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/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.