Crosley Stave Turntable or Crosley Hayes 8-in-1 Turntable? Which Crosley Model to Buy
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When comparing the crosley stave turntable vs hayes 8 in 1 turntable, you see two distinct approaches to vinyl playback. Both models share a walnut finish and belt-drive mechanisms for reliable operation. The Stave focuses on dedicated record listening with upgradeable components and Bluetooth streaming. The Hayes expands your options significantly by adding CD, cassette, and radio playback alongside vinyl support.
Key differences
| Aspect | Crosley Stave Turntable with Built-in Speakers | Crosley Hayes 8-in-1 Turntable |
|---|---|---|
| Playback Formats | Vinyl only (33 1/3, 45 RPM) | Vinyl, CD, Cassette, AM/FM Radio (33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM) |
| Speaker Power | 60W Peak, 30W RMS | 20W Peak, 10W RMS |
| Tonearm & Cartridge | Carbon fiber tonearm, ATN3600L moving magnet cartridge | Not listed |
| Platter Material | Aluminum | Not listed |
| Dimensions | 17 x 13.8 x 7.25 inches | 16.8 x 12.3 x 9.5 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Crosley Stave Turntable with Built-in Speakers if
- You want a dedicated turntable with a carbon fiber tonearm and upgradeable cartridge.
- You prefer higher speaker power output for louder playback without external speakers.
- You need an aluminum platter for stable rotation and a switchable preamp for external connections.
Choose Crosley Hayes 8-in-1 Turntable if
- You want a single unit that plays vinyl, CDs, cassettes, and radio.
- You are interested in playing 78 RPM records.
- You need a headphone jack for private listening.
Verdict: The Stave is the better choice if you prioritize audio fidelity, upgradeability, and dedicated vinyl performance. The Hayes suits you better if you want a multi-format entertainment center that handles CDs, cassettes, and radio alongside your records.
Stave vs Hayes 8-in-1 Specs
Playback Speeds
The Stave handles standard vinyl speeds at 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. This covers most modern and older LPs and singles. The Hayes 8-in-1 goes further by adding 78 RPM support. This allows you to play older shellac records that require a different speed. If you only listen to contemporary music, the Stave is sufficient. However, if you have a collection of vintage 78s, the Hayes provides necessary compatibility. This extra speed option makes the Hayes more versatile for diverse collections.
Speaker Power
Built-in speakers are a key feature for both all-in-one units. The Stave delivers 60 watts of peak power and 30 watts RMS. This offers significantly louder output and deeper bass response. The Hayes provides 20 watts peak and 10 watts RMS. While adequate for small rooms, the Stave’s output is three times higher in RMS terms. This means the Stave can fill a larger space with clearer sound at higher volumes. For background listening, both work, but the Stave has a clear advantage in raw power.
Cartridge Quality
The Stave comes equipped with a moving magnet ATN3600L cartridge by Audio-Technica. This is a well-regarded component that offers good detail and tracking. It also features a 1/2-inch mount, allowing you to swap it for other cartridges later. The Hayes data does not list a specific cartridge model or brand. Without this information, we cannot assess its sound quality or upgrade potential. The Stave offers transparency and a clear path for audio enthusiasts who want to upgrade their gear over time.
Connectivity Options
Both units include Bluetooth for wireless streaming to speakers or from phones. The Stave adds an auxiliary input for wired devices and a switchable built-in preamp. This preamp lets you connect to external amplifiers or powered speakers. The Hayes includes an auxiliary input and RCA output for external systems. It also adds USB playback for digitizing records and an AM/FM tuner. The Hayes offers more input/output variety, including radio and USB, while the Stave focuses on clean signal routing for hi-fi setups.
Platter Material
The Stave features a full-size aluminum platter. Aluminum is dense and rigid, which helps maintain consistent rotational speed and reduces resonance. This contributes to stable playback. The Hayes uses a belt-drive DC motor system but does not specify the platter material in the provided data. We cannot compare the mass or material properties directly. However, the aluminum platter on the Stave is a known quality factor for stability. This gives the Stave the edge in terms of verified build components for the platter.
Tonearm Design
The Stave is equipped with a carbon fiber tonearm. Carbon fiber is lightweight and stiff, reducing unwanted vibrations during playback. It includes a cueing lever and an adjustable counterweight for precise tracking force. The Hayes also features a cueing lever for safe needle placement but does not list tonearm material or counterweight adjustability in the specs. The Stave’s specific carbon fiber construction and adjustable counterweight offer better control and potential sound quality for vinyl purists.
Choose Your Crosley Turntable Today
Vinyl purists wanting upgradeable gear
The Stave features a carbon fiber tonearm with an adjustable counterweight for precise tracking. It includes a pre-mounted Audio-Technica moving magnet cartridge that you can swap using the standard 1/2-inch mount. This allows you to upgrade components later. The belt-drive mechanism and vibration-control feet ensure stable playback for your records.
Listeners needing multi-format playback
The Hayes 8-in-1 handles three vinyl speeds, including 78 RPM for older shellac records. It also plays CDs, cassettes, and AM/FM radio. You get USB playback for digital music and a headphone jack for private listening. This all-in-one system covers every major audio format in a single compact unit with a built-in analog tuner.
Users prioritizing high wattage output
The Stave delivers 60 watts peak power, with 30 watts RMS total output. This is significantly higher than the Hayes 8-in-1, which offers 20 watts peak and 10 watts RMS. The Stave’s built-in speakers provide more robust sound pressure. You also get full-range stereo speakers with Bluetooth streaming for wireless listening flexibility.
