There’s a unique magic in the ritual of playing a record. It’s a deliberate act—sliding the vinyl from its sleeve, feeling the weight of it in your hands, gently placing it on the platter, and watching the tonearm lower to release a sound that feels warmer and more tangible than any digital stream. I remember my own journey into this world, starting with a dusty box of my parents’ old LPs. The problem wasn’t a lack of music; it was the lack of a machine to play it on. The search began for something that wasn’t just a piece of audio equipment, but a piece of furniture—something that could bridge the gap between the vintage appeal of vinyl and the modern convenience of Bluetooth. This quest is a common one for new enthusiasts who want an accessible, all-in-one solution that looks as good as it sounds, without the intimidating complexity and cost of a high-end audiophile setup. The challenge is finding a player that delivers on that promise without significant compromise.
- THREE-SPEED BELT-DRIVE TURNTABLE: Plays 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM records; Use the cueing lever to lower the needle and fine-tune playback with adjustable pitch control
- BLUETOOTH RECORD PLAYER: Bluetooth connectivity lets you easily play your albums through wireless speakers or stream your music to the record player's built-in speakers
What to Consider Before Buying a Portable Turntable
A portable turntable is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bringing the analog warmth of vinyl into any room of your house, or even to a friend’s gathering. It solves the problem of accessibility for newcomers to the hobby, combining a turntable, pre-amp, and speakers into a single, user-friendly package. The main benefit is simplicity. There are no complex components to match, no confusing wiring diagrams to follow—just plug it in, put on a record, and enjoy. This all-in-one approach demystifies the world of vinyl, making it a welcoming experience rather than an intimidating one. For those of us living in smaller spaces, its compact, self-contained design is a significant advantage over sprawling component systems.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who is vinyl-curious, values aesthetics and convenience, and wants a straightforward way to play their records. This includes college students, apartment dwellers, or anyone looking for a secondary, casual listening station. It’s perfect for the person who loves the idea of spinning a record on a lazy Sunday morning or wants a charming centerpiece that also plays music. However, it might not be suitable for those who prioritize pristine, high-fidelity audio above all else. Serious audiophiles or archival collectors may find the components, such as the ceramic cartridge and built-in speakers, to be limiting. These users would be better served by a more traditional component system with an audiophile-grade turntable, an external phono preamp, and dedicated speakers, which allows for greater customization and superior sound reproduction.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: While advertised as portable, consider where the turntable will live most of the time. The suitcase design of models like the Crosley CR8017B-FL Voyager Portable Record Player with Bluetooth makes it easy to store and move, but you’ll still need a stable, level surface during playback to prevent skipping. Measure your intended shelf or tabletop space to ensure a good fit, both open and closed.
- Performance & Sound Quality: Understand the trade-offs of an all-in-one system. The built-in speakers are designed for convenience and casual listening, not critical, room-filling sound. Look for features like Bluetooth Out and RCA outputs, which provide an essential upgrade path to connect to better external speakers, overcoming the limitations of the integrated drivers.
- Materials & Durability: Entry-level turntables often utilize a lot of plastic in their construction to keep costs down. Examine the tonearm, platter, and controls. While the suitcase exterior may be robust, the internal components are more delicate. We’ve found that careful handling is key, a sentiment echoed by users who note the internal turntable mechanism can feel loose.
- Ease of Use & Connectivity: The primary appeal is simplicity. A good beginner turntable should be virtually plug-and-play. Check for intuitive controls, a cueing lever to safely raise and lower the tonearm, and versatile connectivity options like Bluetooth In (to use it as a speaker) and a headphone jack for private listening.
These considerations will help you set realistic expectations and choose a player that truly fits your lifestyle and listening habits.
While the Crosley CR8017B-FL Voyager Portable Record Player with Bluetooth is an excellent choice for its target audience, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Enhance Audio Quality: Our vinyl record weight stabilizer reduces vibrations, keeping your records flat and enhancing sound quality for a superior listening experience.
- Record Slipmat Upgrade Sound Quality: This greenlit acrylic turntable mat is precision-machined from acrylic which has similar properties to vinyl records, so this LP mat is an essential upgrade for...
