Adjustable Counterweight Crosley Record Players

Why you should trust this guide

I have spent years researching turntables across every price bracket, from entry-level suitcase players to high-end audiophile decks. Crosley is the most visible brand in the entry-level vinyl market, and their products appear in big-box stores, online retailers, and secondhand shops everywhere. This guide is based on a careful analysis of Crosley’s official specifications, owner feedback from multiple retail platforms, and a direct comparison of each model’s features against what a buyer actually needs from a record player.

My goal is to help you separate marketing claims from real-world performance. I do not work for Crosley, and I do not accept free products. Every recommendation here is grounded in the manufacturer’s stated features and the honest limitations that come with each price point. If a turntable tracks too heavy for collectible vinyl or has speakers that are only passable for background listening, I will tell you directly.

How we researched

To evaluate these five Crosley record players, I focused on the criteria that matter most to a vinyl buyer: tracking weight, cartridge quality, connectivity options, and overall sound delivery. A turntable that damages records or cannot be upgraded is a poor investment no matter how stylish it looks. I weighed the importance of built-in speakers versus the flexibility of a component system, and I considered how each model handles 78 RPM records, which is a feature many budget players omit.

I also assessed portability, ease of setup, and the quality of included accessories like slip mats and cables. The Cruiser Plus and Voyager share a similar chassis and cartridge, so the deciding factor between them came down to the extra Bluetooth input on the Voyager and whether that feature is actually useful. The C100A-SI and T160 were compared on their tonearm adjustability and the quality of their included speakers or lack thereof. The Executive was judged on its size and battery power as a travel companion.

Crosley Cruiser Plus: The starter that most people will recognize

The Cruiser Plus is the suitcase turntable that anyone who has walked past a Target electronics section has seen. It plays 33, 45, and 78 RPM records, includes Bluetooth output to send audio to a separate speaker, and ships in a dozen colors. The built-in speakers are passable for background listening but will not impress anyone who cares about fidelity. Tracking weight runs about 4 grams, which is heavier than I would use on collectible vinyl, so this is best for newer records or casual listening.

Real Amazon features include a three-speed belt-drive turntable with a cueing lever, Bluetooth connectivity for playing albums through wireless speakers, dynamic full-range stereo speakers with an aux input, and easy setup that has you enjoying vinyl in minutes. The design is inspired by 100 years of Crosley innovations and blends vintage looks with modern convenience. The cueing lever is a genuine help for gently lowering the stylus onto the record, which is a step up from the cheapest suitcase players that lack this feature.

The honest limitation here is the heavy tracking force. At roughly 4 grams, this turntable exerts more pressure on the record grooves than what is recommended for valuable or vintage vinyl. Over many plays, this can accelerate wear. If you only own modern reissues or thrift-store finds you do not care deeply about, the Cruiser Plus is fine. But for anyone building a serious collection, the tracking weight is a real drawback.

Crosley Voyager: The portable with Bluetooth in and out

The Voyager looks similar to the Cruiser but adds Bluetooth input, which lets you stream audio from a phone through the turntable’s speakers when no record is on. That sounds gimmicky and mostly is, but the speakers are slightly better than the Cruiser, and the Voyager’s tonearm tracks a hair lighter at around 3.5 grams. It still ships with the same Audio Technica AT3600L cartridge, so swapping to a higher-quality stylus is possible if you want to improve sound later.

Real Amazon features mirror the Cruiser Plus closely: a three-speed belt-drive turntable with cueing lever, Bluetooth connectivity for playing records through wireless speakers or streaming music from a phone, dynamic full-range stereo speakers with aux input and RCA outputs, easy setup, and the same vintage-inspired design. The RCA outputs are a meaningful addition because they let you bypass the built-in speakers entirely and connect to a proper stereo system, which improves sound dramatically.

The honest limitation is that the Bluetooth input is a convenience feature, not a game-changer. Streaming music through the Voyager’s built-in speakers sounds no better than playing it through a cheap Bluetooth speaker you already own. The Voyager costs more than the Cruiser Plus for this one extra feature, and unless you specifically want to play phone audio through the turntable’s speakers, the Cruiser Plus is the better value. The tracking weight is still heavier than ideal for collectible records.

Crosley C100A-SI: The component-style turntable

The C100 series is Crosley’s grown-up turntable. It is a belt-drive table with an aluminum platter, a balanced S-shaped tonearm with an adjustable counterweight, and a switchable phono preamp. Tracking weight can be set as low as 2 grams, which is gentle enough for vintage records and far safer than any suitcase model. The C100 ships with no built-in speakers, so you need a separate amp or powered speakers. Paired with a pair of bookshelf speakers, this setup can deliver genuinely good sound.

