Looking for a record player that plays records and nothing else?
You’re in the wrong place.
Sure, the Victrola Nostalgic Navigator Wood 8-in-1 Turntable plays records. But it does so much more.
- Can play 78, 33 1/3, and 45 RPM
- Built-in Bluetooth
- Plays cassettes, CDs and FM radio
- Streams digital music
- Solid construction
- Impressive sound balance
- The remote control doesn’t have a power button so you must switch off the record player manually
- Because the arm on the turntable is very light it can skip tracks at times
It is loaded with features. You can play music in any from you can think of: CD, cassette, vinyl, from USB, from a smartphone or other device via Bluetooth or cable connection, or the radio.
It also has built-in speakers that are far better than you would expect from a unit in this price range, though they obviously can’t compete with a good pair of powered external speakers.
And on top of all of that, it just looks cool. The vintage design harks back over 100 years and looks great in any home, thanks to the multiple color options.
But it is a budget player, so obviously it is not all good news. Read the rest of this review to learn what Victrola does right and what they do wrong with the turntable/entertainment center.
By the end, you’ll know for sure if it is the right model for you.
Contents
This classic record player is actually an update of the hugely popular Victrola Aviator player, but surprisingly, costs quite a bit less.
It may look like a well-cared antique from the outside, but on the inside, it’s loaded with beautiful modern features that make it the perfect versatile music system for whole family. .
Even if you don’t know how to use a record player, the model’s intuitive design makes it fun and easy to use to listen to your favorite tracks.
It weighs in at a little over twenty-two pounds and is somewhat bulky, which means it’s not very portable or storage friendly. It would do best with a permanent spot in the home.
The 8-in-1 Navigator turntable by Victrola is loaded with even more features than the 7-in-1 Aviator had, including:
- Built-in Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to play your music wirelessly from a Bluetooth enabled device
- CD player
- The ability to record from cassettes, CDs, and vinyl via USB
- Remote control
- Stereo speakers
- 3.5 millimeter aux input for non-Bluetooth devices
Immediately, you’ll recognize the brand name and wonder if it’s possible that this is the same Victrola that made their start decades ago.
Victrola is a company that first introduced their innovative turntables way back in 1906, through their parent company the Victor Talking Machine Company. Since their rise in popularity all those years ago, they have sold more than seven million radios and record players.
Their latest model, the Nostalgic Navigator, features the same design that made them a household name over a hundred years ago, but that’s where the similarities end.
Style Options
This is the ultimate vintage sound system. Not only do you have a variety of media to choose from to play your favorite music, but Victrola also offers this model in five different finish options:
- Black
- White
- Espresso
- Mahogany
- Oak
Unlike some products you may come across, each of the finish options is priced the same. You can choose the finish that best matches the existing decor in your home, and not pay more for it.
Even after all of these years, it shows me that Victrola still knows what their customers want and I appreciate extra touches like this. This Victrola vs Crosley’s vintage player comes out ahead for sure.
Package Details
This record player comes with all the bells and whistles both the beginner and audiophile will love including:
- 1 GB USB drive
- One year warranty
- Three replacement needles
- Cleaning cloth
If replacement parts are needed, such as the tonearm or needles, you can reorder directly from the manufacturer.
Warranty
This model is covered by a one-year limited product warranty.
Design
One look at the Navigator and you’ll fall head over heels in love. The classic design will easily blend into your home’s decor, especially if you enjoy collecting antiques or shabby chic furniture.
The rich, real wood construction adds some class and style to this retro piece. The front portion of the record player features elegant, yet subtle chrome details, with the stereo speakers, CD player, and cassette player.
It also comes equipped with Bluetooth capability which will allow you to wirelessly play your music from any type of Bluetooth enabled device, such as your smartphone.
You can stream music wirelessly, no cords required, but when you listen to music via vinyl records or cassettes then you’ll have to plug it into the nearest outlet. Fortunately, the included cord measures in at six feet in length.
Connections
The 3.5 millimeter aux-in cable and will allow you to connect your record player to any type of device that is not Bluetooth enabled. The RCA inputs perform the same function. There are also RCA outputs, so you can connect to external speakers.
Remote
This model comes with a remote control for that extra touch of convenience. The fully operational remote will control the CD player, turntable functions, and volume. The one thing it does not control is the power, unfortunately.
Turntable
This is a three-speed turntable that runs at 78, 45, and 33 ½ RPM, in order to accommodate a variety of vinyl formats.
