better sound quality. Crosleys are still using cheap styli and often with really cheap plastic cantilevers instead of metal cantilevers which accounts for the mediocre sound quality.
There is nothing wrong with these items. They are an on-ramp for people to get started listening to music. Someone who starts here isn't going to have much of a collection or do much record care to begin with. So it doesn't matter if it does damage to the records. I had something like this as a kid. I'm 60 years old now. I don't have any of the records I played and destroyed as a kid today. If this gets a young person started in listening to music, it's great. If they become an audiophile, then it did the job introducing them to music.
@neilfisher: Well said! I grew up with my parent's music systems that were only a few steps better than this - still using ceramic cartridges - and those 50-60 year old records still sound great today, on my Ortofon 2m Red..... Those old cheaper systems fascinated me with how music came off those big black plastic discs back then, and fired a new interest in me to want to improve my system..... Still loving records today - as well as CD and downloads... 😃
I bought a $27 all-in-one record player back in 1964 while I was a freshman in college living in the dorm. It worked but sounded tinny with no bass. I quickly had to tape a nickel onto the top of the tone arm to minimize skipping. I was really envious of a friend down the hall who had a $250 Koss all-in-one player. It sounded tremendously better than my cheap record player. I couldn't afford anything better. That was the beginning of my odyssey seeking better and better sound. I can afford much better music systems today but that was my humble beginning into the world of audio and music listening.
The little holder for 78s you found is in fact an insert for 45s. Used for playing 45s that had spent a former life on a jukebox or commercial auto player of some sort and had their small spindle centre removed leaving a big centre hole.
Randy, this made my day! REAL cheap audio, combined with your adorable daughter, made me smile so big that I thought I was going to swallow my ears. And I absolutely WILL NOT be running right out to get one of those horrible things.
I’ve watched a bunch of videos on these cheap record players and I think this is the most handsome-looking one I’ve seen! The black and red look pretty sharp, and as someone for whom American Idiot and Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge were pretty big albums as a teenager, I’m inevitably a bit drawn to that look. I’m well past the point where I’d ever buy one of these, but it does sort of make me wish some company out there were making higher-quality answers to these cute, fashionable suitcase machines.
I don't really mind today's video really other that the fact that you are a great dad and make your daughters have a good time and be happy. Having a daughter myself, I know that is our duty along a good education and all but happiness and that they will remember us as great dudes when we are not here anymore. Well done Randy. ❤
I use this for kids records, dollar bin records 78's I have a friend who has a cabin and has one of these. That means I can get them beatles, beach boys, Boston, eagles elton john andother classic rock from the dollar bin that you would not play on your good turntables ect. That makes for a nice surprise when you get to the cabin
I have a couple cases full of 45s and 78s kids records that belonged to my parents. I had a record player like this in my bedroom when I was a kid. It probably sounded a lot better than this one.
The fact that it can connect to other components is another positive. I have an old Crosley that plays records, CDs, cassettes, has a radio tuner and built-in speakers, but no way to connect external speakers or anything. This is the kind of content I like to see from this channel, even if I have no interest in this product.
Great point, Randy. A $45 record player that can reproduce the sound of our most enthralling & enduring type of media. Plus, I was able to take it to our triplet granddaughters' house where they could see & hear the magic for themselves.
It looks like you had a great day with your daughters. My mom bought me a cheap little record player in 1967. I still have it. It turns and hums but I think the needle is broken. I just can't throw it away.
60 years ago, I had a cheap record player that I played kids records on. I had fun with my brothers. That device is perfect for the camera man to play with some thrift store records. Maybe a jam box with some cassette tapes or used CD is another advertising device for the hobby.
What an awesome, refreshing take! Keep it up CAM! Anything that gets people to listen to music with intent instead of as background noise it a great thing!
I've purchased two of these. First was when my kids were toddlers and we lived in a smaller apartment. I didn't want them bumping into it messing up my turntable, and this suitcase style worked great to allow me to play my records and then stash it away. My kids are at the tween age now and I got them one for Christmas along with a bunch of albums they like. My daughter is especially enjoying it. No, they don't sound great, but swapping the stylus out to a metal cantilever/diamond tip and also connecting to external speakers (we use a small CD player/speaker with input jacks) and it's listenable. It's meant to be fun and get people excited about the hobby, and if they don't take to it, it's no big investment. Great video!
VWestlife did an in-depth video that debunks the myth that Crosley record players ruin records, but there's no doubt that the ruby or sapphire styli have to be replaced after 40 hours of use and they are not quality styli compared to more reputable brands; not by a long shot. However, yes, nobody in their right mind should play their most expensive or cherished records on a Crosley, Victrola, Ion, etc. record player. It's fine if one plays thrift store records purchased for a dollar or two or if one wants to test some of granddad's old 78 rpm records (since most turntables only play 33.3 rpm and 45 rpm records) and this is an entry point for someone wanting to dip their toes into the hobby. :)
I paid $45& change for my brand new one @ Walmart. I'm an audiophile with high end equipment, but for the price it was enjoyable for the family to listen to records from years gone bye. This is a charming little unit, definitely for the youngsters & young at heart. 👍
Wow, Strange seeing this review this morning. I have a Retrolife portable record player being delivered by Amazon today. Cost was $45 with tax. I will be hooking it up to a Fozi Audio BT20A Pro purchased recently and two Energy Take Classic 5 Pack Speakers. i'm not expecting much now that I've watched your review. It's fun trying though. By the way I do have a Fluance RT85 turntable in my good system. Thanks for all you do! Very entertaining and informative!
I love your channel. I bought the Yamaha A-S301 integrated amp on ebay after watching your review. It came in at just over $300.00 all in and I'm very happy with it. I use it with the Project phono box dc and also upgraded the stylus and cartridge. FYI, I went in the other direction with the Crosley. In my case the Victrola. When I heard my niece was using the portable Victrola to play her records, I shipped my Denon dp-300f to her. Her mother purchased powered speakers for her so she got a complete upgrade.
I am sensing a lot of ease you are experiencing lately. A lot of fun. Kids are the best right ? You make valid points for those entering the audio/hifi world. This unit is a beginning. Well done and safe travels.
Terrific review! We've had a couple of Crosley record players in our household and they certainly get the job done of tracking a record. The kids love them and, if it gives them some perspective on what it was like listening to music when I was a kid, then that's great. They can always listen to my stereo when they want quality. :)
Thanks for making this bright spot in an otherwise dreadfully dreary Monday. Absolute fun and a joy to watch your interaction with your kids...scored major cool dad points today. Well done! 😊
Reminds me my red plastic turntable when I was kid. It's just way better in any way, sound included. It's where I played my first Beatles single and my first Bowie single to. With *THAT* music you don't need expensive gears to be happy!
