Victrola vs Crosley, Which brand is the best? The Turntable Brands Reviews

There is no doubt that both Victrola and Crosley have established their reputation in the music industry. The real question is, how will they par with each other? Some consider one as better than the other, while others think otherwise.

Victrola and Crosley are among the most popular names in the music industry. In fact, they have established a reputation for producing quality products. Let us take a look at some of the products under each brand, and get an idea of what these products have to offer. Ultimately, the goal is to get a good understanding of which company offers better products.

The Profile Background of Victrola and Crosley

Victrola

In terms of company history, the Victrola name has been in the music industry for more than a century already. Interestingly, it has gone through some brand incarnations a few times. The latest representation of the company focuses on the manufacturing and production of home entertainment systems and equipment. With this said, they have successfully produced a range of quality products covering different price points, allowing audiophiles like you to find a product that will easily match your budget.

This company has also produced products of different styles, though classic and retro seem practical and popular. Retro does not necessarily mean a product coming from the sixties, as Victrola also produces models that still stand out even in modern times.

Read Next: Victrola 6-in-1 Turntable Review

Crosley

Time and again, Crosley has remained a visionary in the music industry. Despite the fact that they do not have a long track record like that of Victrola, they have been in the industry for more than 30 years. It was in 1992 when they began producing vinyl players. It looked like an unbelievable move back then.

CDs were very popular back then, giving customers a new level of musical experience. Still, that risk paid off eventually. Recently, there is a reintroduction of the popularity of playing vinyl records. As of this moment, the company manufactures different products including home electronics and has included some helpful videos to offer guidance for their products. 

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Detailed Reviews of the Victrola Record Player Products

1. Victrola 8-in-1 Bluetooth Record Player

This 8-in-1 turntable from Victrola is packed with features. For one, it allows you to play music in any type of form, including cassette, CD, vinyl, or from USB. It can also be connected to a smartphone, as well as any Bluetooth enabled devices. It also features built-in speakers which are better compared with other units within this price range.

Appearance wise, this turntable from Victrola looks really cool and chic with its vintage design. It can look perfect in any type of home, as there are also different colors that you can choose from. It is a 3-speed turntable running at 33 1/2, 45, and 78 RPM, thus being able to cater to different vinyl formats. 

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The Pros

• Built-in speakers included
• FM radio feature
• 3-speed turntable
• Solid and durable construction
• Recording feature included

The Cons

• Super light arm, skipping tracks at times

2. Victrola Innovative Technology VTA-200B MH 6-in-1 Bluetooth Turntable

Nostalgia. This is what the Victrola Classic Wood 6-in-1 turntable has to offer. It features a simple lid at its top. In front, it features two stereo speakers, FM, volume controller, along with other options. It also has 3-speed options, allowing you to play different record types, including 33 1/3, 25, and 78 RPM, offered in 7, 10, and 12-inch sizes.

Another interesting feature of this turntable is its impressive Bluetooth capacity. In fact, it has the capacity to wirelessly stream music up to 33 feet. It can easily be connected with any Bluetooth-enabled device, playing easily. This turntable also includes a 3.5mm aux-in jack that allows users to connect the turntable even to non-Bluetooth devices. 

In terms of sound performance, the quality of sound produced by this turntable is good enough, given its price range. If you want to further improve the quality of sound that you listen to using this turntable, you may want to use the speakers. 

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The Pros

• Attractive outer design
• Good sound quality
• Plays old records, cassettes, and CDs
• Stream music wirelessly
• Includes a cable for non-Bluetooth connection

The Cons

• Some issues with durability

3. Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player

As suggested by its complete name, this turntable is placed inside a durable, compact suitcase, with a carry handle and snaps. It is designed to neatly fit into a compact suitcase which makes it ideal for cross country trips, air travel, and more.

The case is also amazingly durable, which means that there is no need to worry about the hassle of damage while being transported. Still, if you are planning to bring this turntable with you on one of your trips, it is recommended to take it as carry-on luggage. Even though there is an assurance that the case is durable, it is not designed as a hard case, which means that it could still be damaged when knocked around. 

This portable model of a turntable is what you need if you want to take one with you on your travels. It may not come with several fancy additions, but when talking about functionality and portability, they offer the best possible options available. This model also offers amazing customization options, a sturdy build, and a compact design. 

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The Pros

• Affordable
• Amazing sound quality
• User friendly (even for beginners)
• Different color options
• Automatic queuing

The Cons

• Not so durable tonearm
• Issues with the platter

4. Victrola 50’s Retro Bluetooth Record Player

This turntable is no doubt an ideal choice for music lovers who are looking for a fun-looking, stylish turntable which is manufactured by a brand that is known for its amazing music quality. The best part is that there is no need to pay a huge amount of money for this turntable. As such, it is an amazing option for beginners who are searching for an entry-level turntable that can play your favorite music right in one place, including radio, CDs, or streaming from digital devices.

