You can get my favorite cheap turntable that sounds high-end for even less right now while it's $80 off at Amazon

Crosley C65 photographed on a brown table in front of a blue background with a price drop tag overlay
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

It's no secret that I'm a huge music fan. Going to gigs is one of my favorite things to do, but when I'm at home, I like to have control over my music, and that's where a quality home sound system comes in.

What you get depends on your listening style. If your main love is streaming, you may want a system with Wi-Fi connectivity, but I'm a sucker for retro style. And that's where the best record players can help.

Crosley C65
Crosley C65: was $299 now $219 at Amazon

The Crosley C65 is an affordable turntable that comes equipped with a bookshelf speaker system. It has a retro style with a wood finish and boasts impressive sound quality. However, while it offers a premium feel, the dampening feet aren’t the best for mitigating minor interference — but it's still a great upgrade without overspending.

The Crosley C65 turntable gives my home audio setup a premium, retro feel without breaking the bank, but that's not what I love most about it.

Crosley C65 turntable and bookshelf speakers photographed in front of a blue background on a brown table.

(Image credit: Tom's Gudie)

Its looks are reminiscent of a '70s nostalgia show — think Daisy Jones and the Six. Having the bookshelf speakers included with the turntable also means that you don't have to worry about your setup matching. It's already worked out for you.

And it helps that the speakers sound great. Considering the budget-friendly price tag, I really couldn't ask for more. It performed well in the bass, mids, and treble, with vocals on my favorite albums being incredibly clear. Instrument separation is performance, and the soundstage feels wide, and with that loud the volume can go, it creates an immersive listening experience.

Crosley C65 turntable and bookshelf speakers photographed in front of a blue background on a brown table.

(Image credit: Tom's Gudie)

The connectivity options are great too, with the turntable also being compatible with Bluetooth. This means that if you don't have space for multiple speaker systems, the bookshelf speakers that come with the Crosley can be your primary drivers.

This turntable is an ideal choice for anyone looking to upgrade from a more basic model, such as a suitcase record player, or who just wants something with better looks and a more premium sound.

Crosley C65 turntable and bookshelf speakers photographed in front of a blue background on a brown table.

(Image credit: Tom's Gudie)

You can find out more about the player by reading my full Crosley C65 review.

Ashley Thieme
Staff writer, Reviews

Ashley is a staff writer on the the Reviews team at Tom’s Guide. She has a master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from Cardiff University and a BA in Journalism, Media and Sociology. She has written for titles including Women’s Health UK, writing health and wellness stories, and Virgin Radio UK, specializing in entertainment news and celebrity interviews. She has reported on a variety of topics including music, literature, motorsport, entertainment and health. She has previously reviewed live music events, books, and wellness products but discovering the top audio equipment on the market is what she does best. When she is not testing out the latest tech, you can find her either curled up with a cup of tea and a good novel or out hiking.

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