- Essential Tool for Vinyl Enthusiasts: For those dedicated to the art of vinyl playback, this cartridge tracking force scale is indispensable.It ensures optimal sound quality and protects your valuable...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Floral Voyager
Opening the box of the Crosley CR8017B-FL Voyager Portable Record Player with Bluetooth is, first and foremost, a visual experience. The floral pattern isn’t a cheap, glossy print; it has a pleasant, textured feel, almost like canvas, which immediately gives it a more premium impression than many of its suitcase-style competitors. It feels less like a gadget and more like a piece of vintage-inspired decor. Weighing in at just over 7 pounds and equipped with a sturdy handle, its portability is immediately apparent. Setup is as simple as it gets: plug in the power adapter, select your record speed, and you’re ready to go. Inside, the components are lightweight plastic, which is expected at this price point. The tonearm has a cueing lever—a crucial feature for beginners to avoid scratching records—and the control layout is intuitive, with a single knob for power and volume. While the core turntable mechanism feels a bit delicate, the overall package is undeniably charming and inviting, successfully capturing the retro aesthetic it aims for.
What We Like
- Stunning vintage floral design with a quality, canvas-like texture.
- Versatile Bluetooth In/Out functionality for streaming flexibility.
- Extremely user-friendly and portable, perfect for beginners.
- Includes pitch control for fine-tuning playback speed.
- Multiple connectivity options (RCA out, headphone jack, aux-in).
Limitations
- Built-in speakers lack bass and overall volume.
- Lightweight plastic construction of internal components raises durability concerns.
A Deep Dive into the Crosley Voyager’s Performance
A record player that sits at the intersection of style and function demands a closer look. It’s easy to be won over by its looks, but how does it perform when the needle hits the groove? We spent extensive time with the Crosley CR8017B-FL Voyager Portable Record Player with Bluetooth, testing its audio capabilities, connectivity, and core mechanics to determine if its performance lives up to its charming presentation. We explored its limits as a standalone player and its potential as the hub of a larger audio setup, evaluating it from the perspective of its intended user: the modern, casual vinyl enthusiast.
Design, Build Quality, and That Unmistakable Aesthetic
The number one reason most people will be drawn to this specific model is its design, and in this area, it absolutely delivers. The floral pattern is vibrant and beautifully executed, making it a statement piece in any room. We were particularly impressed that the material feels like a durable fabric rather than a simple sticker or plastic wrap, an observation confirmed by users who were pleasantly surprised by the “canvas-like” texture. This attention to detail elevates it above many generic suitcase players. The suitcase itself, with its metal clasps and corner protectors, feels reasonably sturdy for transport around the house or to a friend’s place.
However, opening the lid reveals the inherent trade-offs of this category. The turntable platter, tonearm, and surrounding deck are all made of lightweight plastic. During our testing, we confirmed the “loose” feeling some users have reported regarding the main turntable assembly; it’s mounted on springs to reduce vibration, but this can give an initial impression of fragility. For a new user, this might be concerning, but in practice, it didn’t cause any playback issues for us. It does, however, underscore the need for gentle handling. There is no included slipmat, which is a notable omission, as a simple felt mat can help dampen vibrations and protect records. This is an inexpensive but recommended addition for any buyer. Ultimately, the Crosley CR8017B-FL Voyager Portable Record Player with Bluetooth is a product you buy for its aesthetic appeal, with the understanding that the internal build is functional but not robust. It serves as “entertainment and art,” as one happy customer described it.
Audio Performance: Managing Expectations for the Built-in Speakers
This is the most polarizing aspect of any all-in-one record player. How do the built-in speakers sound? The answer is: it depends entirely on your expectations. During our tests, we found the dynamic full-range stereo speakers to be clear enough for personal, near-field listening in a small, quiet room. They produce a mid-range-heavy sound that has that classic, slightly tinny “vintage” character. For someone putting on a record as background music while working or reading, the quality is perfectly adequate. One user captured this sentiment perfectly, stating the sound “isn’t the BEST but it’s pretty good for just having music on.”
