Victrola vs Crosley Record Player: Which One to Choose?

If you are among those vinyl enthusiasts who cannot decide the winner of the Victrola vs Crosley debate, you have just landed on the right page. I was also confused about which one should get preferences, and to find out the answer, I've compared both models in this head-to-head comparison. So let's get started!

A Quick Comparison

Is Crosley or Victrola better? Well, both brands have some incredible, affordable record players with medium-range sound. They have many things in common and a few differences. Some of the notable points are:

1. Victrola offers slightly improved internal speakers and sound quality than Crosley.
2. Victrola comes with a sturdy case and crust.
3. Crsoely looks more stylish and aesthetic.
4. Their prices and features are almost similar.

From this simple overview, it is tough to decide the best between the two. That's why I have compared every single feature and convenience to choose the ultimate winner. Continue reading to find out which one is best for you. Let me start with a chart first.

Victrola vs Crosley: A Comparison Chart

Let's compare Victrola with Crosley in a brief chart.

Victrola Turntable Overview

Victrola is one of the most popular record player brands today, having served for more than a century. From gramophones of the 1900s to today's record players, they have had a long journey of manufacturing budget-friendly, portable turntables that you would love to lay your hands on.

Though Victrola mainly manufactures entry-level vinyl records, you can expect enough sound quality and a satisfactory listening experience from Victrola turntables. Keep reading to find out the positives and negatives of this brand.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of The Victrola

If you count the advantages of Victrola models, you will find a whole set of benefits. The disadvantages are there too, but a few in numbers. I'm going to list them down. Let's have a swift glance.

Crosley Turntables Overview

Crosley has been making quality radio for the last centuries, and you might have heard the name Crosley radio before. They have also manufactured some base-level, cheap record players that can give tough competition to Victrola.

As a vinyl enthusiast, I've been attracted to their variety and models–from retro designs to classic wood finishes. I've tried to play music to taste their great sound. However, I've found no big difference between a Crosley record player and its competitor.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of The Crosley

As usual, there are some noteworthy pros and cons to the Crosley models. I've listed them below.

Is Crosley or Victrola Better? Head-to-Head Comparison

If you really want to explore which one is better between Crosley and Victrola, then you should read this head-to-head comparison. I'm going to compare each considerable factor in both brands so that you can decide which one has the extra edge. Note that I've not compared all models. So, you might get a slightly different result in some cases.

1. Sound Quality

Well, both Victrola and Crosley manufacture low-budget record players with average built-in speakers. So, you cannot expect high-quality sound from any of their models.

However, from side by side comparison, I've found Victrola to produce a bit better sound than Crosley. An amateur might miss the difference altogether.

Winner: From my comparison, the winner is Victrola here. However, it wins by a small figure.

2. Design and Size

You will hardly miss how similar they are when you see both Crosley and Victrola designs. From the outward look to the inward mechanism, they are almost identical.

The color varieties are also similar. Some prefer the bigger knobs and buttons of Victrola, while others like sleek, lightweight Crosley. I've found no major differences in their design. Their sizes are also identical to a great extent.

Winner: According to me, it's a tie. The size and design are nothing but similar.

3. Build Quality

If you notice the build quality on both of these record players, I'm pretty sure you'll find no difference. Some Victrola models are sturdy, but the same is true with Crosley. Overall, Victrola has better build quality, but Crosley has more appeal with their aesthetic appeal. So they cannot outmatch one another in this point.

One thing you should note here is that these are cheap records. You cannot expect them to be as hardy as a premium one. Yet, they can last for decades.

Winner: It's a tie. Both have almost similar build quality.

4. Compatibility with External Speakers

You can connect external-powered speakers in both Crosley and Victrola. Both models are compatible with RCA outputs, receivers, and amplifiers.

Well, the RCA output is almost the same in both brands. Though you can distinguish the sound in built-in speakers, it is nearly impossible in external speakers.

Winner: According to me, it's a tie. They produce the same quality audio and bass with external-powered speakers.

5. Internals Parts

The internal parts are much the same in both brands. They both use 3-watt amplifier circuits to generate sound. If you have a naive eye, you won't find any difference.

However, I have found a slightly bigger magnet in Victrola players. That can be the reason behind its better sound quality than Crosley. Though, it's quite tough to notice the distinction.

Winner: Victrola wins by a small margin.

