In this article, I’ll use my vinyl enthusiasm and electronics engineering skills to answer the most common questions about the Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player with Built-in Speakers.
I bought a Victrola suitcase record player a while ago, and I have spent quite a bit of time with it. You can read my full review here.
The model I got is the Victrola Journey VSC-550BT Portable Turntable with Bluetooth.
You can also check out my review of the very similar Crosley Cruiser.
I also have an article where I compare the Crosley Cruiser and the Victrola Journey.
Below are 41 frequently asked questions and answers about the Victrola Journey.
Connecting Victrola Suitcase Record Player
Can you connect a Victrola suitcase record player to Bluetooth speakers?
You cannot connect the Victrola Journey suitcase record player wirelessly to Bluetooth speakers. The Victrola’s Bluetooth functionality is to connect music sources like a PC or an iPhone and use the Victrola as a Bluetooth speaker and stream music to it.
There is however one way to connect a Victrola record player to Bluetooth speakers and that is by using a Bluetooth adapter. Click the link to learn more about that option.
(Update: The new Plus version has Bluetooth output and connects wireless to Bluetooth speakers without an adapter.)
Can you connect a Victrola suitcase record player to Bluetooth headphones?
You cannot connect the Victrola Journey suitcase record player wirelessly to Bluetooth headphones. The Victrola’s Bluetooth functionality is to connect music sources like a PC or an iPhone and use the Victrola as a Bluetooth speaker and stream music to it.
There is however one way to connect a Victrola record player to Bluetooth headphones and that is by using a Bluetooth adapter. Click the link to learn more about that option.
(Update: The new Plus version has Bluetooth output and connects wireless to Bluetooth headphones without an adapter.)
Can you connect a Victrola suitcase record player to external speakers?
You connect the Victrola Journey suitcase record player to external powered speakers by using the RCA output connectors on the back and a signal cable. If you use passive speakers, you connect the Victrola to the amplifier/receiver that drives your speakers by using the same RCA outputs.
Can you connect a Victrola suitcase record player to a soundbar?
If your soundbar has an analog AUX input, you connect the Victrola Journey suitcase record player to your soundbar by using the RCA output connectors and a signal cable. Some soundbars only feature digital inputs. If that is the case, there will be no straight forward way to connect a Victrola record player.
Can you connect a Victrola suitcase record player to a receiver or amplifier?
You connect the Victrola Journey suitcase record player to a receiver or amplifier by using the RCA output connectors and a signal cable. The Victrola has a built-in preamp and must be connected to a LINE-LEVEL input such as CD, TUNER, AUX, DVD, etc. It shall not be connected to the PHONO input on the receiver or amplifier.
Can you connect an iPhone to a Victrola suitcase record player?
You connect your iPhone to the Victrola Journey suitcase record player by turning the dial on the Victrola to Bluetooth and choose ‘Vintage Turntable’ from the list of Bluetooth devices that appears on your iPhone. You can then stream music wirelessly from your iPhone to the Victrola.
Can you connect an PC or laptop to a Victrola suitcase record player?
There are two ways to connect a PC or laptop to a Victrola Journey suitcase record player. You can either use a signal cable with a 3.5 mm stereo jack or connect wirelessly with Bluetooth. You can then stream music from your PC or laptop to the Victrola and get the sound from the Victrola’s speakers.
Can you connect a microphone to a Victrola suitcase record player?
You can plug a microphone to the Victrola Journey suitcase record player by using the 3.5 mm ‘Line In’ connector and turn the dial on the Victrola to ‘Line In’.
What type of speakers can I connect to a Victrola suitcase record player?
The type of speakers you can connect directly to a Victrola Journey suitcase record player are wired powered speakers. Wired powered speakers have the amplifier built-in and connects to the RCA connectors on the Victrola with a signal cable. You cannot connect Bluetooth speakers. The Victrola’s Bluetooth functionality is to connect music sources, not speakers.
To connect Bluetooth speakers, you will need a Bluetooth adapter.
(Update: The new Plus version has Bluetooth output and connects wireless to Bluetooth speakers without an adapter.)
Victrola Suitcase Record Player Functionality
Can you use iPods with a Victrola suitcase record player?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player will not work with iPods or other types of Bluetooth earbuds because its Bluetooth connectivity can only be used to connect music sources like an iPhone or a laptop. You can however connect wired headphones to the Victrola suitcase record player.
Do Victrola suitcase record players run on batteries?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player does not operate on batteries. It has to be connected to a wall power socket.
Can Victrola suitcase record players play CDs?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player cannot play CDs. It doesn’t have a built-in CD player. It only plays records. It is however possible to connect a CD player to the Victrola Journey using the AUX line input and play CDs through the speakers in the Victrola.
Can Victrola suitcase record players play cassette tapes?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player cannot play cassette tapes. It doesn’t have a built-in cassette deck. It only plays records. It is however possible to connect a cassette player to the Victrola Journey using the AUX line input and play tapes through the speakers in the Victrola.
Does the Victrola suitcase record player have radio FM?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player does not have radio FM. It only plays records.
Does the Victrola suitcase record player have a cue lever (lift lever)?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player has a cue lever (lift lever) that is used to lower and lift the tonearm.
Does Victrola suitcase record player play all record sizes?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player plays all standard record sizes, including 7- inch 45 RPM singles, 10-inch 78 RPM records and 12-inch 33 RPM albums.
Does the Victrola suitcase record player turn off automatically?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player turns off automatically when the record ends. It does however not lift and return the tonearm to its resting position, but leaves the tonearm and needle resting on the record that stops spinning.