Recently got my first turntable . I am gen x and since the late 90s Injust keep up with the times and stopped listening on turntables until now. WOW not only I am enjoying the old sound but as you say now I remember that enjoying music through a turntable is a commitment to the music , the disc and the author . You won’t be skipping tracks or changing playlists you need to go through it and that’s how you get to discover great songs within each album.
Worried that the sound quality is so bad that to a newbie they’ll write off vinyl entirely. Today there are so many methods to listen to music. Still good video and points made.
Back in the '50s I had a record player like that playing 45s of kids songs or popular music of the time like 'Rawhide' TV show theme by Frankie Laine. It was largely the reason I love music today.
I bought a Crosley Cruiser 15 years ago because what the heck why not. They were cheap. My setup was cheap. It stopped working after a couple months and sounded pretty bad. If that was my first and only exposure to vinyl records I would've probably given up on record collecting. If I had a kid who wanted to get into to records I'd probably spend a little more, and encourage others to do the same.
Brilliant video and a joy to watch! I bought one a while back and wound up letting my sister borrow it with the intention of never asking her to return it.
Lovin ya work mate! Just getting back into Hifi, your channel has really taught me a lot about the stuff I’ve not yet encountered - Dac’s (yes please! ) streamers (naaaah) etc. Turntable is the next project, probably won’t go quite this far down the budget-hole, but a useful 10mins nonetheless. For my own part, I’ve gone down the used route….a poisonous notion for some, I know, but on a tight budget it’s hard for me to see past good names at low prices. Secondhand market is crazy atm. So far I’ve bought a Cyrus 5 integrated amp, a set of Mission 701’s, and a Cambridge Dacmagic, all tested in perfect working, and near perfect cosmetic order. Total cost so far £275. That’s nuts. That makes no sense to me. One can only assume convenience is the priority over all else these days… well…..err….no, just no! Keep on keepin on man!!
@@cheapaudioman 100% Agree. I"m doing that now with videos of my 11 and 10 year old daughters when they were toddlers and it's breaking me up inside. I personally, LOVED seeing the kids in your videos. Your stuff just keeps getting better. BUT, I also really love going back to the old videos. Those are GOLD. Haha!!!
Love this message. For me, turntables aren't about sound qual, they're about, as you say, active and intentional listening, which is so much more fun and rewarding than streaming music. I love that a product like this exists that is accessible to many people. Getting better gear over the years hasn't necessarily imcreased my enjoyment of music. If anything, I used to enjoy it the most when I was 15 and have an early ipod, a graham slee headphone amp, and some grados.
This is exactly how my journey began. In 1963 I was 9 years old and bought my first record player with my own newspaper route money. The FIRST record I played was by Big Tiny Little. It was the best experience of my life up till then. I bought it on 11/8/1963 and we all know what happened a few days later.
To get the most of out, you need a mixer with a ceramic input. I found one on FBM. Radio Shack made one. I have it hooked up to my mixer because I use my Numark Pt101 for 78s and then I take it with me for crate digging.
Hey Randy, this one made me smile, I was thinking of the times my daughter wanted anything to do with my activities, she's 17. Anyway keep up the good work, this prior Navy corpsman will always tune in, love the content. Good music reproduction= therapy without side effects. Thanks for what you do.
You said it perfectly, it's not for the audiophile snobs that feel the need to tear down a cheap product that they'd never buy. Why these people feel the need to even negatively comment on these has always been beyond me. But for a kid or someone new with a budget and/or lack of space, this is just fine until they decide which way they want to go with this. I appreciate somebody like you who knows their stuff taking the time to speak on these positively! Hopefully it helps someone get into this fun hobby of ours and be excited about what they have!
They’re totally fine in the sense that they’ll play music and won’t damage your records… IMO Crosely sounds like how I imagined a record would sound but just a slight upgrade to the Fluance RT82 was able to blow my expectations wayyy out of the water. If I wasn’t informed about Crosleys inferiority I would’ve thought they all sound just about as bad 😂 In that sense tho yeah it was a pretty good recruiting tool…got me hooked on this expensive, cumbersome hobby now 😂
A portable like that one is currently on my shelf. I now have a lot more gear. It got me used to listening to albums instead of just individual tracks. Kindof like the tea ceremony of music.
These suitcase record players do have a place, and I think you summed it up perfectly. When I was a kid in the 1960s (I'm 66 now) I had a plastic toy record player with no proper speed regulation and no amplifier, just a needle attached to a diaphragm. It sounded atrocious but I loved it and would have absolutely dreamed of having something like a 'Crosley' back then. But it still led me on to a life-long love of records and record players.
My reintroduction into vinyl was through a cheap turntable like this one. Hell, my initial introduction into vinyl (in the long long ago) was a Fisher Price record player. It does work to get people into the hobby
I agree with his assessment! These are the kind of record players I had growing up and as a kid i used and abused but you know what my record player I had then got me to appreciate the vinyl collecting hobby and 40 years later sure I have a better turn table but it's that dee jay kids player that set in motion my love for vinyl so many years later!
There's something to be said as well for an "IDGAS" music source you can haul around and isn't a phone like the masses... For camping trips and such I have a variety of mostly '80s JVC/Victor stereo "boomboxes" (a hobby of mine to restore) and no they don't sound fantastic by any stretch. But the fun of pulling out a fresh Maxell XLII-S mix-tape, having it spool some BGM on a 40 year-old RC-M60 and watching people's reactions is priceless. And it's enjoyable making the tapes too, my home stack has a few gems in it that can lay down some pretty nice sound. Like you say... it's all about having fun, else what's the point. Thanks as always and regards once again from Japan.
There's two perspectives on these bottom-of-the-barrel items: that they can be a gateway drug to higher quality / better sounding products or it could stop the journey of curiosity dead in its tracks (I hear this every time I see a similar product - usually rebadged - listed on a Deals website). And also that it can trash your vinyl, not sure about that so much but I'll take them at their word. In saying that I grew up with really shitty 'music systems' and 'midi hi-fis' in my youth and it only made me more curious about what else is out there....and, at least we have the internet, so we can educate and inform that curiosity where before all you had was a hi-fi crazy friend or magazines. It could go either way. Nice to see your little ones having fun!
