Gadgets :: March 14, 2016
Gadgets :: March 7, 2016
by Gregg Ellman
(@greggellman)
Like many other music fans, my conversion 25 years ago to CDs and then digital music files put an end to my vinyl listening. But I could never get my self to part with my collection, so it has moved around the country with me, always finding a spot for the milk crate of records in a closet.
My collection came to life recently after Crosley sent me their new C200 turntable.
There’s a quick setup, attaching a few parts and pieces, connecting the needle (Audio-Technica magnetic cartridge) and balancing it to rest on the vinyl properly. A damped die-cast aluminum platter and felt slip mat for the records to sit on drop into place.
This takes just minutes, along with connecting the included RCA cables to your existing receiver.
Once connected and playing, I loved the sound of the needle dropping down to play along with the clean static noise you get from this type of music hardware.
I actually found myself flipping through my records thinking about what would be the best choice for a first listen and the winner was Boston’s debut album, which to this day is still on my iTunes playlist.
Functionally, it’s a direct drive, high-torque motor with a built-in preamp, has a start stop button, an adjustable counter-weight balanced, hydraulic lift control arm and plays 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records (with the included adapter). 
One thing I did remember during my testing was that decades ago I shed my 45 collection, so much to my disappointment, the 45RPM adapter sat unused.
As for the appearance, I’m not up on how other companies are making the look of turntables but I really like how Crosley kept a vintage look, while also appearing modern with a matte black finish.
While meeting with Crosley company representatives at a trade show earlier this year, they fed me some facts about the vinyl industry making a robust return the last few years. This includes manufacturing, sales and the return of people like me.
www.crosleyradio.com $279
A lot of people stay away from battery smartphone cases to avoid the excess bulk and weight. Moshi’s iGlaze Ion battery case two-piece battery case for the iPhone 6/6s solves that problem since it’s just that; two pieces, which you use as needed.
Your phone sits in a nice looking and thin profile case but when you need the battery boost just attach it to the outer charging case.
Inside is a 2,700 mAh battery, which connects to the lightning port on the iPhone and charges while your phone is still on your desk or held up to your ear on a call.
You can keep the battery attached at all times or remove it to eliminate some bulk and weight when it’s not needed.
The battery charges up from any USB power source.
www.moshi.com $99.95
Another great new iPhone accessory case is Pelican’s IP68 Marine waterproof case.
I don’t usually like to put my iPhone in water but since I’m a big fan of Pelican, what the heck. It’s promoted to withstand being submerged at a depth of two meters for up to 30 minutes.
I didn’t go that far but it did get a few minutes in my kitchen sink and it worked to perfection.
Along with the waterproof features, it keeps your phone dust and dirt free. It’s constructed with durable impact absorbing materials and military standards of advanced shock protection for drops and impact.
The scratch resistant coated protector for the LCD is crystal clear for viewing and keeps the touchscreen fully functional.
www.Pelican.com $79.95 for the iPhone6/6S and Galaxy S6, $89.95 for the iPhone 6 Plus and 6S Plus.
