Crosley voyager vs. mercury: which radio captures the past and present?

In the realm of audio enthusiasts, the Crosley Voyager and the Mercury turntables have emerged as popular choices for their vintage aesthetics and affordable price points. However, discerning buyers often wonder which model offers the superior listening experience and features. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key differences between the Crosley Voyager and the Mercury, empowering you to make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and preferences.

Design and Aesthetics

Both the Crosley Voyager and the Mercury boast a classic retro design that evokes a sense of nostalgia. The Voyager features a suitcase-style design with a faux-leather exterior, while the Mercury has a more modern, streamlined appearance with a wooden base and metal accents. Ultimately, the choice between these two designs depends on your personal style and the decor of your listening space.

Playback Options

The Crosley Voyager offers three playback speeds (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM), providing versatility for playing a wide range of records, including vintage 78s. In contrast, the Mercury only supports two speeds (33 1/3 and 45 RPM), limiting its compatibility with older records.

Audio Quality

The Crosley Voyager and the Mercury both feature ceramic cartridges, which provide a decent sound quality for the price range. However, the Mercury’s cartridge is generally considered to be slightly superior, delivering a more balanced and detailed sound reproduction.

Built-In Speakers

Both the Crosley Voyager and the Mercury have built-in speakers, eliminating the need for an external sound system. However, the speakers on the Voyager are notoriously weak, providing a muffled and lackluster listening experience. The Mercury’s speakers, on the other hand, are more robust and offer a more enjoyable sound quality.

Connectivity

The Crosley Voyager offers basic connectivity options, including a 3.5mm auxiliary input and output. The Mercury, however, features a more comprehensive set of connections, including a USB port for digital recording and playback, a Bluetooth receiver for wireless streaming, and a pair of RCA output jacks for connecting to an external sound system.

Portability

The Crosley Voyager‘s suitcase design makes it highly portable, allowing you to take your music anywhere you go. The Mercury, while not as portable as the Voyager, is still relatively lightweight and easy to move around.

Price

The Crosley Voyager is typically priced below $100, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers. The Mercury, on the other hand, is priced slightly higher, usually around $150-$200.

Which Turntable Is Right for You?

The Crosley Voyager is an ideal choice for those who prioritize portability, affordability, and vintage aesthetics. However, its subpar audio quality and limited connectivity options may not satisfy discerning audiophiles.

The Mercury, on the other hand, offers superior sound quality, more comprehensive connectivity options, and a more modern design. While it is slightly more expensive than the Voyager, it provides a more versatile and enjoyable listening experience.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which turntable has a better cartridge?
A: The Mercury’s cartridge is generally considered to be slightly superior to the Voyager’s, delivering a more balanced and detailed sound.

Q: Can I connect the turntable to external speakers?
A: Yes, the Mercury has RCA output jacks for connecting to an external sound system. The Voyager only has a 3.5mm auxiliary output.

Q: Can I play 78 RPM records on the turntable?
A: Yes, the Crosley Voyager supports 78 RPM playback, while the Mercury does not.

Q: Which turntable is more portable?
A: The Crosley Voyager‘s suitcase design makes it more portable than the Mercury.

Q: Can I record my records to digital files?
A: Yes, the Mercury has a USB port for digital recording and playback. The Voyager does not have this feature.