Great video, Randy, and as we were joking in the comments section of your previous video, it was a treat to see you actually test a cheap Crosley record player here with your more high-end gear. Oddly enough, Crosley record players have come a long way with pitch controls, Bluetooth, etc, but the sound quality is still not great and they still use those cheap ruby or sapphire styli. I'd be curious to know if the stylus on your unit had a metal or plastic cantilever because that can make a difference in sound quality with the metal one being much better. It still won't turn this Yugo, Gremlin, or Pinto of a record player into a Ferrari or McLaren, but it helps a bit (How did you like my car analogy?). Plus, the arm-raising and lowering piece of plastic can sometimes be a bit sticky and not have enough dampening fluid, so it has to be manually pushed down a bit for the stylus to make full and proper contact with the record grooves. Additionally, the lid can sometimes interfere with the record being able to spin properly and it might have to be bent back a bit or if possible, detached fully if that is a feature of that particular model.
Your best video ever! Love the teamwork. I'm sure the multiplayer box I used 50 years ago was far worse than this. Great that you give this device its due. Might be interesting to see how one of the more upscale models would do in comparison.
In the past, I remember spending quite a bit of time and a bit of money upgrading a basic turntable with a better Needle/Stylus and also making minor changes to the preamp circuit to clean the sound up substantially. At the end of the day, it's vinyl and will always have some drawbacks/tradeoffs just like any medium short of lossless.
Thx for the Memories of '69. I purchased a turntable box with tiny Speakers ,but i need more sound. I drove back to K-Mart,that's where i bought the box,got some wire- hooked it up. It. It sounded pretty good,& i had people wanting to purchase from me ha!!!! I think i put 25.00 dollars into it. 331/3 where 3.33 at K-Mart.
My first turntable was the Sony BT turntable which I just upgraded to the Fluance. And yes I call it an upgrade cause the Sony has no upgradable parts. It’s plug & go which is great for someone starting out assuming you’re willing to invest the $250 price tag. But after 2 years with it, I decided to take that next step. Granted the fluance wasn’t much more than the Sony but it definitely looks nicer.
That's funny you got No Doubt, My cousins grew up in Anaheim, and my cousin Donnie has worked with them forever. I never got into them but the guitar player seems like a really cool person. I've actually always wanted one of those for some reason.
I bought a victrola from Woot for 19.99 and I love it... for what you may ask? Playing junk records. Records that I want but can't find a good copy. Save wear and tear on my good cartridge and its less critical of the records flaws.
i bought my sister a union jack themed one about 10 years ago. Super cheap, because it didnt have bluetooth(but it did have an input that i added a bluetooth dongle to). She still loves using it almost every day, and still uses the word "cute" to describe it. I'm surprised it still looks and sounds the same as it did 10 years ago, although these days she uses mostly the bluetooth.( oddly enough i did have to replace the dongle because that was the thing that broke )
Good starter for a teen girl or just someone who moonlights as a listener who just likes to collect vinyl for there look. But to improve the sound quality, I’d recommend external powered stereo speakers or at least a sound bar via aux or line in.
great point. I remember my first GE solid state simi-portable mono turntable.. I actually wish I still had it. Now I've got my high school days Marantz 2220b receiver and Technics SL-2000 manual turntable---which the vender kinda cheated me out of the SL-1600 manual but I enjoyed it regardless.. It's cool to still have that system.. but I miss the GE and my sisters stereo Decca turntable portable that used a tube amp.. I remember the airy sound from the speakers---almost like there was a soft sounding fan inside.. it had a deluxe BSR spring suspension plinth mounted in the case.. angled speakers with extension cords hidden in a stuff ringed hole.. everything was hinged like a nice case.. vinyl rapped wood.. solidly built.. I remember being a little jealous I didn't get that one. Later got a Technics V6x integrated amp and an AKAI GX-7 cassette deck. Much later 1983 Yamaha A-1000, K-2000 tape, P-700 turntable. I still have everything.. I took really good care of all that stuff.
I got way too excited when I saw that turtle! Cute kids 🤗. I recommend getting a used player. $50 marketplace player + $20 new cartridge is how I started. Sounds great for a beginner 👍
My Motorola record player with attached fold out speakers got me involved. I wouldn’t want to listen to it now but I only have great memories of all the department store records that I played on it over and over again. 😎
I know you are a watch guy. I make the same comments to folks who rag on Timex and other sub $500 watches. They can be a gateway to the hobby. Adorable video with the kids. Important message.
I don't know if you should have any series "Below Entry Level?" gear. Sharing personal life is double-edge sword for channels that are not about that IMHO. You are a very good man and father, no matter what.
Awesome Video!!Loved the subject matter, Loved the approach, the vibe, and including your family is heartwarming and makes you that much more enertaining...Great Job keep it up.... Much Love and Many Blessings
i just bought a purple one for some of my 45s i have a decent system too. I disagree it’s sounds good for what it is. It’s loud , clear and doesn’t distort at a louder volume. Bluetooth sounds good too.
We reviewed a Victrola Eastman a few years ago. Sporting an Audio-Technics cartridge with a diamond stylus. It didn't sound great with it's built in speakers, but using decent external ones, it wasn't too bad. I was wondering about damage to the LP, so called a tech pal at A-T who said, "Don't worry, it's fine", so... And now Victrola makes some upscale products that are pretty darn good.
Thanks for the review, I've been looking at getting in to vinyls and I'm looking for a turntable for me to start with. This is one that I've seen and thought about getting because of the price, but that being said I haven't gotten this one because I want one a little nicer and that I will like. Great video, love getting to see an adventure in a video that I wasn't expecting to see one in.
step up to an audiotechnica or something from fluance or uturn if you want to jump into the vinyl game. this one sounds terrible. but I was trying to make a point about the journey beginning even if it sounds terrible.
I am not an audiophile, but I did get a Crosley Cruiser for Christmas a few years ago. I have to have my music be high or to a certain degree of low quality to find enjoyable. I would rather listen to my music in AMR (primary used for phone calls) or even AM radio than satellite radio for example. Although I can listen to FM radio all day so long as the station isn't being fed by a low bitrate source. When I got my Crosley, I was expecting the records to sound more similar to a CD. The amount of cracking in the audio and just the overall lack of punch in the sound made it less enjoyable for me. Not to mention some part of the amplifier broke after only a few months rendering it basically useless. I think if I had a more expensive turntable, I would be able to enjoy the records much more. The Crosley though turned me further from records more than anything. I expect some level of cracking being the type of source it is, but not to that degree and I like to feel my music.
