Crosley CR6233A-RE Review

In the mid 1960's, at the height of its popularity, the British-branded Dansette player came to be known as virtually a household staple. Crosley brings it back and adds USB support.

Specifications

• Size is 11 x 7 x 17 inches
• Plays two speeds--33 1/3 and 45 RPM records
• Dynamic full range stereo speakers
• Portable audio ready with auxiliary input
• Portable turntable comes complete with matching stand
• Classic Dansette Series style turntable

First Impressions

We were very impressed when we first laid eyes on this beauty. It captures the nostalgia of 1960s vinyl perfectly. If all you are looking for is a piece of art for your kitsch living room, the Crosley CR6233A-RE fits the bill.

Listening Experience

Though Crosley did improve on the 1960s original by adding USB support, they may have actually taken a couple steps back when it comes to audio quality. You see, an important aspect of all turntables is stability. Any turntable should be placed on a sturdy, heavy piece of furniture for stable rpms. The point of a standing model like this is to avoid that worry. However, the CR6233A does not have the weight, nor the build quality to play such a role.

Potential Downsides

When purchasing a model with built-in speakers, most buyers know they are not going to get really hi-fi audio. As such, the Crosley CR6233A-RE is no exception. The speakers are weak when it comes to bass and general balance. However, some listeners may be looking for something that can play oldies and classic pop. For that, the CR6233A is adequate.

Conclusion

We really wanted to like the Crosley CR6233A-RE. It has a very unique look which takes us right back to the 1960s vinyl era. USB support was also an interesting bonus that made this a unique product when compared to the original. However, at the end of the day the real point of going back to vinyl is to enjoy music the way it was meant to be heard. For that purpose, the CR6233A falls short. We were tempted to recommend the product based on style alone. However, if this is your first time hearing music on a turntable, this product will most likely turn you off to vinyl sound. For that reason, we just can't recommend it.