This device is Bluetooth-enabled, which means that it can be connected to your portable digital device, provided that they offer Bluetooth connectivity. It also comes with 3-speed options, playing all of your favorite vinyl records, including 33, 45, and 78 RPM records.

While it does not have the capacity to play cassettes like other models in this list, it still offers the most amazing features that you could expect out of your turntable. As a bonus, this turntable also comes in four different color options, including teal, red, blue, and black. 

Related: Rega Vs. Pro-Ject Turntable

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The Pros

• Good brand reputation
• Various style and color options
• Different speed options
• Affordable

The Cons

• Fair sound quality

There are more record player with speakers reviews here.

Detailed Reviews of the Crosley Record Player Products

1. Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable

The Crosley Cruiser Record player is designed with mobility in mind. It is a 3-speed turntable which received an enhancement in terms of pitch control and Bluetooth features. In fact, it can now be connected to Bluetooth, allowing you to stream music right from your phone.

In terms of appearance, it features a stylish leatherette look. It has built-in stereo speakers, which means that it has everything that you need in order to enjoy the music that you love. Even though this turntable could be considered pricey, it is an amazing choice for music lovers who are looking for a premium choice.

Among the features of this model include its availability of colors and fabric types, along with a few highly unique designs. It is extremely lightweight and small. It is an amazing player if you are really looking for decent sound and portability. If you want to enhance the quality of sound it produces, you may want to connect it to external speakers. 

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The Pros

• Amazing pitch control
• Cute, attractive design
• Color stands out
• Use of Bluetooth connectivity
• Playback speed included

The Cons

• Quite Pricey

2. Crosley C6 2-Speed Turntable

There is no doubt that the Crosley C6 turntable makes an amazing first impression. Despite being an affordable-priced turntable, it does not compromise on sound quality and features. For one, it uses its own pre-amp, creating a satisfying music playback. It is also easy to setup. All you need to do is to click on its plastic dust cover, placing the belt around its motor and plate and put the platter on. Afterwards, you just need to twist it to a neutral position, then to the recommended position using its numbered dials, and you are ready to go!

Appearance-wise, the C6 model certainly turns heads with its style. With its beautiful looks, amazing price, and decent sound, there is no doubt that it has the capacity to attract even those who are still doubting whether to have their own turntables or not.

When setting up your Crosley C6, you may want to decide whether or not to use the built-in phono preamp of the deck. If you prefer using your receiver, or the phono stage, or a previously owned outboard phono pre, then you may want to stay with the “phono” option. Switching it to “line” means that you will allow the built-in phono pre will amplify the signal. Note that RCA terminals are the only available output, which means that there is no 3.5 mm audio jack, USB, or Bluetooth outputs. 

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The Pros

• Good entry-level turntable
• Affordable price
• Attractive design
• Decent sound
• Easy setup

The Cons

• No auto-return feature

3. Crosley CR704C-PA Musician 3-Speed Turntable

The Crosley CR704C-PA is considered among the most affordably priced vintage-style record player that is currently available on the market. It uses a durable hardwood cabinet that is finished using a beautiful veneer and a light paprika coat. As a result, it gives off a classic mood that perfectly fits your vintage record collection.

In terms of features and sound performance, this turntable plays 3 sizes and speeds of vinyl records, while including a cassette deck, a CD player, as well as an AM/FM radio. It can also be connected with a portable MP3 player through Bluetooth or an auxiliary input plug. 

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The Pros

• Elegant and upscale
• Amazing sound quality
• Durable material construction
• Plays all record sizes
• Connectivity with external devices

The Cons

• Does not come with a headphone jack

4. Crosley CR6233D-RE Dansette Bermuda Portable Turntable

Back in the 1960s, Dansette, a British brand for record players, became a household name. In our modern times, Crosley brings back its glory, while adding an extra USB support. The moment you set your eyes on this turntable, you will surely fall in love with it. It perfectly resonates with the 60’s nostalgia. If you are searching for a turntable that can serve as a piece of art in your living room, this is a good choice to consider.

The addition of USB support is a bonus for this record player. This 2-speed record player has the capacity to stand on its mod, slender legs or place on top of a tabletop. With its pitch control features, you can easily customize your overall listening experience. Other features include built-in Bluetooth, enabling you to easily stream your choice of music right from your Bluetooth enabled gadget. 

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The Pros

• Beautiful and stylish
• Pitch control customization
• Built-in Bluetooth technology
• 2-speed turntable

The Cons

• Some issues with product durability

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Conclusion

Your ultimate option on the best record player depends on what you are looking for. In this article, we have taken a look at some of the best offers from each brand, giving you a better understanding of their features and capabilities. True, there are other interesting record player brands out there, and they also offer interesting products to music enthusiasts. Victrola and Crosley, however, have established a good following because of the quality of products that they offer.