Crosley Suitcase Record Players | How to Choose a Turntable

An in-depth breakdown of the pros and cons of portable record players -- part of a larger series on turntable setups.
Join the Deaf Man as he goes through four complete turntable setups for listening to your vinyl records. From simple, portable setups to multi-layered audiophile layouts, check out four popular vinyl listening options.
Visit www.deafmanvinyl.com to purchase turntables, cleaning supplies and records--and up your listening experience!
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#turntable #portablerecordplayer #crosley

[@JoeLaFon3]

I have the Victrola portable but quickly upgraded to the AT LP60xBTx because I wasn't comfortable with the build quality. I don't play my limited pressings on the Victrola BUT it is extremely convenient and easy to use!

[@Name-po6vm]

My daughters record player came with a rubber mat that’s the size of a 45. I think lol. Do we need to use it to play a record?

[@Zodibigh]

Newly back into vinyl and unlike my 1981 self, I'm more concerned with keeping my records sounding good. Are these any harder on records than say my AUDIO-TECHNICA 120?

[@DeafManVinyl]

I am all about the most people getting the most enjoyment out of their vinyl, so never want to be an audio snob. But yeah, if you are concerned about your records, I 'd stick with your AT 120. A $59 Victrola portable is a $59 record player. No control over stylus pressure, a low-end needle ... all not so record-friendly. If you're going to go with a lower-end player, I'd keep a fresh needle handy - and replace it at the first sign of any drop in audio quality. Now you got me thinking about my 1981 self .. I kinda miss that guy!

[@Zodibigh]

@@DeafManVinyl I'm sure I'll get there as far as pulling them out for their real purpose for enjoyment. I'm in that new car phase. I don't have anything high end (Sony STRDH190 2-ch (killer entry level btw), AT 120 and some Denon bookshelf speakers from '91) because one, I know it may be a passing phase and two I've listened to enough loud rock and roll that my highs and lows are a lot closer together. I'm all about enjoying the vinyl as well. That's why I was considering to purchase the suitcase model. Just to bring out on the patio etc. The single most important thing about vinyl is that 'encourages' really listening to the entire album the way the artist wanted. I mean if they spend as much time fretting over song order as we did on hour mix tapes they desire a proper listen. :) Glad I stumbled across your channel. A lot of good content to pull from.

[@DeafManVinyl]

@@Zodibigh Agree. That's what got me back into vinyl a few years ago: I rediscovered the joy of simply sitting down ... and listening to music. A portable should be fine for patio listening. We have Victrolas on www.deafmanvinyl.com if you are interested. Be sure to check out the Ion, too. A little nicer and has a super cool design, with a solid wood deck. Keep 'em spinning!

[@arp-oy6vc]

People are a little ridiculous about how these "damage" your records. They just wear them down a little faster. Besides, they are also amazing for playing highly warped records (whereas a more expensive turntable can't do it well)

[@jacob_n_r_z8755]

People bash youngsters for using a crosley or a victrola when they started getting into vinyl, and i'm one of those kids. My parents bought me a crossley for my birthday and i showed it off on the internet and people are sending me replies and threats because i have a crossley. There's even one time when i went to a record store to buy new albums and the owner told me "what player do you have?" And then i replied to him, "i have one of those suitcase players for my birthday". And i don't know what's with him he just sounds passive-aggressive when i told him i have a crossley. He said to me to get a new player immedietly and throw my crossley in the trash. I understand that these cheap players wear out your records faster, but they don't "instantly destroy your records" after just one play.

[@DeafManVinyl]

Agree. A solid way to get up and running. Trick is to keep a fresh needle in there. The second you start to hear any sound degradation, put a new one in.