The Crosley Cruiser Plus shines when it comes to setup and ease of use. You literally take it out of the box, plug it in, and you’re ready to go. For casual listeners or those new to vinyl, this convenience is a game changer—especially if you’re living in a dorm room or a small apartment where space is at a premium.
Its suitcase design makes it easy to store and transport, which is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy music in different rooms or even at a friend’s place. No need for complicated setups or additional gear; it’s all right there in one compact package.
The suitcase cabinet has its charm, but it’s not without its quirks. While it’s genuinely useful in small spaces, there’s something to be said about the limitations of a built-in speaker system. The design is cute and portable, but sharing the same box for the speakers and turntable means you’re going to experience some vibration issues, especially when the volume is cranked.
This isn’t a dealbreaker for everyone, but if you’re hoping for pristine sound quality, you might find it lacking. It’s a cute piece of gear, but don’t expect it to compete with more serious setups in terms of fidelity.
Let’s talk sound quality. The built-in speakers are the weak point, delivering acceptable but not impressive audio. You can certainly get by with them, especially if you’re just starting your vinyl journey, but don’t expect much in terms of clarity or bass response.
As you dive deeper into vinyl and start exploring better pressings, you might find yourself longing for a more refined sound. The Cruiser Plus is fine for casual listening, but I wouldn’t trust it for audiophile-level enjoyment.
04Connectivity & Features
The features on the Cruiser Plus are a mixed bag. You’ve got three-speed playback—33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM—which is a nice touch for those thrift-store finds. Plus, the Bluetooth input allows you to stream music from your phone, adding versatility to your listening experience.
However, be cautious with the Bluetooth functionality. It’s primarily for input, meaning you can’t stream your vinyl wirelessly to Bluetooth speakers, which might be a bummer for some. If you’re just looking to play records and occasionally stream from your phone, though, it’s a solid option.
When it comes to the upgrade path, the Cruiser Plus is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, the RCA line-out and headphone jack offer some flexibility, allowing you to connect powered speakers or enjoy late-night listening with headphones. That’s a nice touch that gives you a bit of room to grow.
On the other hand, the ceramic cartridge and basic tonearm aren’t going to win any awards. While I wouldn’t call it a record shredder, it’s worth considering that many new vinyl fans start with this kind of setup and quickly outgrow it. If you’re serious about vinyl, you might find yourself looking for a better starter deck sooner rather than later.