Fun video. Cute kids. Didn't expect something this cheap to sound good. I recall my first portable mono player back in the '60's. I used to partially close the lid as it improved the sound. I don't think I would play a good record on a Crosley more than 1 or 2 times. I'm thinking the tonearm and needle are cutting new grooves in the record.
Fun video. And in a way you're absolutely right. It gets people started and for a very low price. The records won't be hurt much too, it will be quite okay. But you actually can make this player sound a little better. Put a mat on it, go for a proper diamond stylus and if you connect it to an amplifier, get or make a simple filter that fixes the output. It will sound quite nice, something like fm radio or a cassette tape. It will be fun.
I loved the message at the end. I wholeheartedly agree! Also, I liked that you incorporated your girls into the video; it gave the video more personality, and they seemed to be having fun.
I like the idea of a decent quality suitcase record player. Take a trip to the big city and hit some record stores. Bring a couple smaller powered speakers. Spin a few records in a hotel room.
If you want to have "fun" (not sure what fun is to you), try playing a record on just the player itself, the way it was intended to be played and share your thoughts with your readers. You "should" be surprised. This unit provides it's purchasers an opportunity to hear how "good" an inexpensive ceramic cartridge CAN sound. This player will give you an even better idea of what a record sounded like to the average listener back in the days of three dollar LPs in the sixties. For even more fun, try playing this unit thru a good Bluetooth speaker (forget what you think you know about how bad bluetooth is). Better still, plug a bluetooth adapter to your system and you will get a true idea of how "good" a ceramic cartridge can sound without having to find an old amplifier with a ceramic phono input. The electronics of this player have taken care of that. Granted, this will never sound like what you are used to, but like you said it's forty-five dollars. This record player is much more than value, but an introduction to the past (try playing some Petula Clark, Herb Alpert, Jim Reeves, Tony Bennett, etc.), it is about real FUN when appreciated properly.
Waaay better camera work than your usual camera person. Definitely a keeper. I have to disagree about your premise, though. For kids to play old vinyl kicking round the house, yep. For teenagers and adults you need to go one step up, maybe around the $100 mark to get something which won't put them off. VWestlifedid a vid recently of a fully automatic table about that price point, which really seemed to hit the spot. It even had track selection. Wish I could remember the name.
I bought the Cheapest turntable I could find at Walmart. You should probably do the same but not for the reasons you think.
Crosley Record Player amzn.to/3xE2rlh
Check out this video for another option ua-cam.com/video/2k6L169jPQY/v-deo.html
But was it made in 2014? And did you dye your hair blue but it came out a seasick sort of green?
This was great Randy. I sort of had the opposite experience this weekend. I bought my daughter the new TS album on vinyl - her first record. We get home and she of course wants to listen to it on my system. Before I knew it I was barking out directions: “No, you save the hype sticker!”, “We have to clean it first, it’s from Optimal!”, “Don’t put it back in the paper sleeve, use this Mofi one!”, “Now we let the tubes warm up”, “You have to sit EXACTLY here”….The moral of the story is that WE are the weird ones, and kids who just want to listen to some music on suboptimal turntables are going to be just fine.
well said. we ARE the weird ones
I’m not weird. Now where did I put my optimal ear height cushion for listening sessions?
I've been through all of this with my kid too!🤣
@@billywindsock9597Billy!!!
Holy smokes, that is exactly what I do with my wife!
I feel like every hobby has this item. The "good enough to get you started" item that the purists scoff at but is actually a good bang-for-the-buck entry point. It's something I think people need to be more sensitive to in general. If buying the cheap thing is the only way you're going to get into the hobby then DO IT!!
agreed
Yep, plenty of times in the audio world I've come across items I can't believe are such good value only for purists to scoff. If it lets people enjoy the hobby cheaply it will keep the industry alive. Look at the camera industry for a view of what happens if you don't, 120 million cameras a year at the peak down to about 10-20 million total a year now.
Junk is junk save your money and get a step up. It will save you every time
My advice would not to buy a Crosley or one of it's many derivatives and buy a second user system with a good name, and a new stylus. The tinny sound of the Crosley sounds like one of those 1960s transistor radios with the 1.5 inch speaker.
Then I would opt for an AT LP60 with powered speakers. Suitcase players with all their flaws can be big dissapointment for some. If you are one a tight budget get one of the Crosleys with an MM-cartridge, or at least a model that is known for having a correctly impediance matched ceramic cartridge.
My 18 year old daughter got one for Christmas. When she put on a record for the first time in her life, she was expecting some magical sound quality. The look of disappointment when the needle hit the record was almost humorous. I tried to explain that it is just a novelty product and we could always upgrade it. She insisted on keeping it though and continues to buy records and continues to be disappointed. She'll learn. But, I am happy that she is at least into something that is not on a phone.
I wonder if this is the majority of customers of these - youngsters who want to learn more about turntables and record collecting. I bought a very simliar one with an 'Akai' badge (in the UK a lot of Akai products are very poor rebadges, sadly). She was 12 at the time.
She collects most of her vinyl from charity shops (or thrift stores, as they're known in the US XD). I mean, it sounds pretty awful but I hope it leads to something...it also teaches younger ones how to 'take care' of their belongings, for obvious reasons.
As a lifelong musician and former audiophile I surprisingly found myself purchasing a Crosley I came across at Walmart on clearance for 21 bucks. I figured if I didn’t like it I could hand it off to one of my grandchildren. I immediately upgraded it with a diamond stylus I ordered from Amazon for 4 and a half bucks and picked up a few jazz records at a local thrift shop for a buck and a half each. I must say I’m really having a blast with this machine. I mean it is what it is, but actually better than l expected. Now nearly everyone in the family wants one ! But I can’t complain….it’s cheaper than a good pair of jeans. Have fun and be happy y’all.
exactly i feel they are great for thrift store records.
Come for the stereo reviews, stay for Dad getting shaken down by his daughters for stuff!!! 😂
Thank you so much for your incredible words and feedback on the Cruiser! We absolutely hope we can be a stepping stone for someone on their vinyl & audio listening journeys.
Reminder: those sapphire styli only have a lifespan of 40 HOURS until they need to be replaced. Most people who buy these aren't even aware that they need to change out the stylus which is why these decks are reputed to "destroy" your vinyl.
Crosley also includes a replacement stylus with the metal cantilever in some models
@@FromMyListeningChair so long as they tell them to change it regularly. They are super cheap, so it's not a big deal to do so.
