Crosley C6B-DB Belt-Drive Bluetooth Turntable Record Player User Manual

1. Introduction

This manual provides instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your Crosley C6B-DB Belt-Drive Bluetooth Turntable. The C6B-DB is a fully manual two-speed turntable designed to deliver an authentic analog listening experience. It features a durable MDF plinth, a heavy steel platter, and a low-vibration synchronous motor. The adjustable tonearm with a pre-installed moving magnet cartridge allows for precise tracking. Connectivity options include RCA outputs for wired speakers and built-in Bluetooth for wireless streaming to external speakers. Please read this manual thoroughly before using your turntable.

2. Safety Information

Please observe the following safety precautions to prevent damage to the unit and ensure safe operation:

• Do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, heat sources, or extreme temperatures.
• Ensure proper ventilation around the unit.
• Use only the power adapter supplied with the unit.
• Do not attempt to disassemble or modify the unit. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
• Keep the unit away from strong magnetic fields.
• Handle the stylus with care to avoid damage and injury.

3. What's in the Box

Verify that all items listed below are included in your package:

• Crosley C6B-DB Turntable Unit
• Power Supply Adapter
• User Manual
• Dust Cover
• Platter
• Drive Belt
• Felt Mat
• Counterweight
• Anti-skate Weight

4. Product Overview

Familiarize yourself with the components of your Crosley C6B-DB turntable.

Figure 1: Crosley C6B-DB Turntable with its clear dust cover in place. This image shows the overall design of the turntable, including the plinth, platter, tonearm, and the protective dust cover.

4.1 Top View Components

• Dust Cover: Protects the turntable from dust when not in use.
• Platter: The surface on which records are placed. Made of heavy steel for stability.
• Felt Mat: Provides a soft surface for records and helps reduce static.
• Spindle: Holds the record in place on the platter.
• Tonearm: Holds the cartridge and stylus, guiding it across the record grooves.
• Cartridge: Converts groove vibrations into electrical signals. The C6B-DB comes with a pre-installed moving magnet cartridge.
• Stylus (Needle): The tip of the cartridge that reads the record grooves.
• Counterweight: Adjusts the tracking force of the tonearm.
• Anti-skate Dial: Compensates for the inward force on the tonearm, ensuring even tracking.
• Cueing Lever: Raises and lowers the tonearm gently.
• Speed Selector: Switch between 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM.

Figure 2: A top-down view of the turntable, highlighting the platter, felt mat, spindle, and the tonearm assembly. The speed selector switch is visible on the left side of the plinth.

Figure 3: A detailed close-up of the pre-installed moving magnet cartridge and stylus on the tonearm. This component is crucial for converting the physical grooves of a record into an audio signal.

4.2 Rear Panel Connections

• Ground Terminal: For connecting a ground wire from an amplifier/receiver to reduce hum.
• RCA Output (L/R): Connects to an amplifier or powered speakers.
• Phono/Line Switch: Selects between the built-in preamplifier (Line) or an external phono preamplifier (Phono).
• DC IN 12V: Power input for the supplied adapter.
• Bluetooth Indicator: LED light indicating Bluetooth pairing status.
• Power Switch: Turns the turntable on or off.

Figure 4: The rear panel of the turntable, showing the ground terminal, RCA L/R outputs, Phono/Line switch, DC 12V power input, Bluetooth indicator, and the main power switch.

5. Setup

Follow these steps to set up your turntable for first use.

5.1 Unpacking and Placement

1. Carefully remove all components from the packaging.
2. Place the turntable on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight, heat, and vibrations.
3. Ensure there is enough space around the turntable for proper ventilation and operation.

5.2 Platter and Belt Installation

1. Place the platter onto the turntable spindle.
2. Locate the drive belt. Gently stretch the belt around the inner rim of the platter and then around the motor pulley. Ensure the belt is not twisted.
3. Place the felt mat on top of the platter.

