Big sounds from Crosley's tiny turntables

Turntables play 3-inch records.

Tribune News Service
July 29, 2020 at 3:27PM
The Crosley RSd3
The Crosley RSd3 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The resurgence of vinyl records never happened in my house, simply because they never left. If that comeback hasn't reached your world, Crosley's Mini Cruiser and RSD3 turntables are a great way to start.

They won't play 33 or 45 rpm vinyl records; instead these portable record players spin 3-inch records. While they aren't commonly stocked at stores, the pocket-size records are easily found. Just do an online search.

The whole package is eye-catching, with a retro look. When it's closed, the Mini Cruiser ($70) looks like a tiny suitcase with carrying handle, like Crosley's full-sized Cruiser. Features include a clear dust cover, adjustable pitch control, built-in stereo speakers, a port to connect to headphones or a stereo system, and a Bluetooth transmitter.

The silver-toned RSD3 mini belt-drive turntable ($90) is more modern-looking, with a pre-mounted Audio Technica AT3600 moving-magnet cartridge. Sound from the two turntables' speakers wasn't room-filling but it was way better than I expected. When connected to external speakers, they were a listening joy.

Power comes from a micro USB connection or four AAA batteries for the RSD3 and four AA batteries for the Cruiser. And for storing your records, there's a stylish carrier case ($30) that holds 10 3-inch discs. crosleyradio.com/turntables

The Crosley Mini Cruiser (Crosley) ORG XMIT: 1721264
The Crosley Mini Cruiser plays 3-inch records. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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Gregg Ellman

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