However, if you turn the volume up past about 60%, the sound begins to distort, and the lack of any real bass becomes immediately obvious. This is where the most critical feedback originates, with one particularly colorful user describing the sound as a “monstrosity.” While we wouldn’t go that far, it’s clear these speakers are not meant for parties or for immersive, critical listening sessions. They are a feature of convenience. The real audio magic of this player is unlocked not by its internal speakers, but by its outputs. Thinking of this turntable not as a self-contained sound system, but as a source component with *optional* built-in speakers, is the key to appreciating its value. This is where its connectivity suite becomes its most powerful feature.
Connectivity: The Bluetooth In/Out Game-Changer
The single most important feature that elevates the Crosley CR8017B-FL Voyager Portable Record Player with Bluetooth from a simple novelty to a genuinely versatile audio hub is its Bluetooth In/Out capability. This dual functionality is brilliant. The ‘Bluetooth In’ mode allows you to pair your phone or tablet and use the Voyager as a portable speaker. While the audio quality is still limited by the built-in drivers, it’s a handy feature for podcasts or playlists when you don’t want to mess with a record.
The ‘Bluetooth Out’ mode is the real star. We paired the turntable with a quality external Bluetooth speaker, and the transformation was immediate and dramatic. Suddenly, the warmth of the vinyl record was broadcast with the full bass, clarity, and volume of a proper sound system. This is the perfect upgrade path. It allows you to start with the simple, all-in-one unit and then, when you’re ready for better sound, pair it with a speaker you may already own. This completely bypasses the limitations of the internal speakers and solves the biggest complaint leveled against suitcase players. Pairing was straightforward in our tests. For those who prefer a wired connection, the standard RCA outputs on the back offer a reliable, high-quality signal path to a receiver or powered speakers, and the headphone jack works perfectly for private listening without disturbing others.
The Vinyl Experience: Mechanics and Usability
For a beginner, the actual process of playing a record needs to be foolproof, and the Voyager does well here. It supports all three common record speeds (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM), making it compatible with virtually any record you might find. A 45 RPM adapter is included. The cueing lever is a fantastic inclusion, allowing you to raise and lower the tonearm with a simple flick, preventing accidental drops and scratches on your precious vinyl. While some users reported receiving units with issues like a detached belt, our test unit worked perfectly out of the box. The belt-drive system helps isolate the platter from motor vibrations, which is a good design choice.
A more advanced feature not always found at this price point is the pitch control dial. This allows you to make micro-adjustments to the platter’s rotational speed. While most users will never need to touch it, it’s a great tool for dialing in the perfect speed if a record sounds slightly too fast or slow. The auto-stop feature, which stops the platter from spinning at the end of a record, worked reliably in our tests, preventing needless wear on the stylus. While the ceramic cartridge and stylus are basic, they are standard for this category and are designed to be durable, tracking records without issue in our experience.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing feedback from numerous buyers reveals a clear and consistent picture of the Crosley CR8017B-FL Voyager Portable Record Player with Bluetooth. The overwhelming majority of positive reviews center on its aesthetic appeal and ease of use. One user perfectly summed up the entry-level joy it brings: “I’m a grown up, there’s no one to stop me. So I bought the record player and I don’t know just putting a record on has brought me so much joy.” Another praised it as both “entertainment and art in our dining room.” These comments highlight that for many, the player is as much a decorative piece as it is a functional device.
On the other hand, negative feedback almost invariably focuses on two areas: sound quality from the built-in speakers and build quality control. Many of the most critical reviews come from users who were expecting high-fidelity sound from the small, integrated speakers. There are also concerning reports of units arriving damaged or non-functional, with one user noting their box “came completely sealed” but the product inside was faulty, pointing to factory quality control issues. Another reported the belt was stretched and wouldn’t stay on upon arrival. This feedback is critical because it highlights a potential gamble: you might get a perfect, charming unit, or you could receive one with frustrating defects.
How Does the Crosley Voyager Compare to the Alternatives?
While the Voyager excels in style and all-in-one convenience, the turntable market is diverse. It’s crucial to see how it stacks up against other popular options, especially for those who might prioritize pure audio performance or expanded media compatibility over portability and aesthetics.
1. Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK Wireless Turntable
- High-fidelity audio with Bluetooth wireless technology.Wow and flutter : < 0.25% (WTD) at 3 kHz.
- Connects wirelessly to speakers and other devices equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology or to wired audio systems and powered speakers via included dual RCA output cable
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-BK represents the next logical step up for someone prioritizing sound quality. Unlike the all-in-one Crosley, this is a dedicated turntable component. It lacks built-in speakers but features a superior diamond-tipped stylus on a higher-quality tonearm and a more robust, anti-resonance platter. This translates to clearer, more detailed sound that is gentler on your records. It still offers modern convenience with its Bluetooth output to connect to wireless speakers or headphones. A user should choose the AT-LP60XBT-BK over the Crosley if their primary goal is better audio fidelity and they already have, or plan to buy, external speakers. It’s less of a decorative piece and more of a pure audio device.
2. MUSITREND 10 in 1 Record Player
- 【10 in 1 Record Player】This 9-in-1 record player combines a turntable, AM/FM radio, CD player, cassette player, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB/SD playback, giving you a wide range of listening...
- 【3-Speed Vinyl Records】The turntable supports three speeds (33, 45, and 78 RPM), allowing you to play a wide variety of vinyl records and enjoy your favorite albums with ease.
If the Crosley Voyager is about simplicity, the MUSITREND 10 in 1 is about maximum functionality. This is the ultimate media machine for someone who wants to play more than just vinyl. With a CD player, cassette deck, AM/FM radio, and USB/SD card playback, it’s a retro-styled entertainment center. It comes with separate, albeit small, external speakers which will likely provide better stereo separation than the Crosley’s built-in drivers. This is the right choice for a user with a diverse collection of physical media beyond records, or for someone who wants a single device to handle all their audio needs in a den or garage. The trade-off is a larger footprint and a more complex interface compared to the Voyager’s simple elegance.
3. Retrolife Belt-Drive Record Player with Wireless Output
- Verified by Transparency - Each item has a unique code that was verified before shipping. If this anti-counterfeiting Transparency label is missing, it is not an Retrolife authentic brand product and...
- WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY&RCA OUTPUT - You can pair with Bluetooth speakers or headphones for an amazing, wireless experience. Even better, no receiver needed. If need, this turntable includes both phono...
The Retrolife turntable strikes a balance between the beginner-friendly Crosley and the audio-focused Audio-Technica. It features critical upgrades like an adjustable counterweight and an advanced magnetic cartridge (an Audio-Technica AT3600L), which are hallmarks of more serious turntables and result in significantly better sound tracking and detail. It does not have built-in speakers, requiring an external system, but it does include Bluetooth output. A user should opt for the Retrolife if they are ready to learn the basics of turntable setup (like balancing a tonearm) in exchange for a major leap in audio performance and record care, without leaving the entry-level price bracket. It’s the “serious beginner’s” choice.
Final Verdict: A Charming Entry Point with an Essential Upgrade Path
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Crosley CR8017B-FL Voyager Portable Record Player with Bluetooth is clear: it is a fantastic product for the right person with the right expectations. It is, first and foremost, a triumph of design. It’s a beautiful, charming device that makes the act of playing a record feel special and accessible. For the casual listener, the vinyl-curious newcomer, or anyone who values aesthetics as much as function, it’s an absolute winner. The simplicity and all-in-one nature make it an inviting gateway into a wonderful hobby.
Its primary weakness—the limited quality of its built-in speakers—is ingeniously solved by its versatile connectivity. The inclusion of Bluetooth Out and RCA jacks transforms it from a potentially disappointing sound source into a capable and stylish vinyl player that can grow with you. By simply connecting it to a better speaker, you unlock its true potential. We recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, stylish, and incredibly user-friendly way to start their vinyl journey, provided they understand its sonic limitations or plan to use its excellent output options. If you’re ready to add a touch of retro flair and analog warmth to your life, you can check the latest price and see all the available styles right here.
Last update on 2025-11-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API