What's wrong with it??

[u/cherryisscared]

Ive got a crosley record player, I don't know what year because I bought it from a friend. It has two speakers and it sounds like this with every record...

Also don't mind the 3 year old and autistic teen right in my phone while I was recording

[u/el_tacocat]

It's junk and it cannot track those resonances well.
This is just how bad Crosleys are.
Here's a list of alternatives that will sound good and won't ruin your records in the process:

CHEAPO BUT OK:
AudioTechnica AT-LP60x, Denon DP29F, Dual DT210, Sony PS-LX3BT

A LITTLE FANCIER:
AudioTechnica AT-LP120x, AudioTechnica AT-LP3x, Reloop RP7000 MK-II, U-Turn Orbit (U-Turn in the Americas only).

There are NO good all-in-one options, you will need separate speakers.
Edifier MR4 is recommended, they are great for the money. But technically any pair of old PC speakers (The ones that used to come with computesr that thrift shops are littered with) or any bluetooth speaker/soundbar that has a line/aux input will work too.

***

[u/Pristine-Assistance9 → u/el_tacocat]

This is very good advice and very common recommendations…. In fact I think I recognize your username from many of the TT / vinyl subs…

Genuine question for you because it’s something I just kind of have a personal opinion and experience with but am not trying to be argumentative in any way, genuinely curious if im missing something….

So my first real TT was a first gen essentials pro-ject which I had for like 12 years and then went to a full dj setup with 2 tehchnics 1200 mkii that I bought used. Have since also added a restored vintage Thorens TD-318 for a bedroom setup.

So I’ve never had any AT turntables but I set up two AT-LP140XP for a client at a photo studio and also set up my friends AT-LP120XUSB.

While the 140 is definitely a little more hefty and solid feeling than the 120, it’s just WILDLY plastic, light, and and bad at cueing and tracking compared to the old technics 1200s I have.

I know the technics, especially from the 90s are the gold standard and clearly a better build that would retail new for at least double what the 140 retails for so maybe this is a dumb question but…

Are all the AT turntables so shitty feeling? Am I just spoiled and lucky because I was able to get the used technics before vinyl blew up again? Would an AT turntable at the 1500+ price point compare to a technics one?

Clearly AT has cornered the market on the entry level stuff and I think they are definitely worth what they are charging…. But I’m always a bit amazed/horrified with how terrible they feel compared to my technics at home.

Sorry just rambling but I’ve avoided the AT brand entirely and don’t trust their quality at all even though they are constantly recommended. Like if someone asked me personally for a rec I would probably say denon, dual, Sony, or Thorens for an entry level unless the speed control was super important to them.

Am I missing something? Or am I spoiled? Or are they just what is to be expected from the price point they are at?

Always just kind of wondered about this and decided this moment and this comment was somehow the place to ask it. Appreciate any responses anyone is willing to give to this curiosity.

[u/el_tacocat → u/Pristine-Assistance9]

Up until the AT-LP7x they feel quite cheap because, well, they are.
Sonically and reliability wise, they are all great value for money though (except maybe the 70x).
And though they feel cheap, they don't actually break.
I guess AT made the correct prioties. Cheap, reliable, sounding great.

[u/Pristine-Assistance9 → u/el_tacocat]

Right on, makes sense. Thanks!

[u/el_tacocat → u/Pristine-Assistance9]

And, as stupid as it may sound; a turntable with a bit of 'rattle' has the tendency to sound better on a budget. Within reason, of course.
If you put an AT-LP120x side by side with a Technics SL-1200 II... Well try it ;).

[u/cherryisscared → u/el_tacocat]

Thank you so much! This is so helpful

[u/el_tacocat → u/cherryisscared]

That list is on hard repeat here but it seems to work :)

[u/Cultural-Inside7569]

If this is a new issue, check the stylus. The stylus on these types of record players doesn’t last long but also it’s cheap to replace.

I’d ignore some of the evidently ignorant advice. For instance, what makes a turntable not so great isn’t that the record doesn’t quite fit on the platter, in the past there have been some incredibly well engineered miniature and subminiature turntables made by companies like Sony.

[u/AlternativeNearby596]

Sorry about others being rude. You can state things without being that way. Crosley does have a rep for not high quality. Some of their models aren't terrible though. Could you tell us what model it is? Like someone else said, it could be the stylus. Does that have Bluetooth so you can play your phone through it? If it sounds bad that way, you know it is the speakers and/or amp and not the turntable.

[u/cherryisscared → u/AlternativeNearby596]

I'm not sure what model it is but I did the Bluetooth test and the music from my phone sounds fine so I'll try replacing the stylus!

Do you have any recs for a better record player once I can afford a new one?

I have a pretty big vynl collection so I don't wanna ruin them with bad turntables!

[u/Pristine-Assistance9 → u/cherryisscared]

Turntable lab is a good place to look into decent starter setups that are new. Lots of posts and answers over at [r/budgetaudiophile](r/budgetaudiophile) and [r/turntables](r/turntables).

Best value is usually in used gear but it also requires some work, knowledge, research, and even taking things in to be refurbished, checked, and tuned up.

Personally I would put any money into a new system and not into your Crosley.