The products compared
Crosley Stave Turntable with Built-in Speakers
Best for: Wireless streaming and cartridge upgrades
- Drive Type
- Belt-drive
- Speeds
- 33-1/3, 45 RPM
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth, Aux in
- Speakers
- Built-in, 60W peak (30W RMS)
- Preamp
- Built-in switchable
- Platter Material
- Aluminum
View on Amazon: Crosley Stave Turntable with Built-in Speakers Affiliate link
The Crosley Stave is a belt-drive turntable with built-in 60-watt peak speakers. It features a carbon fiber tonearm and an Audio-Technica cartridge. Bluetooth allows wireless streaming to external speakers. You get switchable preamp and aux input for external gear. This unit suits those wanting an all-in-one player with upgrade potential.
Pros
- Built-in 60W peak speakers
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Carbon fiber tonearm
- Switchable preamp
Cons
- No remote control
- No app support
- Belt-drive mechanism
Good fit if
- You want built-in speakers
- You need Bluetooth streaming
- You plan to upgrade the cartridge
Skip if
- You require a remote
- You need app control
- You prefer direct drive
Verdict: Crosley Stave Walnut Turntable fits listeners who want wireless streaming and upgradeable parts in one box. It serves those who value a carbon fiber tonearm and built-in audio output.
Crosley Hayes 8-in-1 Turntable
Best for: Mixed media listening in one unit
- Drive Type
- Belt-drive
- Speeds
- 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth, AUX in, RCA out, USB
- Speakers
- Built-in stereo, 20W peak (10W RMS)
- Tonearm
- Cueing lever
- Features
- Auto-stop
View on Amazon: Crosley Hayes 8-in-1 Turntable Affiliate link
The Crosley Hayes 8-in-1 combines vinyl playback with multi-format audio. It supports 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM speeds via a belt-drive DC motor. The unit includes built-in stereo speakers and a headphone jack. It also handles CDs, cassettes, and AM/FM radio. Bluetooth connectivity allows for digital music streaming. This all-in-one system suits listeners who want a single device for various media formats.
Pros
- Supports 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM vinyl speeds
- Plays CDs, cassettes, and AM/FM radio
- Includes Bluetooth for digital music streaming
- Features belt-drive DC motor for smooth playback
Cons
- Weighs 13.8 pounds, making it less portable
- No mention of a remote control
- No mention of a built-in display
Good fit if
- You want a single unit for vinyl, CDs, and cassettes
- You need Bluetooth connectivity for digital audio
- You prefer a compact walnut-finish design
Skip if
- You require a high-fidelity standalone turntable
- You need a lightweight portable player
- You want a device with a remote control
Verdict: Crosley Hayes 8-in-1 Walnut is a versatile hub for mixed media. It fits listeners who value format variety over audiophile-grade isolation.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Crosley Stave Turntable with Built-in Speakers | Crosley Hayes 8-in-1 Turntable |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | Belt-drive | Belt-drive |
| Speeds | 33-1/3, 45 RPM | 33 1/3, 45, 78 RPM |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, Aux in | Bluetooth, AUX in, RCA out, USB |
| Speakers | Built-in, 60W peak (30W RMS) | Built-in stereo, 20W peak (10W RMS) |
| Preamp | Built-in switchable | not stated |
| Platter Material | Aluminum | not stated |
| Cartridge | Audio-Technica ATN3600L MM | not stated |
| Tonearm | Carbon fiber, counterweight, cue lever | Cueing lever |
| Features | Auto stop | Auto-stop |
| Speed | 2-Speed | 3-Speed |
| Color | Walnut | Walnut |
| Power Output | not stated | 20W |
| Media Playback | not stated | CD, FM Radio, AM/FM Radio |
| Dimensions | 13.8 × 17 × 7.25 inches | 12.3 × 16.8 × 9.5 inches |
| Weight | 14 pounds | 13.8 pounds |
| Model | CR6046A-WAGL | CR7025A-WA |
Frequently asked questions
Which Crosley turntable is better for streaming music?
The Crosley Stave is the better choice for wireless streaming. It includes built-in Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream audio from your phone or tablet directly to the turntable’s speakers. The Hayes 8-in-1 focuses on physical media playback rather than wireless audio transmission.
Can I upgrade the cartridge on the Stave?
Yes, the Stave supports cartridge upgrades. It comes with a pre-mounted Audio-Technica moving magnet cartridge that uses a standard 1/2-inch mount. You can easily swap it for other compatible cartridges to customize your sound. The Hayes 8-in-1 does not highlight this upgradeability in its specifications.
Does the Hayes 8-in-1 play 78 RPM records?
Yes, the Hayes 8-in-1 supports 78 RPM playback. This speed allows you to listen to older shellac records that require this specific rotation speed. The Stave only handles 33 1/3 and 45 RPM, making it unsuitable for vintage 78 RPM formats.
Which model has a lighter tonearm?
The Stave features a carbon fiber tonearm. This material choice typically offers rigidity and reduced resonance compared to heavier materials. The Hayes 8-in-1 does not specify a carbon fiber arm in its data, focusing instead on its multi-format versatility rather than tonearm construction details.
Are both turntables the same size?
No, they have different dimensions. The Stave is 17 inches wide, 13.8 inches long, and 7.25 inches high. The Hayes 8-in-1 is slightly narrower at 16.8 inches wide, shorter at 12.3 inches long, but taller at 9.5 inches high. Check your desk space before buying.
Which Crosley model is heavier?
The Stave is heavier at 14 pounds. The Hayes 8-in-1 weighs 13.8 pounds. The difference is minimal, but the Stave’s additional weight may provide slightly more stability during playback. Both models share a walnut finish and belt-drive mechanisms.