Thanks Randy. I’ve been wanting to get something for my granddaughter. She’s six years old. I think she’s ready for something like this. She’s very responsible. I love it. Say hi to your camerawoman for me. She did a great job.
will do
I would recommend some of the Victrola units instead provided they come pre-installed with an Audio-Technica ATN-3600L cartridge for better sound quality (although they are at least double the price of Crosley record players).
Crosleys are still using cheap styli and often with really cheap plastic cantilevers instead of metal cantilevers which accounts for the mediocre sound quality.
I appreciate the recommendation. Thank you!
Yes, Crosley record players are for the masses to start a record collecting hobby and they're not for audiophiles or any seasoned collectors, but there is no doubt that they were a key part of this massive vinyl revival that we are enjoying now thanks to those Crosley units making the hobby more accessible to novices. Audiophiles should acknowledge that even if they do so begrudgingly. Haha!
In many ways, it's like a newbie buying a First Act electric guitar to dip his or her toes into that hobby to see if he or she even likes playing electric guitars without having to break the bank buying more high-end guitars by Fender, Gibson, etc. Then over time, they can upgrade. :)
I started with a simple portable mono record player in the 1960s, which would have sounded terrible compared to my modern gear. But it's what got me started on the love afair with records that hasn't left me, and I owe a lot to it (and to the parents who bought it for me).
You speak the truth there sir! I must be of similar age, and it was parent's Philips stereo record player with ceramic cartridge that fired my love of listening to records - those old original Beatles albums (mono) still sound great when I play them today; no nasty distortion caused by the heavier tracking cartridge.... 👍
Your daughters seemed to enjoy some retail therapy as much as you did.
On my way to Walmart right now. The hell with all this "audiophile" stuff. I am Cruising now! You are so right in trying to get people to listen intentionally. Well done.
I would recommend some of the Victrola units instead provided they come pre-installed with an Audio-Technica ATN-3600L cartridge for better sound quality. Crosleys are still using cheap styli and often with really cheap plastic cantilevers instead of metal cantilevers which accounts for the mediocre sound quality.
There is nothing wrong with these items. They are an on-ramp for people to get started listening to music. Someone who starts here isn't going to have much of a collection or do much record care to begin with. So it doesn't matter if it does damage to the records. I had something like this as a kid. I'm 60 years old now. I don't have any of the records I played and destroyed as a kid today. If this gets a young person started in listening to music, it's great. If they become an audiophile, then it did the job introducing them to music.
My record player from kindergarten xmas didn't play 78 rpm so the train sound 78s I had played super slow.
I started on the fisher price turntable. Solid machine.
@neilfisher: Well said! I grew up with my parent's music systems that were only a few steps better than this - still using ceramic cartridges - and those 50-60 year old records still sound great today, on my Ortofon 2m Red..... Those old cheaper systems fascinated me with how music came off those big black plastic discs back then, and fired a new interest in me to want to improve my system..... Still loving records today - as well as CD and downloads... 😃
I bought a $27 all-in-one record player back in 1964 while I was a freshman in college living in the dorm. It worked but sounded tinny with no bass. I quickly had to tape a nickel onto the top of the tone arm to minimize skipping. I was really envious of a friend down the hall who had a $250 Koss all-in-one player. It sounded tremendously better than my cheap record player. I couldn't afford anything better. That was the beginning of my odyssey seeking better and better sound. I can afford much better music systems today but that was my humble beginning into the world of audio and music listening.
All in one systems were MUCH better back then.
The little holder for 78s you found is in fact an insert for 45s. Used for playing 45s that had spent a former life on a jukebox or commercial auto player of some sort and had their small spindle centre removed leaving a big centre hole.
Randy, this made my day! REAL cheap audio, combined with your adorable daughter, made me smile so big that I thought I was going to swallow my ears. And I absolutely WILL NOT be running right out to get one of those horrible things.
I bought one of these. When I owned it I upgraded the needle to a diamond. Did fine. Then I upgraded 😊
Randy, you’re a good dad and you make good sense. Keep doing what you’re doing!
I’ve watched a bunch of videos on these cheap record players and I think this is the most handsome-looking one I’ve seen! The black and red look pretty sharp, and as someone for whom American Idiot and Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge were pretty big albums as a teenager, I’m inevitably a bit drawn to that look. I’m well past the point where I’d ever buy one of these, but it does sort of make me wish some company out there were making higher-quality answers to these cute, fashionable suitcase machines.
I don't really mind today's video really other that the fact that you are a great dad and make your daughters have a good time and be happy. Having a daughter myself, I know that is our duty along a good education and all but happiness and that they will remember us as great dudes when we are not here anymore. Well done Randy. ❤
I use this for kids records, dollar bin records 78's
I have a friend who has a cabin and has one of these. That means I can get them beatles, beach boys, Boston, eagles elton john andother classic rock from the dollar bin that you would not play on your good turntables ect. That makes for a nice surprise when you get to the cabin
I have a couple cases full of 45s and 78s kids records that belonged to my parents. I had a record player like this in my bedroom when I was a kid. It probably sounded a lot better than this one.
That sounds like a fun time indeed to listen to dollar bin records in a cabin. :)
The fact that it can connect to other components is another positive. I have an old Crosley that plays records, CDs, cassettes, has a radio tuner and built-in speakers, but no way to connect external speakers or anything. This is the kind of content I like to see from this channel, even if I have no interest in this product.
Great point, Randy. A $45 record player that can reproduce the sound of our most enthralling & enduring type of media. Plus, I was able to take it to our triplet granddaughters' house where they could see & hear the magic for themselves.
It looks like you had a great day with your daughters. My mom bought me a cheap little record player in 1967. I still have it. It turns and hums but I think the needle is broken. I just can't throw it away.
The biggest crime here is paying $37 for a No Doubt compliation. You know and deserve what you're going to get when you buy a $40 turntable.
60 years ago, I had a cheap record player that I played kids records on. I had fun with my brothers. That device is perfect for the camera man to play with some thrift store records. Maybe a jam box with some cassette tapes or used CD is another advertising device for the hobby.
What an awesome, refreshing take! Keep it up CAM! Anything that gets people to listen to music with intent instead of as background noise it a great thing!
I've purchased two of these. First was when my kids were toddlers and we lived in a smaller apartment. I didn't want them bumping into it messing up my turntable, and this suitcase style worked great to allow me to play my records and then stash it away. My kids are at the tween age now and I got them one for Christmas along with a bunch of albums they like. My daughter is especially enjoying it.
No, they don't sound great, but swapping the stylus out to a metal cantilever/diamond tip and also connecting to external speakers (we use a small CD player/speaker with input jacks) and it's listenable.