Is the Victrola suitcase record player fully automatic?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player in not fully automatic. You have to manually place and return the tonearm. The Victrola do however shut off when the record ends. The needle won’t continue spinning at the inner grooves if you get distracted.
Can you use Victrola suitcase record player with external speakers?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player can connect to powered speakers and Hi-Fi systems using the RCA outputs on the back and a signal cable. Hooking up external speakers is a nice way to enhance the sound quality of the Victrola Journey.
How does the Bluetooth on a Victrola suitcase record player work?
The Bluetooth functionality on the Victrola Journey suitcase record player is used to connect music sources like iPhones and laptops and stream music wirelessly to the speakers in the Victrola. The Bluetooth can however not be used to connect Bluetooth speakers or wireless headphones because it only has Bluetooth receiver functionality (Bluetooth input).
There is however one way to connect a Victrola record player to Bluetooth speakers and that is by using a Bluetooth adapter. Click the link to learn more about that option.
(Update: The new Plus version has Bluetooth output and connects wireless to Bluetooth speakers without an adapter.)
What speed does the Victrola suitcase record player play?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player plays all standard speeds. 33 RPM, 45 RPM and 78 RPM.
How loud is a Victrola suitcase record player?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player in not very loud. Its speaker ratings are only 3 Watts. It works fine for relaxed music listening, but may not have the required volume to play music at a party etc.
Does the Victrola suitcase record player have USB input/output?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player does not feature an USB port. It cannot be used to rip/digitize records.
Does the Victrola Suitcase Record Player operate on both 110 and 220 Volt?
The power supply that ships with the Victrola Journey suitcase record player works from 100-240V according to the specifications that are printed on the power supply.
Can you sample (digitize) vinyl with the Victrola Suitcase Record Player
You cannot rip/digitize records with the Victrola Journey suitcase record player. It does not feature a digital (USB) output that is needed to digitize records.
Does the Victrola Suitcase Record Player have an RCA output?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player has analog RCA outputs that can be used to connect the Victrola to powered speakers, amplifier, receivers and Hi-Fi systems.
Does the Victrola Suitcase Record Player have a 3.5mm headphone output?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player has a 3.5mm headphone output that can be used to connect wired headphones.
Does the Victrola Suitcase Record Player have a 3.5mm AUX input?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player has a 3.5mm AUX input that can be used to connect microphones, music sources and other compatible audio components.
Is the Victrola Suitcase Record Player easy to operate?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player is very easy to use. The box includes everything you need to play records, it is easy to set up, and it is one of the most user-friendly record players on the market. It comes with a user guide that clearly explains all its features.
Is the Victrola Suitcase Record Player belt drive or direct drive?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player is belt drive. Its motor sits on the side of the platter and drives the platter through a rubber belt.
Does the Victrola Suitcase Record Player have a built-in preamp?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player does have a built-in preamp. The analog signal output from the RCA connector is LINE-Level and connects to standard analog inputs on powered speakers and stereo receivers without the need of a separate preamp.
Can you replace the cartridge on the Victrola Suitcase Record Player?
The cartridge of the Victrola Journey suitcase record player in not replaceable or upgradeable. You can however replace the needle (stylus) that can easily be removed from the cartridge.
Can the Victrola Suitcase Record Player play real vinyl records?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player definitely plays real vinyl records. It can play new records, used records, 180-gram records, audiophile-graded records, singles and albums. You are not limited to a certain type of record.
Victrola Suitcase Record Player Size and Weight
How much does a Victrola suitcase record player weigh?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player item weight is 2.7 pounds.
What are the measurements of a Victrola suitcase record player?
The dimensions of the Victrola Journey suitcase record player are 13.9 inches wide, 10.1 inches deep and 5.0 inches heigh when the suitcase is closed. When the suitcase is open, the hight increases to 13.0 inches.
Other Victrola Suitcase Record Player Questions and Answers
Where can you buy a replacement needle for a Victrola suitcase record player?
One easy way to find replacement needle for your Victrola turntable is to go to google or Amazon on your computer or smartphone and type in ‘replacement needle’ and the MODEL # that is printed on the back of your turntable. In my case, I would search ‘replacement needle Victrola VSC-550BT’ on Amazon.
How to replace the needed on a Victrola suitcase record player
You replace the stylus on a Victrola record player by setting a screwdriver on the tip of the stylus and push down. When the stylus comes half loose, pull the stylus downwards and slightly towards you. Install the new stylus using the same steps in the opposite direction.
What is the tracking force (needle pressure) on a Victrola suitcase record player?
From my research, I found the Victrola Suitcase record player tracking force to be around 6.0 grams. On more expensive turntables the tracking force is usually around 2.0 grams, so the tracking force on the Victrola is quite high.
How long does the stylus on the Victrola Suitcase Record Player last?
According to the instruction manual I got with my Victrola VSC-550BT, the stylus (needle) should last about 50 hours under normal use. It is important that you don’t play records with a heavily worn stylus because it can increase the wear and tear on your records.
What is the Victrola suitcase record player speaker wattage rating?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player wattage rating is 2 x 3 Watts. It includes two built-in speakers which each is rated at 3 Watt and 4 Ohms. The speakers are driven by an on-board YD3412 amplifier circuit that outputs 3 Watts per channel.
Is the Victrola Journey suitcase record player made of wood?
The Victrola Journey suitcase record player’s suitcase (chassis) is made of wood. Based on my inspections it seems like MDF. The wooden suitcase is wrapped in a leather-mimicking material that gives the nice texture and all the color options.