6. Features

One of the most important factors to compare is the features of both vinyl records. Most of the features are common in them. Let's have a glance at the features in common:

Though there are noticeable similarities, you shall find Victrola has some extra features like compatibility with CD player and Cassette player. Note that these options are not available in every Victrola model.

Winner: Victrola wins by a small margin.

7. User Convenience

As far as my experience goes, both Crosley and Victrola are user-friendly units with simple processes to use. You can take the user guides and learn to use them within a few minutes.

When you get the record player, you have to unbox the unit, connect it to the power source, and listen to your personal favorite music.

Winner: No clear winner. It's also a tie.

8. Connecting Headphones

We all have used a 3.5mm headphone jack in various devices. The good news is that you can use that jack in both Victrola and Crosley models. The volume knob then works as the de facto controller of sound.

When I've connected headphones in both models, I've found no big difference to note. They produce similar sound and bass. Notably, I've found deep bass in headphones than with their speakers.

Winner: No clear winner, as it ends in a tie.

9. Tracking Force

Though it is not an issue of great concern, out of curiosity, I've tried to measure the tracking force of both brands. On average, they have a force of around 5.0 grams.

Sometimes, I found the force reaching up to 6.0 grams as well. That means you shall get more wear on the records if you use Crosley and Victrola. I have a suggestion here. If you want your valuable collection to last long, don't use Crosley and Victrola turntables.

Winner: No clear winner.

10. Using as Bluetooth Speakers

The title misleads many people. You can use these players only with your smart devices. You cannot connect external speakers with the player via Bluetooth (some newer models can now). You need a wired connection for that.

To be honest, I have found not a slight difference between Crosley and Victrola at this point. You can easily connect them with your smartphones and laptops. They work pretty well as Bluetooth speakers.

Winner: It's a tie again.

Overall Winner

The overall winner of this Victrola vs Crosley record player debate is, in my view, Victrola. Victrola has slightly better sound output due to its bigger magnet. The build quality is comfy and durable enough to last for a long time.

The Crosley record players are almost similar to its competitor, Victrola. A new vinyl enthusiast won't find any difference at all. If you are a beginner audiophile, you can go for Victrola models. But note that Crosleys are also good products.

When Should You Choose Victrola Record Players?

You should choose a Victrola Record player if you:

1. Love to travel around the world with a record player.
2. Want a sturdy and hard-built player.

Victrola offers sturdy players, so it is wise to travel with them.

When Should You Get Crosley Record Players?

You should go for a Crosley record player when you:

1. Don't have to travel much with record players.
2. Want a bit better-looking units with a semi-gloss finish.

Some Recommended Models

As an audiophile, I've found a few Vinyl record players from Victrola and Crosley providing impressive sound and bass. From hundreds of models, these three from Victrola seem to be most suitable for me.

Victrola Vintage VSC-550BT-TQ offers impressive look and affordable pricing. Victrola Revolution GO has an ultra-portable option and battery backups. Victrola Stream Onyx Turntable proposes higher-quality audio.

I've also picked up three Crosley models as my favorite. Note that your choice might vary.

Crosley Voyager Vintage is flexible and affordable. Crosley C62C Turntable has a great adjustable tonearm and dust cover. Crosley C8A-WA offers medium-range sound and pricing.

Other Companies to Consider

It is not mandatory for an audiophile to stick to Crosley and Victrola only. They are good as entry-level players. Besides, you can choose some other top-notch units by spending some extra bucks. Well, here I've found some good products and listed them for you.

• The first turntable to consider is the Pro-Ject Debut Pro. It can produce great sound, and you can expect durable service from it. However, it's pricey and expensive.

• The second one is Audio-Technica AT-LP60X-BK. I like Audio-Technica for its affordable pricing and belt-drive stereo speakers.
• The third one I have picked is Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO. It's a great record player with top-notch sound quality and bass.

But if you don't have enough to spend, sticking with Crosley and Victrola is a better option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended read: 

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Conclusion

So now you have come to know the result of the Crosley vs Victrola debate. Though they offer almost parallel features, Victrola gets some extra edge for its audio output and better build design.

If you are into the vinyl record world as a beginner, you can try out both. They won't cost you hundreds of bucks, as they are pretty much affordable. However, if you want to buy a particular entry-level model, the best option should be Victrola Revolution Go.

With a rechargeable 12-hour battery this player, you'll have a magical reverie wherever you go. Enjoy listening to records at an affordable price.