5.3 Tonearm Balance and Tracking Force Adjustment

Proper tonearm adjustment is crucial for optimal sound quality and to prevent damage to your records and stylus.

1. Remove the stylus protector.
2. Place the counterweight onto the rear of the tonearm. Rotate it clockwise until it is approximately halfway on.
3. With the cueing lever in the down position, carefully balance the tonearm by rotating the counterweight until the tonearm floats horizontally. Do not let the stylus touch the platter or record.
4. Once balanced, hold the counterweight steady and rotate the numbered ring on the front of the counterweight until "0" aligns with the line on the tonearm.
5. Rotate the entire counterweight (both parts) counter-clockwise to the recommended tracking force. For the pre-installed cartridge, a tracking force of 2.0 grams is typically recommended. Refer to your cartridge manufacturer's specifications for precise values.

5.4 Anti-skate Adjustment

The anti-skate mechanism prevents the tonearm from being pulled inward excessively.

1. Attach the small loop of the anti-skate weight's thread to the anti-skate post on the tonearm.
2. Pass the thread through the wire support.
3. Set the anti-skate dial to the same value as your tracking force (e.g., 2.0 for 2.0 grams tracking force).

5.5 Audio Connection

Connect your turntable to an audio system.

• Using Built-in Preamplifier (Line Out): Connect the RCA cables from the turntable's RCA outputs to a Line-level input (AUX, CD, Tuner) on your amplifier or powered speakers. Set the Phono/Line switch on the turntable's rear panel to "Line".
• Using External Preamplifier (Phono Out): If your amplifier has a dedicated Phono input, connect the RCA cables from the turntable's RCA outputs to the Phono input on your amplifier. Set the Phono/Line switch on the turntable's rear panel to "Phono". Connect the ground wire from the turntable to the ground terminal on your amplifier.

5.6 Power Connection

Connect the power adapter to the DC IN 12V port on the turntable and then plug it into a wall outlet.

6. Operation

Instructions for playing records and using Bluetooth connectivity.

6.1 Playing a Record

1. Ensure the turntable is powered on using the switch on the rear panel.
2. Select the correct speed (33 1/3 or 45 RPM) using the speed selector switch on the plinth.
3. Place a record on the felt mat.
4. Lift the tonearm using the cueing lever.
5. Manually position the tonearm over the desired starting groove of the record.
6. Gently lower the tonearm using the cueing lever. The stylus will begin playing the record.
7. To stop playback, lift the tonearm using the cueing lever and return it to the tonearm rest.

6.2 Bluetooth Out Function

The C6B-DB can stream audio wirelessly to external Bluetooth speakers.

1. Ensure your external Bluetooth speaker is in pairing mode.
2. Turn on the turntable. The Bluetooth indicator light on the rear panel will flash, indicating it is searching for a device.
3. Once connected, the Bluetooth indicator light will turn solid blue.
4. You can now play records, and the audio will stream to your paired Bluetooth speaker.
5. To disconnect, turn off the Bluetooth speaker or the turntable.

7. Maintenance

Regular maintenance helps prolong the life of your turntable and records.

7.1 Cleaning the Turntable

• Wipe the dust cover and plinth with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• For the stylus, use a soft brush designed for stylus cleaning, brushing gently from back to front.

7.2 Stylus Replacement

The stylus is a consumable part and should be replaced after approximately 300-500 hours of playback, or if you notice a degradation in sound quality. The C6B-DB is compatible with NP5 replacement needles.

1. Gently pull the old stylus assembly downwards and forwards to remove it from the cartridge.
2. Align the new stylus assembly with the cartridge body and push it upwards until it clicks into place.

8. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues with your turntable, refer to the following common problems and solutions.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

Crosley products are manufactured to high-quality standards. For detailed warranty information, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Crosley website. If you encounter any issues or require technical assistance, please contact Crosley customer support.

Crosley Support: www.crosleyradio.com/support