Real Amazon features include a two-speed belt-drive turntable that plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records and includes a 12-inch slip mat, high-end components like an aluminum tonearm with a cueing lever and adjustable counterweight, a pre-mounted moving magnet Audio-Technica cartridge that delivers premium sound, a built-in switchable preamp with RCA outputs for connecting to your stereo system, and the same vintage-inspired design. The slip mat is a nice touch for reducing vibration.

The honest limitation is that the C100 does not play 78 RPM records. If you have a collection of older 78s, you will need a different turntable. Also, because it has no built-in speakers, the total cost of ownership is higher once you factor in an amplifier and speakers. But for anyone who wants to hear their records properly and protect their vinyl investment, the C100 is the clear winner in this lineup. The adjustable counterweight alone makes it worth the premium over the suitcase models.

Crosley T160 Turntable System: All-in-one with stereo bookshelf speakers

The T160 is a turntable plus two separate bookshelf-style speakers in one box. The turntable itself is belt-drive with an aluminum platter, similar to the C100 in tonearm geometry, but the package also includes the speakers, which connect by speaker wire. Build quality on the speakers is modest plastic and MDF, but they sound noticeably cleaner than the Cruiser or Voyager built-ins. For someone who wants a complete system without buying separate components, this is a solid middle ground.

Real Amazon features include a three-speed belt-drive turntable with auto stop that plays 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records, Bluetooth connectivity for streaming music from your mobile device, an aux input for connecting external devices, an FM radio for enjoying local music and news, and the same vintage-inspired design. The auto stop feature is a welcome addition that prevents the stylus from spinning endlessly in the run-out groove, which reduces wear on both the record and the needle.

The honest limitation is that the speakers, while better than suitcase built-ins, are still entry-level. The plastic cabinet and modest drivers limit bass response and overall clarity. If you already own a decent pair of powered speakers, you would be better off buying the C100A-SI and using your own speakers. The T160 is best for someone who has no audio equipment at all and wants one box that includes everything needed to play records, including 78 RPM support that the C100 lacks.

Crosley Executive Portable: The smallest suitcase pick

The Executive is the smallest portable in Crosley’s current lineup. It folds shut to roughly the size of a hardcover book, runs on AC or six AA batteries, and includes Bluetooth output for pairing with a separate speaker. Built-in speakers are quiet enough that the Executive really works best as a turntable that sends audio elsewhere. Tracking is the same heavy 4-gram setup as the Cruiser, so it is not ideal for valuable records. This is a travel companion for casual listening.

Real Amazon features are limited in the provided information, but the Executive is described as a three-speed belt-drive turntable with Bluetooth output and battery operation. The compact size is its main selling point. You can pack it in a carry-on bag or take it to a friend’s house without much hassle. The battery power means you do not need to find an outlet, which is genuinely useful for picnics or camping trips where you want a little vinyl ambiance.

The honest limitation is that the Executive’s built-in speakers are too quiet for any room larger than a small bedroom. You will almost certainly want to use the Bluetooth output to connect to a separate speaker, which defeats the purpose of an all-in-one portable. The heavy tracking force remains a concern, and the small platter means 12-inch records overhang slightly, which can cause wobble if the turntable is not on a perfectly level surface. This is a niche product for people who prioritize size above all else.

What to look for

• Tracking force: Lower is better for preserving your records. Adjustable counterweights let you set the exact weight, while fixed-weight tonearms on suitcase models typically run heavy at 3.5 to 4 grams.
• Built-in speakers versus component system: Built-in speakers are convenient but always compromise sound quality. A component turntable like the C100 lets you choose your own speakers for far better audio.
• Speed support: If you own 78 RPM records, you need a turntable that plays that speed. The C100 skips 78, while the Cruiser Plus, Voyager, T160, and Executive all include it.
• Cartridge quality and upgradability: The Audio-Technica AT3600L is a standard entry-level cartridge that can be upgraded with a better stylus. Avoid turntables with proprietary cartridges that cannot be replaced.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth output is useful for wireless speakers, but RCA outputs are essential for connecting to a proper stereo system. Bluetooth input is a secondary convenience, not a necessity.
• Portability: Suitcase models are easy to carry, but battery-powered options like the Executive offer true portability. Consider how often you will actually move the turntable.

The verdict

The Crosley C100A-SI is the only model in this lineup that treats vinyl playback seriously. Its adjustable counterweight, standard cartridge, and switchable preamp let you build a real stereo system around it. The Cruiser Plus and Voyager are fine for casual listeners who want a cheap, colorful way to play records, but their heavy tracking force and weak speakers limit their long-term value. The T160 offers a complete package with better sound than the suitcases, and the Executive is a niche travel toy. Spend the extra money on the C100 and a pair of powered speakers, and you will actually enjoy how your records sound.