James Williamson Crosley record players are one of the main reasons behind the resurgence of vinyl.
Well, these record players were launched at affordable prices, which became a point of attraction for people to enter the vinyl world.
But, as I said, these are very cheap, i.e., you can buy a single unit for under $80, which indirectly indicates the compromise in the quality of the components used inside it.
As many of you might know, a turntable setup with an entry-level turntable with an in-built phono preamp and a pair of active speakers will cost around $300. At the same time, a Crosley record player offers everything for just under $80 which means that they have compromised with the quality to list their product at such a price and this compromise in quality makes this record player more prone to issues.
If you own this record player, then you don’t need to worry a bit because, in this article, we have shared all the common problems that you might face with your record player and their solutions so that you can fix the issues in no time.
Crosley Record Player Problems & Fixes (Troubleshooting):
We have covered all the common problems that you might face with your record player and shared their solutions through which you can fix them in no time.
Problem 1: No Power / Not Powering On
Solution:
One of the most common problems and most of the time, the issue arises due to ERP energy-saving standard mode which is a feature that Crosley intentionally added to save power.
Well, we have already talked about this problem in detail and shared its solution in this article.
Problem 2: Distorted Sound Coming From Record Player
Solution:
There can be many reasons for distorted sound, like the record or stylus being dirty, static buildup on records, a damaged stylus or record belt that has lost its elasticity or worn out, record motion being obstructed in any way, and many more.
Well, I recommend you check out this article about fixing muddy and distorted sound coming from speakers.
Problem 3: The Platter or Record Not Spinning
Solution:
To fix this problem, I recommend you check out this article about fixing the Crosley platter not spinning problem.
Problem 4: The Record is Spinning But No Sound Is Coming
Solution:
There are four reasons why this problem occurs:
1) Stylus guard is on
The marked stylus plastic is known as the “Stylus Guard” which helps us protect it from dust and damage while we are not using it. So, if you see this white plastic covering your stylus, then you should remove it right away and try playing the records.
2) Headphone is plugged in
Mostly, people forget that they have plugged in their headphones, and they start panicking about why there is no sound, but, in reality, the sound is coming from their headphones.
So, do check your headphone jack and remove headphones if they are plugged in.
3) The stylus is removed while removing the stylus guard
Sometimes, people unintentionally remove the stylus along with the stylus guard, which makes the cartridge look like this:
And, as you know, the stylus is responsible for generating the vibrations, and without it, you won’t be hearing any sound from speakers.
So, if your cartridge also looks like the one shown in the image above, then you should install the stylus again. Your cartridge should look like this:
4) Tonearm Rest
The tonearm rest problem can arise with anyone at any time, and the main cause of this problem is lubrication or broken mechanisms.
In this issue, the tonearm rest doesn’t go down in its downward position, due to which the tonearm hangs in the air over the platter, which results in no connection between the stylus and record grooves.
To fix this issue, I suggest you check out this article about fixing the tonearm rest not going downwards.
Problem 5: The Record is Spinning Too Slow or Too Fast
Solution:
There can be many reasons, like issues with the belt, the speed switch being broken, speed calibration being required, a faulty motor, and much more.
I recommend you check out this article about fixing record players playing too fast or too slow.
Problem 6: My turntable is spinning backward
In technical language, the issue is known as “wrong polarity”.
The issue arises when you try to use a power adapter that is not compatible with your record player, i.e., a power adapter of a different unit or one purchased from a third party.
Solution:
Use the power adapter that is supplied to you with the unit. If your adapter is broken or faulty, then I suggest you first confirm the power adapter specification that is compatible with your record player and purchase it.
Problem 7: The Tone Arm Seems Stuck, How Do I Get It To Move?
Solution:
1) If you are playing your record player for the first time then you might forget to remove the twisty tie attached to your tonearm. So, you just need to remove it.
2) Don’t forget to undo the tonearm clip.
Problem 8: My CD Does Not Play
Well, the people who own a Crosley CR704 record player often face this issue that after inserting the CD, the CD starts spinning and the speakers don’t output any sound.
Solution:
1) You just need to switch the function switch to CD.
2) The CD should be clean, and the label should be facing upward while inserting the disk into the record player.
Problem 9: My Radio Does Not Play
Many people face this issue with their Crosley CR704 record player.
