Turntable throwdown: crosley voyager vs. cruiser – uncovering the winner
What To Know
- The Voyager comes equipped with a ceramic cartridge and a diamond-tipped stylus, providing a balanced and clear sound reproduction.
- The Voyager is typically priced around $50-$100, making it an affordable option for casual listeners and those on a budget.
- The Voyager is an excellent choice for those seeking a portable and budget-friendly option, while the Cruiser delivers superior sound quality and a more classic aesthetic.
Crosley Radio has emerged as a leading manufacturer of retro-styled turntables, catering to the resurgence of vinyl record popularity. Among their popular models are the Crosley Voyager and Cruiser turntables. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key features, performance, and design aspects of these two beloved turntables to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Aesthetics
Crosley Voyager: The Voyager features a sleek and modern design with a compact footprint. Its lightweight, suitcase-style construction makes it highly portable, allowing you to take your music wherever you go. The exterior is adorned with a faux leather finish and metal accents, exuding a vintage charm.
Crosley Cruiser: The Cruiser, on the other hand, boasts a more classic and nostalgic design. Its curved edges, wooden accents, and metal hardware evoke the golden age of vinyl. The unit is heavier and larger than the Voyager, providing a more stable base for record playback.
Features and Functionality
Speed Settings: Both the Voyager and Cruiser offer three speed settings (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM), enabling you to play a wide range of vinyl records.
Cartridge and Stylus: The Voyager comes equipped with a ceramic cartridge and a diamond-tipped stylus, providing a balanced and clear sound reproduction. The Cruiser, however, features a magnetic cartridge with a moving magnet (MM) stylus, which offers improved tracking and reduced distortion.
Bluetooth Connectivity: The Voyager is Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-compatible devices. This feature adds versatility and convenience to your listening experience.
Performance and Sound Quality
Playback Accuracy: The Voyager’s lightweight construction can make it susceptible to vibrations, which can affect the accuracy of playback. The Cruiser’s heavier weight and more stable base provide better isolation from external vibrations, resulting in a smoother and more accurate sound reproduction.
Audio Clarity: The Voyager’s ceramic cartridge and diamond-tipped stylus deliver a warm and balanced sound with clear vocals and crisp highs. The Cruiser’s magnetic cartridge and MM stylus offer a more detailed and nuanced sound, with improved bass response and reduced sibilance.
Portability and Convenience
Weight and Dimensions: The Voyager’s lightweight and compact design make it highly portable, weighing only 8 pounds and measuring 13.5 x 10 x 5 inches. The Cruiser, on the other hand, is heavier (13.5 pounds) and larger (16.5 x 12.5 x 5 inches), making it less suitable for frequent travel.
Built-In Speakers: Both the Voyager and Cruiser feature built-in speakers, allowing you to enjoy your music without the need for external speakers. However, the Cruiser’s speakers are larger and more powerful, providing a fuller and more immersive sound experience.
Price and Value
Crosley Voyager: The Voyager is typically priced around $50-$100, making it an affordable option for casual listeners and those on a budget.
Crosley Cruiser: The Cruiser is generally priced between $150-$250, which reflects its higher quality components, better sound performance, and more robust construction.
Which Turntable is Right for You?
The choice between the Crosley Voyager and Cruiser depends on your individual preferences and needs.
Choose the Voyager if:
- Portability and affordability are your top priorities
- You prefer a modern and compact design
- You don’t require Bluetooth connectivity
Choose the Cruiser if:
- Sound quality and performance are paramount
- You prefer a classic and more durable design
- You want the convenience of built-in Bluetooth connectivity
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Vinyl Companion
Both the Crosley Voyager and Cruiser turntables offer a unique blend of style and functionality. The Voyager is an excellent choice for those seeking a portable and budget-friendly option, while the Cruiser delivers superior sound quality and a more classic aesthetic. Ultimately, the best turntable for you is the one that aligns with your specific requirements and listening preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which turntable has a better sound quality, the Voyager or Cruiser?
A: The Cruiser generally offers better sound quality due to its magnetic cartridge, MM stylus, and more stable construction.
Q: Is the Voyager turntable Bluetooth-enabled?
A: Yes, the Voyager features Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream music wirelessly from your devices.
Q: Which turntable is more suitable for travel, the Voyager or Cruiser?
A: The Voyager is more portable due to its lightweight and compact design, making it ideal for frequent travel.
Q: Can I replace the cartridge and stylus on either turntable?
A: Yes, both the Voyager and Cruiser allow you to replace the cartridge and stylus, enabling you to upgrade your sound quality or extend the lifespan of your turntable.
Q: What type of records can I play on these turntables?
A: Both the Voyager and Cruiser can play 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM vinyl records, covering a wide range of music formats.