Streaming
The Navigator player can do pretty much everything, including allowing you to stream your favorite music via your smartphone, at a distance up to thirty-three feet.
Set Up
Setting up takes about ten minutes at most. You won’t have to install any software programs or use your PC in any way.
The package comes with a fully functional remote control that allows you to sit back and relax. It also includes three bonus replacement needles, a 1GB USB drive and a cleaning cloth for your convenience.
Performance
Whether you want to listen to an old cassette tape, play a favorite CD mix, stream the latest music, or listen to an old record, this 8-in-1 record player can deliver.
Not only can you listen to your favorite music via streaming, vinyl, CDs, or cassettes, this model also comes with built-in FM radio capability, so you can tune into your favorite station and listen to weather reports or catch the latest podcast.
This package includes a remote control that allows you to turn up the volume, or start a CD, or switch radio stations, all without getting out of bed.
Basically, this record player comes with a wide range of features and allows you to listen to your favorite music in a variety of ways. The sound quality is excellent and the speakers are impressively loud, which is surprising for a record player in this price range.
When I say the speakers are louder than expected, I don’t mean that they’re quite loud enough to entertain with. If you’re planning on hosting a party in the home, you’ll want to hook the record player up to a set of active speakers using the RCA jacks.
Buyers will definitely love the Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to stream your favorite tunes, wirelessly, via your smartphone, iPad, or any other type of wireless device.
The Navigator is also covered by a limited one-year product warranty, which takes the risk out of your purchase.
When everything is added up, this is the best vintage record player on the market. Not only does it look great, but it also offers better than average sound quality and volume level, in addition to the ability to listen to your music via a variety of platforms including digital streaming and cassette tapes.
If you’re looking for a model that’s so much more than just a turntable, then this entertainment center by Victrola will be the perfect addition to your home.
Comparison To The Competition
These days, vintage style record players are a big hit. Not only do they encapsulate everything record players were and are, but they come loaded with modern tech that makes them both eye-catching and fully functional.
But there are many styles of vintage record players to choose from. Some like this Victrola are modeled after early players that were popular over one hundred years ago.
Others are modeled after the suitcase style record players that took the industry by storm in the 1950s and 1960s. They were available in a range of sizes and offered something older styles did not: portability.
One major competing model is the Wockoder Portable Bluetooth 3 Stereo Speed Turntable with Built-in Speakers.
It is a suitcase style player that gives the Navigator a run for its money, with a lightweight design that makes it easy to transport and store, Bluetooth connectivity, USB play function, and built-in speakers.
It comes with some of the same features including a three and a half millimeter RCA and headphone jack, aux in, and the ability to play a variety of vinyl sizes. However, it doesn’t come close to the Navigator’s versatility in terms of music platforms.
Unlike this model by Victrola, the Wockoder record player cannot play CDs or cassettes, nor does it feature FM radio. Which model is better for you depends on which feature is more important to you: portability or being able to play music from a larger variety of media.
The Victrola Nostalgic Navigator Wood 8-in-1 Bluetooth Turntable Entertainment Center is versatile, beautiful, made from high-quality materials, and designed to last by a company that’s been in business for more than one hundred years.
When you buy the Navigator, you’re buying a record player, plus so much more.
The Navigator by Victrola is loaded with a wide range of features, including digital music streaming, cassettes, CDs, vinyl records, and FM radio. Even more features than the Victrola Aviator.
The price is incredibly low considering what you do get and it is a well-made player. For those reasons, I gave this model a rating of 5 out of 5.
I bought this for my husband and he loves it! It has great sound, the turntable works well and he has been nostalgic playing records from his parents era. We enjoy it very much. We have not tried other features yet.
I’m glad to hear you guys are happy with it. Thanks for sharing!
I added external speakers for a fuller sound
Always a good idea.
How did you do that
This is my third shot at a record player. Tried a brief case and then another smaller. Both were very cheaply made. I was afraid to touch it the wrong way or it would break. Sound was terrible too. I’m very happy with this player. It looks amazing and sounds great.
I’m wondering, have you been able to change the stylus, cartridge or tone arm? I’m thinking that this device looks really cool, but wondering if it is worth upgrading the stylus and other parts for better sound?
Thanks for the in depth review!
If you’re looking to improve the sound, upgrading those components is the best way to do it.
I’m thinking that my 8 in 1 Victrola, has a blown fuse, and now it won’t power on. Is there a simple enough way to make sure, and then to purchase a fuse for my player, and be able to replace it myself ?