It's meant to be fun and get people excited about the hobby, and if they don't take to it, it's no big investment.
Great video!
VWestlife did an in-depth video that debunks the myth that Crosley record players ruin records, but there's no doubt that the ruby or sapphire styli have to be replaced after 40 hours of use and they are not quality styli compared to more reputable brands; not by a long shot.
However, yes, nobody in their right mind should play their most expensive or cherished records on a Crosley, Victrola, Ion, etc. record player. It's fine if one plays thrift store records purchased for a dollar or two or if one wants to test some of granddad's old 78 rpm records (since most turntables only play 33.3 rpm and 45 rpm records) and this is an entry point for someone wanting to dip their toes into the hobby. :)
I paid $45& change for my brand new one @ Walmart. I'm an audiophile with high end equipment, but for the price it was enjoyable for the family to listen to records from years gone bye. This is a charming little unit, definitely for the youngsters & young at heart. 👍
Wow, Strange seeing this review this morning. I have a Retrolife portable record player being delivered by Amazon today. Cost was $45 with tax. I will be hooking it up to a Fozi Audio BT20A Pro purchased recently and two Energy Take Classic 5 Pack Speakers. i'm not expecting much now that I've watched your review. It's fun trying though. By the way I do have a Fluance RT85 turntable in my good system. Thanks for all you do! Very entertaining and informative!
I love your channel. I bought the Yamaha A-S301 integrated amp on ebay after watching your review. It came in at just over $300.00 all in and I'm very happy with it. I use it with the Project phono box dc and also upgraded the stylus and cartridge. FYI, I went in the other direction with the Crosley. In my case the Victrola. When I heard my niece was using the portable Victrola to play her records, I shipped my Denon dp-300f to her. Her mother purchased powered speakers for her so she got a complete upgrade.
I am sensing a lot of ease you are experiencing lately. A lot of fun. Kids are the best right ? You make valid points for those entering the audio/hifi world. This unit is a beginning. Well done and safe travels.
Terrific review! We've had a couple of Crosley record players in our household and they certainly get the job done of tracking a record. The kids love them and, if it gives them some perspective on what it was like listening to music when I was a kid, then that's great. They can always listen to my stereo when they want quality. :)
Thanks for making this bright spot in an otherwise dreadfully dreary Monday. Absolute fun and a joy to watch your interaction with your kids...scored major cool dad points today. Well done! 😊
Reminds me my red plastic turntable when I was kid. It's just way better in any way, sound included.
It's where I played my first Beatles single and my first Bowie single to. With *THAT* music you don't need expensive gears to be happy!
Such a family man. Love to see it. I have my Fluance RT-81 and love it. Not high end by any means, but not cheap either.
It's nice to see you took your girls back in time with an album and record player. It brings back such great memories .
Yeah... i think i'll be sticking with my early 1970's Sansui with an Audio Technica cartridge that the cartridge alone costs 2x the Crosley.
Recently got my first turntable . I am gen x and since the late 90s Injust keep up with the times and stopped listening on turntables until now. WOW not only I am enjoying the old sound but as you say now I remember that enjoying music through a turntable is a commitment to the music , the disc and the author . You won’t be skipping tracks or changing playlists you need to go through it and that’s how you get to discover great songs within each album.
Worried that the sound quality is so bad that to a newbie they’ll write off vinyl entirely. Today there are so many methods to listen to music. Still good video and points made.
Back in the '50s I had a record player like that playing 45s of kids songs or popular music of the time like 'Rawhide' TV show theme by Frankie Laine. It was largely the reason I love music today.
I bought a Crosley Cruiser 15 years ago because what the heck why not. They were cheap. My setup was cheap. It stopped working after a couple months and sounded pretty bad. If that was my first and only exposure to vinyl records I would've probably given up on record collecting.
If I had a kid who wanted to get into to records I'd probably spend a little more, and encourage others to do the same.
Brilliant video and a joy to watch! I bought one a while back and wound up letting my sister borrow it with the intention of never asking her to return it.
Lovin ya work mate! Just getting back into Hifi, your channel has really taught me a lot about the stuff I’ve not yet encountered - Dac’s (yes please! ) streamers (naaaah) etc. Turntable is the next project, probably won’t go quite this far down the budget-hole, but a useful 10mins nonetheless. For my own part, I’ve gone down the used route….a poisonous notion for some, I know, but on a tight budget it’s hard for me to see past good names at low prices. Secondhand market is crazy atm. So far I’ve bought a Cyrus 5 integrated amp, a set of Mission 701’s, and a Cambridge Dacmagic, all tested in perfect working, and near perfect cosmetic order. Total cost so far £275. That’s nuts. That makes no sense to me. One can only assume convenience is the priority over all else these days… well…..err….no, just no!
Keep on keepin on man!!
I loved this video!!!! Super fun investigating this level of gear. Also, LOVE the kids being in your video!!!!!!
I wasn't going to include them but at the very least I'll be able to look back on this video as a time capsule with them. forever captured.
@@cheapaudioman 100% Agree. I"m doing that now with videos of my 11 and 10 year old daughters when they were toddlers and it's breaking me up inside. I personally, LOVED seeing the kids in your videos. Your stuff just keeps getting better. BUT, I also really love going back to the old videos. Those are GOLD. Haha!!!
One of the funniest videos I've seen on the channel. I also started with a Crosley all-in-one and I was immediately hooked.
45 adapter. Crosley does make that C100 unit now which is somewhat viable.
Love this message. For me, turntables aren't about sound qual, they're about, as you say, active and intentional listening, which is so much more fun and rewarding than streaming music. I love that a product like this exists that is accessible to many people. Getting better gear over the years hasn't necessarily imcreased my enjoyment of music. If anything, I used to enjoy it the most when I was 15 and have an early ipod, a graham slee headphone amp, and some grados.
This is exactly how my journey began. In 1963 I was 9 years old and bought my first record player with my own newspaper route money. The FIRST record I played was by Big Tiny Little. It was the best experience of my life up till then. I bought it on 11/8/1963 and we all know what happened a few days later.
To get the most of out, you need a mixer with a ceramic input. I found one on FBM. Radio Shack made one. I have it hooked up to my mixer because I use my Numark Pt101 for 78s and then I take it with me for crate digging.
Hey Randy, this one made me smile, I was thinking of the times my daughter wanted anything to do with my activities, she's 17. Anyway keep up the good work, this prior Navy corpsman will always tune in, love the content. Good music reproduction= therapy without side effects. Thanks for what you do.