Solution:
1) Set the function switch to Radio, and then select FM or AM. For FM, the button needs to be pushed in, and for AM, the button needs to be pushed out.
2) Make sure the antenna is not detached.
My Crosley suitcase is ok except this drives me crazy. I put the stylus down directly on the silent five second track to play a song. When it hits actual music for a 1/5 of second I don’t hear a clean beginning. Sounds like I lose the hard start or sounds tinny. Like if I played THE PINK PANTHER THEME I would not hear the first “ching” on the piano or very faint. Why the heck is this happening?
My Crosley suitcase is ok except this drives me crazy. I put the stylus down directly on the silent five second track to play a song. When it hits actual music for a 1/5 of second I don’t hear a clean beginning. Sounds like I lose the hard start or sounds tinny. Like if I played THE PINK PANTHER THEME I would not hear the first “ching” on the piano or very faint. Why the heck is this happening? Hey, James Williamson, do you have an idea on this? Thanks.
Hi Dave,
Did you tried playing another record?
If not, then first give it a try with other 2-3 records and let me know if you are still facing same issue or not.
I have a Crosley CR 246. There is a buzzing sound when I play CDs. Is the player going bad or speakers? I hear music but the buzzing sound in background.
I am replacing my belt on record player. I ordered belt. Which I know has nothing to do with the CD player. However, I don’t know if that sound happens when playing records.
I purchased this player at a garage sale.
What do I need to replace?
Thanks
Hi Cathy,
Yes, you’re right. Replacing record player belt has nothing to do with the CD players.
In most cases, the buzzing sound from CD player comes due to loose wire connections.
But, I have one question, is the buzzing sound coming right from the first play after purchasing the record player or it just started coming recently?
Hi James, as you have mentioned to use a compatible power adapter but out of curiosity, what if I use a different power adapter with my record player?
Hello Lyndon, to help you understand it better, I am sharing a real life experience.
I have heard a person taking about using Crosley Keepsake record player with the power adapter of the Crosley Cruiser.
Well, the Crosley Keepsake requires a 12v adapter while Crosley Cruiser requires a 9v adapter. So, unknowingly, he was supplying 9V power to a record player which needs 12V of power to function properly.
So, in that case, the record player won’t get enough power to function properly thus you might face issues with it. And on the other hand, if you supply 12V power to a record player that requires 9V power then it can cause damage to the circuit boards.
So, I recommend everyone to use only compatible power adapters. Hope you understand my point but If you still have any question do let me know.
The sounds of my suitcase is only coming from the needle not out of the speakers, unsure what to do to fix the problem
I didn’t understand your question. Could you please elaborate?
Hi James. I just bought Crosley CR7002A. The CD plays for a few seconds whereafter it stops and the power goes off. I must then press the power button to switch it back on, and the same thing happens. I have also tried other CD’s but have the same problem.
Hi James.
I just bought Crosley CR7002A. The CD plays for a few seconds whereafter it stops and the power goes off. I must then press the power button to switch it back on, and the same thing happens. I have also tried other CD’s but have the same problem.
Looks like a short circuit is happening inside the unit. If it’s in warranty then get it replaced asap.
Hi James.
I cannot even post a comment.
Actually I have received all your comments but these comments won’t appear on the site until I approve it them manually.
Hi James.
My CD player switches off after a few seconds of playing. CR7002A.
I purchased this over a year ago waiting to use it on a special day. Well that day came and the needle just slides across the record. The arm almost feels like it needs a weight in the back? I have tried many different vinyls none work. Thank you
A new record player shouldn’t experience this issue. If the stylus just slides over the record, then there might be issues with the tonearm or anti-skating mechanism. Well, you can’t do much, but you can definitely give it a shot by placing some pennies on top of the cartridge.
I purchased this over a year ago waiting to use it on a special day. Well that day came and the needle just slides across the record. The arm almost feels like it needs a weight in the back? I have tried many different vinyls none work. Thank you
I think I need to clean the volume potentiometer on my Crosley Musician Entertainment Center — after 10+ years of use, the volume knob no longer works consistently (sometimes turning the volume knob up actually turns the volume down, sometimes the volume goes up and down on its own, lots of scratchiness when turning the knob, etc.). Any ideas on how to access and clean the volume potentiometer on a Crosley entertainment center? Lots of warnings in the manual about not opening the cover to access the electronics!
Please don’t open it if you don’t have any experience. You can take help from a professional.