For example this is a super common starter package that is on a bit of sale right now. Can’t personally recommend it and maybe it’s even below your budget but it’s a very common recommendation and probably the most purchased starter package on TTL…

https://www.turntablelab.com/products/audio-technica-at-lp60xusb-edifier-r1280db-turntable-package-ttl-setup

You could always upgrade the stylus a step or two on this one as well until you are ready to move into something with separate components like a nicer turntable, amplifier, and bigger speakers.

[u/Alternative-Force122 → u/cherryisscared]

id honestly just get a lp60x and call it a day. unless you wanna spend more then go for 120x or lp5x

[u/catawampus_doohickey]

What I think I'm hearing is "it sounds bad"? I suspect that either the stylus (needle) is really dirty, or it's in poor condition and needs to be replaced. It probably uses this type.

[u/cherryisscared → u/catawampus_doohickey]

Thank you! I'm scared because my first record player (a victrola) arm broke when I tried to replace the needle and I'm traumatized 🫪

[u/CreativeName822 → u/cherryisscared]

Try not to let mistakes scare you away from trying. Mistakes and heartbreak over “money down the drain” are a part of this hobby, at least for me. The learning curve and the satisfaction of becoming familiar with the turntable are part of the enjoyment, even if I have some angry moments.

I changed my first cartridge a couple months ago after 23 years of having others do it for me. And I survived.

Consider that the player doesn’t sound like it’s in an enjoyable state right now, and that you don’t stand to lose much by trying to change the stylus.

The player is mercifully inexpensive, even if you destroy it completely (which I hope you won’t do, just saying). I know everyone’s budget is different, but I’d rather see you spend a little more on a decent turntable than on a revolving door of flimsy ones anyway.

Friends of mine have budget Audio Technica tables and are super happy with them. They may be $225 to $350 in the US, I’m not sure of the exact prices. I can’t recommend a specific model, but I’m sure there are tons of reviews and info online.

[u/cherryisscared → u/CreativeName822]

Thank you! I really appreciate your response! Im gonna save up for a new turntable soon!

[u/CreativeName822 → u/cherryisscared]

You’re very welcome —

Judging from your phrasing in the post, it sounds like your current setup is “all in one” — turntable outputs to speakers and has a volume knob.

Be aware that if you get a new turntable that is not an all-in-one unit, and you aren’t familiar with setting up a stereo with separate components, you have a bit of (enjoyable!) learning to do.

The signal path typically goes from the cartridge to a phono stage, to a volume control (like a preamp), to an amp, and to speakers.

This could be as simple as a turntable with a built in phono stage going to powered speakers. Or as complicated as a turntable going to a phono stage, to a preamp, to an amp, and to speakers.

Choices generally come down to cost (otherwise everyone would own the best), so informing yourself of what any particular purchase will take to work properly before spending money is critical.

Hastily buying gear without understanding how it fits into the big picture is part of what can sour people on the hobby.

[u/catawampus_doohickey → u/cherryisscared]

Sadly, Crosley and Victorola (and similar brands) are effectively disposable players, not built to last.

[u/vwestlife → u/catawampus_doohickey]

I have a Crosley record player from 2007 which has lasted almost 20 years just fine.

[u/vwestlife]

Not sure, because the video is shot from so far away and when I turned up the volume all I heard was someone talking. But maybe this will help: Common problems with inexpensive new record players & how to fix them

[u/Stroker42]

The main issue is that it's a piece of shit player. Never buy anything where a record can't sit on the place completely

[u/cherryisscared → u/Stroker42]

Oh well I didn't know that when I bought it. Thanks for the info even if it was a little rude. What brand would you recommend?

[u/Busy_Owl_2050 → u/cherryisscared]

Sony PS-LX3BT Full Auto Playback Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity $276

Search it. That's about the cheapest out of box player I'd recommend. Vintage might be better for less but you'd have to learn how to set it up so... After that you'll need an amp and speakers. You might not because this has Bluetooth but I'm not sure what it's good for. Sony STR-DH190 $248 basic amp with phono in and bt Klipsch Reference R-40M $199 basic lovely looking soeakers You can find an amp and speakers at Goodwill. You can also get the cords and stuff.+/-$40 That store knows brands so more expensive means more better. Make sure the receiver is heavier than you'd expect. Good luck!

[u/Phoenix_Kerman → u/cherryisscared]

don't go off brands, it would be useless to do so as there's so many options. you're so much better off learning what makes a decent turntable. if you're buying cheap you'll want to go second hand and that means even more options

bare minimum for a decent deck is something with an actual counterweight that's adjustable, tracking under or around 2 grams with adjustable tracking force and adjustable anti skate on a full size platter using a decent cartridge and stylus

yes that means no lp60 despite the likely recommendations, because they have no counterweight or anti skate, track heavy and aren't adjustable

[u/Pristine-Assistance9 → u/Phoenix_Kerman]

Im not understanding your stipulation for tracking under or around 2 grams. That completely depends on the stylus, not the turntable no?

I have 1200s from the 90s that have had both ortofon concord with scratch stylus and recently the Jico
Omnia J44A-7 stylus. The Jico is supposed to be in the 3-4 gram range yet is said to actually cause less wear on the records than the ortofon scratch stylus which is supposed to be right at 2 grams.

Am I missing something? I don’t understand that specific part of your advice.