You said it perfectly, it's not for the audiophile snobs that feel the need to tear down a cheap product that they'd never buy. Why these people feel the need to even negatively comment on these has always been beyond me. But for a kid or someone new with a budget and/or lack of space, this is just fine until they decide which way they want to go with this. I appreciate somebody like you who knows their stuff taking the time to speak on these positively! Hopefully it helps someone get into this fun hobby of ours and be excited about what they have!
They’re totally fine in the sense that they’ll play music and won’t damage your records… IMO Crosely sounds like how I imagined a record would sound but just a slight upgrade to the Fluance RT82 was able to blow my expectations wayyy out of the water. If I wasn’t informed about Crosleys inferiority I would’ve thought they all sound just about as bad 😂
In that sense tho yeah it was a pretty good recruiting tool…got me hooked on this expensive, cumbersome hobby now 😂
A portable like that one is currently on my shelf. I now have a lot more gear. It got me used to listening to albums instead of just individual tracks. Kindof like the tea ceremony of music.
These suitcase record players do have a place, and I think you summed it up perfectly. When I was a kid in the 1960s (I'm 66 now) I had a plastic toy record player with no proper speed regulation and no amplifier, just a needle attached to a diaphragm. It sounded atrocious but I loved it and would have absolutely dreamed of having something like a 'Crosley' back then. But it still led me on to a life-long love of records and record players.
My reintroduction into vinyl was through a cheap turntable like this one. Hell, my initial introduction into vinyl (in the long long ago) was a Fisher Price record player. It does work to get people into the hobby
Good on you for involving the kids so much, and being a good dad, hard thing to come by anymore.
I agree with his assessment! These are the kind of record players I had growing up and as a kid i used and abused but you know what my record player I had then got me to appreciate the vinyl collecting hobby and 40 years later sure I have a better turn table but it's that dee jay kids player that set in motion my love for vinyl so many years later!
Your kids are so cute. Reminds me of my grandkids.
A great and fun introduction for beginners, paperweight for the rest of us.
Your daughter has mad dancing skills (no doubt) about that
There's something to be said as well for an "IDGAS" music source you can haul around and isn't a phone like the masses... For camping trips and such I have a variety of mostly '80s JVC/Victor stereo "boomboxes" (a hobby of mine to restore) and no they don't sound fantastic by any stretch. But the fun of pulling out a fresh Maxell XLII-S mix-tape, having it spool some BGM on a 40 year-old RC-M60 and watching people's reactions is priceless. And it's enjoyable making the tapes too, my home stack has a few gems in it that can lay down some pretty nice sound.
Like you say... it's all about having fun, else what's the point.
Thanks as always and regards once again from Japan.
There's two perspectives on these bottom-of-the-barrel items: that they can be a gateway drug to higher quality / better sounding products or it could stop the journey of curiosity dead in its tracks (I hear this every time I see a similar product - usually rebadged - listed on a Deals website). And also that it can trash your vinyl, not sure about that so much but I'll take them at their word.
In saying that I grew up with really shitty 'music systems' and 'midi hi-fis' in my youth and it only made me more curious about what else is out there....and, at least we have the internet, so we can educate and inform that curiosity where before all you had was a hi-fi crazy friend or magazines.
It could go either way.
Nice to see your little ones having fun!
now that was an awesome video, makes me remember when I first started enjoying vinyl back in the mid 60's, thanks for the flash back brother
oh my god that evil thing has no anti-skate and tracking force adjustment
Truer words were never spoken. Just listen to the music.
Great video, Randy, and as we were joking in the comments section of your previous video, it was a treat to see you actually test a cheap Crosley record player here with your more high-end gear.
Oddly enough, Crosley record players have come a long way with pitch controls, Bluetooth, etc, but the sound quality is still not great and they still use those cheap ruby or sapphire styli.
I'd be curious to know if the stylus on your unit had a metal or plastic cantilever because that can make a difference in sound quality with the metal one being much better. It still won't turn this Yugo, Gremlin, or Pinto of a record player into a Ferrari or McLaren, but it helps a bit (How did you like my car analogy?).
Plus, the arm-raising and lowering piece of plastic can sometimes be a bit sticky and not have enough dampening fluid, so it has to be manually pushed down a bit for the stylus to make full and proper contact with the record grooves. Additionally, the lid can sometimes interfere with the record being able to spin properly and it might have to be bent back a bit or if possible, detached fully if that is a feature of that particular model.
Your best video ever! Love the teamwork. I'm sure the multiplayer box I used 50 years ago was far worse than this. Great that you give this device its due. Might be interesting to see how one of the more upscale models would do in comparison.
I love how much fun your kids are having. Good parenting!
It was such a fun video to make
In the past, I remember spending quite a bit of time and a bit of money upgrading a basic turntable with a better Needle/Stylus and also making minor changes to the preamp circuit to clean the sound up substantially. At the end of the day, it's vinyl and will always have some drawbacks/tradeoffs just like any medium short of lossless.
Thx for the Memories of '69. I purchased a turntable box with tiny Speakers ,but i need more sound. I drove back to K-Mart,that's where i bought the box,got some wire- hooked it up.
It. It sounded pretty good,& i had people wanting to purchase from me ha!!!! I think i put 25.00 dollars into it.
331/3 where 3.33 at K-Mart.
My first turntable was the Sony BT turntable which I just upgraded to the Fluance. And yes I call it an upgrade cause the Sony has no upgradable parts. It’s plug & go which is great for someone starting out assuming you’re willing to invest the $250 price tag. But after 2 years with it, I decided to take that next step. Granted the fluance wasn’t much more than the Sony but it definitely looks nicer.
You are 1,000% correct! I went from one of those to the Audio-Technica LP60X to pair with my Klipsch The Nines. Zero regrets!
We all love this channel and lately... We love it even more. Go Randy its your birthday😀🇸🇪!
lol. Just like when we go to Walmart with my two boys. Always end up leaving with more than I thought I was even there for. Lol. Great video!!
So true!
You probably just need a pair of LS50s and a SImaudio amp to make it sound good.
nailed it
That's funny you got No Doubt, My cousins grew up in Anaheim, and my cousin Donnie has worked with them forever. I never got into them but the guitar player seems like a really cool person. I've actually always wanted one of those for some reason.
