Crosley C62 tested: An uncomplicated record player
12.12.2019
Translation: machine translated
Whether you're getting your record collection out of the cellar or buying new vinyl: You need a record player to play it. I took a look at the Crosley C62, a model with an integrated amplifier. Its advantage: as two speakers are included, no additional technology is required.
Optically, the Crosley C62 with its walnut wood look gets a tick on the retro checklist. It could have spent the last few decades in grandma and grandpa's attic. The record player proves its current date of manufacture with the Bluetooth connection to the smartphone, among other things.
Fast, uncomplicated assembly
When setting up the Crosley C62, knowledge from my childhood days is required: it's been that long since I first connected speakers using a cable. And not with a plug, but with a bare cable end. That's no problem thanks to the clamps on the record player - even though I've mostly been travelling wirelessly in recent years.
However, I did make one small faux pas. Despite having a power supply, the turntable didn't turn. The solution to the puzzle: I had forgotten the drive belt and it was only with this that the motor and platter were connected. In my defence: My parents used to take care of setting up the turntables. I only listened to records and dug out my small collection of the three ??? and reggae singles for the test.
Once the Crosley C62 is in its chosen place, its weight - helped by the integrated amplifier - ensures that it stands securely. If its base is not completely wobbly, it is stable enough for you to walk around the room. However, jumping is not recommended. In other words: absolutely no dancing.
As you would expect from a good record player, the Crosley C62 allows you to choose between two speeds - 33 and 45 revolutions per minute - and you can also load vinyl discs with a diameter of 7, 10 or 12 inches. An adapter for the smaller singles with the larger hole in the centre is included in the scope of delivery.
The noise of the record
Remove the needle's protective cover, lift the arm with the lever, slide it over the record, which starts to spin automatically, and lower the arm onto the vinyl using the lever. This is quite different from pressing play on a CD or selecting a song on Spotify. It takes longer, but it also allows me to calm down more and take in the music more consciously. It's not just switched on quickly on the side. When the record is over, it's over. Unfortunately, the pickup of the Crosley C62 does not return to its starting position on its own. You have to do that. Always! Otherwise the record will keep spinning forever.
The typical record sound, including hissing and creaking, comes from the Crosley C62's speakers. Overall, the sound is warm, clear and distinct. However, the highs and mids are not as finely separated as is the case with some Bluetooth speakers. Bass is in short supply. No matter how much it booms in the song, it doesn't come out of the speakers. You'll need an extra subwoofer for that.
But even without the bass, the Crosley C62's speakers are very loud. Nevertheless, I could only turn the volume up to halfway. Firstly, it got too loud in the room and secondly, the speakers couldn't keep up. The lower third of the scale is enough for a normal room volume.
If you don't fancy the typical record sound or want to listen to something you don't have on vinyl, you can also connect other playback devices to the Crosley C62 amplifier via audio cable as a source or connect your smartphone via Bluetooth. This doesn't change the sound quality of the speakers, only the typical crackling and hissing of the vinyl record is eliminated.
I noticed two negative things when playing the disc: The travel of the pickup arm is very short and does not go all the way to the end. If the stylus circles in the centre of the record, it is not enough to lift it with the lever, you have to lift the arm directly. Together with the felt-like base, this creates another problem. The pad is not only comparatively thick, but also so light that it does not lay itself flat. This can lead to the record not lying completely flat. This is not a problem when listening, but it is noticeable when the needle is supposed to float above the vinyl and still keeps coming into contact with the record.
Conclusion: Finally listening to the old records again
The Crosley C62 brings the typical record sound into your home, but its sound does not reach the highest quality regions. Anyone who describes themselves as an audiophile will not be pleased. But the C62 is not intended for such people: it is a good compromise solution if you want to listen to your old records again with little effort without having to buy a complete hi-fi system. It was nice to put on old singles and records from "Nikitaman" or "Tripping The Light Fantastic", which I don't have on CD and which haven't made it to the streaming services either, and the old theme tune from the "Three? Pure nostalgia!
The setup requires no special prior knowledge, it's easy to use and being able to use the speakers for your smartphone is a nice bonus.
By the way: If you want to listen to your old records again, you will need a suitable dust brush in addition to the record player.
When I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.