My player was given to me as a gift, and sat in the box for a good while before it was delivered to me after my aunt’s death!
Or a place to take it to be fixed, it’s more of a sentimental thing than anything else.
This is not a unit that contains a proper turntable more along the lines of a record grinder, records which a relatively expensive today unlike the fifties which was the era for cheap disposable, when I used to run a audio store, we would have a skip bin out the back with better rubbish than this.
Save up buy records and then buy something decent.
I just got mine FedEx express, no power!!
The CD won’t play. It “reads” but then says no disc. Help!
Might just be a bad CD, but you should probably contact the seller and have them help you troubleshoot.
Hi, we just got the 8 in one record player. The manual and their website info says record from VINYL to USB. I see you say it can record from CD also. I have been trying to get through to there customer service department, with no luck. I am not sure we will keep this if it does not record like we hoped it would. Bummed.
I have just bought a 8 and 1. I would like to know what speakers are compatible for this unit. I understand that I will have to plug in in the headphone jack.
You can use any speakers that plug into a headphone jack. These are usually sold as speakers for a computer.
Just bought the 8 in 1. Set t up per manual and the tone arm doesn’t place properly at the beginning of the record. We adjusted it several times. Help!
I’d actually like to get one of these to play old 78’s from the 40’s. do you know if the cartridge/stylus can be changed out to accommodate the wider grooves and heavier tracking weight. if so it would be ideal for my purposes.
How can I connect my bluetooth wireless Beats headphones to this unit?
Thank you in advance.
The Bluetooth only goes in, not out, so you can’t use it to connect headphones or speakers. You’ll probably need to connect the turntable to a preamp and that to a Bluetooth transmitter.
Thank you for replying. I will look into this. Thank you again.
Lynn
Will this allow me to use my Bluetooth headphones and would you have a budget friendly suggestion for these.
Thanks again
Lynn
Would you have any bu get friendly suggestions?
Thank you
Lynn
Would you have any budget friendly suggestions?
Thank you
Lynn
I have enjoyed my Victrola 8-1 for two months and have used it sparingly. The power button does not work well. I have touch the button 7 or 8 times before the power comes on. It is getting progressively more difficult to turn on the power.
I need help.
Sound just stopped. why? Any ideas? Tried all modes still no sound. Hardly used
I’m thinking of getting this all in one player and an Audioengine A5+ speaker also to compliment the record player because I know the inbuilt speakers won’t be so excellent,so I’m kinda wondering if these two devices are compatible or there’s any way I can use these two together,if you don’t please gimme suggestions on how to use this joint alongside an external speaker
I seriously considering buying the Victrola 8-in-1, so I appreciate your review. I can’t comment on how it works, of course, but I WOULD suggest one more “con”–not a major one, but still one–namely, that it doesn’t have AM radio, only FM.
Is there any way to change the transition from one song to another. Currently, it fades out at the end of a song, small silence, then fades into the next. I want this to stop because it ruins some songs as they have grand intros that are ruined by this function. Any info would be lovely.
where can i buy this, its not available on amazon
i just bought the 8-in-1 victrola player and i am having a problem playing the cd’s. i have everything the 877 phone number customer service told me to do. One reading says no usb on it and also reads (read). i do not know what i am doing wrong. 1. POWER 2 PRESS CD 3 EJECT 4PUT DISC IN 5PRESS EJECT TO CLOSE 6PRESS PLAY/PAUCE (BUTTON WITH SIDE TRIANGE WITH 2 LINES 7 TO STOP SQUARE BUTTON. JUST HAVEING TROUBLE TO MAKE THE CD PLAY AND I HAVE TRIED DIFFERENT CD’S . REALLY CONFUSED
I bought this and it said, record to usb, . then they sent a cd to download audacity, and a lot of crap. I am 74
do not understand what to do. I am to plug it to my computer, then import the music to audacity, then label
each song..confusing, misleading.
Do you can really send from vinyl to cd?
Since this device plays the cassettes, will it also record from the cassettes? Can I record onto a CD with my 33 1/3 albums and my cassettes?
Awaiting for your response.
how to add external speaker to my 8-1 record player
The turntable on mine will not turn! Please advise. Thank you! Gary
Sounds like many are having problems. Is this a good system?
i dont think so now 😀
i was buying one, but now reading all this comments i think i change my mind.
::((((