I bought a victrola from Woot for 19.99 and I love it... for what you may ask? Playing junk records. Records that I want but can't find a good copy. Save wear and tear on my good cartridge and its less critical of the records flaws.
i bought my sister a union jack themed one about 10 years ago. Super cheap, because it didnt have bluetooth(but it did have an input that i added a bluetooth dongle to). She still loves using it almost every day, and still uses the word "cute" to describe it. I'm surprised it still looks and sounds the same as it did 10 years ago, although these days she uses mostly the bluetooth.( oddly enough i did have to replace the dongle because that was the thing that broke )
Good starter for a teen girl or just someone who moonlights as a listener who just likes to collect vinyl for there look. But to improve the sound quality, I’d recommend external powered stereo speakers or at least a sound bar via aux or line in.
great point. I remember my first GE solid state simi-portable mono turntable.. I actually wish I still had it. Now I've got my high school days Marantz 2220b receiver and Technics SL-2000 manual turntable---which the vender kinda cheated me out of the SL-1600 manual but I enjoyed it regardless.. It's cool to still have that system.. but I miss the GE and my sisters stereo Decca turntable portable that used a tube amp.. I remember the airy sound from the speakers---almost like there was a soft sounding fan inside.. it had a deluxe BSR spring suspension plinth mounted in the case.. angled speakers with extension cords hidden in a stuff ringed hole.. everything was hinged like a nice case.. vinyl rapped wood.. solidly built.. I remember being a little jealous I didn't get that one. Later got a Technics V6x integrated amp and an AKAI GX-7 cassette deck. Much later 1983 Yamaha A-1000, K-2000 tape, P-700 turntable. I still have everything.. I took really good care of all that stuff.
I got way too excited when I saw that turtle! Cute kids 🤗. I recommend getting a used player. $50 marketplace player + $20 new cartridge is how I started. Sounds great for a beginner 👍
Lovin' the cuteness. Not speaking of the dad😂
Dad is very handsome.
My Motorola record player with attached fold out speakers got me involved. I wouldn’t want to listen to it now but I only have great memories of all the department store records that I played on it over and over again. 😎
I know you are a watch guy. I make the same comments to folks who rag on Timex and other sub $500 watches. They can be a gateway to the hobby. Adorable video with the kids. Important message.
I don't know if you should have any series "Below Entry Level?" gear.
Sharing personal life is double-edge sword for channels that are not about that IMHO.
You are a very good man and father, no matter what.
Awesome Video!!Loved the subject matter, Loved the approach, the vibe, and including your family is heartwarming and makes you that much more enertaining...Great Job keep it up.... Much Love and Many Blessings
Hey Randy. Great video and I agree with the concept. Your daughters are adorable--you are a lucky man and I know you know that! All the best!
Dude you fill my heart and soul with absolute joy just by talking passionately about HiFis and teaching people how to start this wonderful hobby
i just bought a purple one for some of my 45s
i have a decent system too.
I disagree it’s sounds good for what it is. It’s loud , clear and doesn’t distort at a louder volume. Bluetooth sounds good too.
We reviewed a Victrola Eastman a few years ago. Sporting an Audio-Technics cartridge with a diamond stylus. It didn't sound great with it's built in speakers, but using decent external ones, it wasn't too bad. I was wondering about damage to the LP, so called a tech pal at A-T who said, "Don't worry, it's fine", so... And now Victrola makes some upscale products that are pretty darn good.
Thanks for the review, I've been looking at getting in to vinyls and I'm looking for a turntable for me to start with. This is one that I've seen and thought about getting because of the price, but that being said I haven't gotten this one because I want one a little nicer and that I will like. Great video, love getting to see an adventure in a video that I wasn't expecting to see one in.
step up to an audiotechnica or something from fluance or uturn if you want to jump into the vinyl game. this one sounds terrible. but I was trying to make a point about the journey beginning even if it sounds terrible.
I am not an audiophile, but I did get a Crosley Cruiser for Christmas a few years ago. I have to have my music be high or to a certain degree of low quality to find enjoyable. I would rather listen to my music in AMR (primary used for phone calls) or even AM radio than satellite radio for example. Although I can listen to FM radio all day so long as the station isn't being fed by a low bitrate source. When I got my Crosley, I was expecting the records to sound more similar to a CD. The amount of cracking in the audio and just the overall lack of punch in the sound made it less enjoyable for me. Not to mention some part of the amplifier broke after only a few months rendering it basically useless. I think if I had a more expensive turntable, I would be able to enjoy the records much more. The Crosley though turned me further from records more than anything. I expect some level of cracking being the type of source it is, but not to that degree and I like to feel my music.
Fun video. Cute kids. Didn't expect something this cheap to sound good. I recall my first portable mono player back in the '60's. I used to partially close the lid as it improved the sound. I don't think I would play a good record on a Crosley more than 1 or 2 times. I'm thinking the tonearm and needle are cutting new grooves in the record.
Fun video. And in a way you're absolutely right. It gets people started and for a very low price. The records won't be hurt much too, it will be quite okay.
But you actually can make this player sound a little better. Put a mat on it, go for a proper diamond stylus and if you connect it to an amplifier, get or make a simple filter that fixes the output. It will sound quite nice, something like fm radio or a cassette tape.
It will be fun.
I loved the message at the end. I wholeheartedly agree! Also, I liked that you incorporated your girls into the video; it gave the video more personality, and they seemed to be having fun.
I like the idea of a decent quality suitcase record player. Take a trip to the big city and hit some record stores. Bring a couple smaller powered speakers. Spin a few records in a hotel room.
If you want to have "fun" (not sure what fun is to you), try playing a record on just the player itself, the way it was intended to be played and share your thoughts with your readers. You "should" be surprised. This unit provides it's purchasers an opportunity to hear how "good" an inexpensive ceramic cartridge CAN sound. This player will give you an even better idea of what a record sounded like to the average listener back in the days of three dollar LPs in the sixties. For even more fun, try playing this unit thru a good Bluetooth speaker (forget what you think you know about how bad bluetooth is). Better still, plug a bluetooth adapter to your system and you will get a true idea of how "good" a ceramic cartridge can sound without having to find an old amplifier with a ceramic phono input. The electronics of this player have taken care of that. Granted, this will never sound like what you are used to, but like you said it's forty-five dollars. This record player is much more than value, but an introduction to the past (try playing some Petula Clark, Herb Alpert, Jim Reeves, Tony Bennett, etc.), it is about real FUN when appreciated properly.
Waaay better camera work than your usual camera person. Definitely a keeper.
I have to disagree about your premise, though. For kids to play old vinyl kicking round the house, yep. For teenagers and adults you need to go one step up, maybe around the $100 mark to get something which won't put them off. VWestlifedid a vid recently of a fully automatic table about that price point, which really seemed to hit the spot. It even had track selection. Wish I could remember the name.