TECH TALK: Vinyl goes portable with Crosley Executive USB Turntable

Forget about music on your smartphone or MP3 player - vinyl is spinning back into fashion and a fun new portable record player is the Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable.
Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable.Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable.
Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable.

It's selling like hotcakes all over the place - in places like Maplin, HMV, Amazon and Currys.

And for under £100 it's no wonder.

The retro-styled Crosley device is built into a luxury looking briefcase - there are slightly cheaper models out there - which plays and can convert your favourite vinyl into digital formats.

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It has all three vinyl playback speeds - so you can play 78s, 33s and 45s.

The included software simply and efficiently converts your records into digital files. Connect the turntable to your computer via the USB and you can edit or transfer them to an MP3 player for music on the go – great for taking to parties or to a friend's house.

It's ideal if you don't have the space or money for a stacked stereo with an expensive turntable sat on top of it.

The 5-watt turntable features two inbuilt speakers, which provides an adequate sound experience. There is also an external speaker connection, if you wish to wish to improve the sound.

Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable.Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable.
Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable.
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Its vintage brass-plated brief-case design provides an eye-catching talking point, as well as being a substantial yet lightweight casing for your audio equipment.

A high quality belt-driven turntable mechanism and diamond stylus needle complete the package.

There are better, more expensive record players. But if you are jut after a bit of fun, looking to enjoy your old records in a new way or want to clear out your old vinyl collection , the Executive Turntable is a great option.

You can also plug in an audio device, such as an MP3 player.

Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable.Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable.
Crosley Executive Portable USB Turntable.
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Some reviews suggest the weight of the arm holding the play needle is a little heavy and it could cut into some of your precious albums, but you wold have to seriously overplay a record to do any real damage. And vinyl isn't a MP3 file, it does eventually wear out and crackle. But that's half the fun.

The Executive is slightly bigger than the Crosley Cruiser, but with the suitcase layout and built in speakers just as portable, in its beautiful vintage, two-coloured leatherish design, to help you enjoy the warm sounds of vinyl.

Overall, for what it is, four out of five stars.

Features

Portable 3-speed turntable

Portable audio ready-simply plug in your portable audio device or mp3 player

Fully automatic return tone arm

Plays 3 speeds - 33 1/3, 45 and 78 RPM records

Usb enabled for connection to windows equipped PC and MAC

Auxiliary input

RCA audio out

Dynamic full range stereo speakers

Comes with plug to connect directly to an outlet

It's available from many high street shops and online. Check it out at Maplin - they are selling a version online at £89.99 - click here www.maplin.co.uk

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