Testing the budget-friendly Fluance RT81+ turntable | FULL REVIEW
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- This is an unboxing and full review of the new Fluance RT81+ turntable (an upgrade from the RT81). Fluance packs a lot of value into this $299 record player. While it's not highly refined, it is worth your consideration (especially if you are a newcomer to vinyl).
#fluance #turntable #review
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Videos shot live on location near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
I have the regular RT81 and have been very happy with it. It's hooked up to a pair of Fluance powered bookshelf speakers. Works good for me. I also have Fluance's signature series surround sound speakers, good sound for the price. Great option for people that don't want to spend a crazy amount of money.
I have the same model since December 2022, and I couldn't be happier! Absolutely perfect for my needs!
My RT81 just delivered today. I set it up over my lunch break.
A use an Audio-Technica LP 120 XUSB. Matched with an Ortofon 2M Red. It delivers what I want it to. Yes, I know it is the little brother to the Technics 1200 series.
The new Fluance comes off as being a very good starter for the newer vinyl collecter. A nice budget friendly model with decent features.
What I find with many budget minded turntables is that they can be real workhorses in the long run.
I have had a RT81 for 3 years now...Love it!!
Virtually any table will thump in that test. Best results are obtained WITHOUT the cover, which acts as a microphonic soundboard. Put the cover back in the box.
I wanted to say the same thing, I have a vintage all wood nice quality Harman Kardon T40 table that cost $300 back in the early / mid 80's and same with that one, the dustcover on it and most any table is like a microphone. If you try to turn volume up with dust cover up it will "howl" and closing the lid almost negates this, but when I really want some volume I find an easy solution is to lay a soft towel on the closed lid so I dont scratch it and an old phone book on the towel - totally removes feedback, what most folks dont realize is a turntable cartridge is an open air device again a bit like a microphone and even some high end tables are subject to this condition - the old plastic tables were the worst, the body of the table itself acted just like the dust cover-! lol
Frank I have the originaL RT81 and it also suffers from the damping problem. Not a problem if you have your deck out of the way of little hands, you can just drop the needle and let it play. Other than that, I also invested in an acrylic mat - it fits the platter exactly, so it is a bit lower than the included rubber mat - bought an additional preamp, and upgraded my cartridge and stylus to an Ortofon 2M Blue model. Such a difference in sound. I like to hear bass and treble, with clear midrange, and I get all this from my upgraded RT81. I see no reason to use anything else.
RT 82 owner here! I love the turntable and its ability to easily upgrade. I just ordered a gold ring e3 cartridge as my first upgrade after about a year of listening on the OM10 and am excited to hear the difference 😊
Good first upgrade Peter.
Good honest review Sir. Not a bad looking piece of kit and could be all a lot of people ever need.
Jim🏴🙂
Have the regular RT81 for three years with no upgrades except an acrylic mat. Attached to powered edifier bookshelf speakers. Love it!! Will eventually do some upgrades on it but in zero rush because I love the warm sound as is.
I think the RT81+ is a fantstic combo of good specs. it really gives the best of both world. it does it's thing very well. the cons that you mentionned are true but have no concequence in the long term. it's fun that you had the chance to review it.
I have the RT-85 it has been a good turntable, no pre-amp but I would not use it anyway. The arm lift is a little iffy and hard to see being black but it’s ok
We have the original RT81 turntable and it works flawlessly. Have it hooked up to the Marshall Woburn 3 currently and it sounds amazing.
I got the Fluance RT82 today in Bamboo. Wanted the better motor. Keep up the great job.
I've never used any Fluance products. However, I do own the cartridge included with the RT81+. To me, the AT-VMN95E sounds really nice. It is clear, crisp and articulate with a wide stereo soundstage.
The stylus is quite revealing. Great records will sound even better, however similarly, any click or pop will be more pronounced. I'm pairing mine with the Schiit Mani (1st version) preamp and it sounds really nice.
If the 95E doesn't suit your taste, Audio Technica was kind enough to design this cartridge body in a way that makes it compatible with every cartridge in this line, making upgrades a breeze
As for Fluance, give me some auto features or 3 speeds and I'll give you my money. For now, I'll admire this lovely table from afar
That’s a fair review of the turntable Frank, good price for a mid-range turntable. Change up the cartridge and off you go. Like the acrylic platter 👍👍
Nice looking turntable and for the price it seems pretty good value. Those AT carts do need to bed in a bit and sound pretty good if you swap to a microline stylus. I use Technics SL1210 decks and I’ve said this before but I love em! Cheers Frank !
I have the RT-81 and I love it sound is very nice but I did replace the cart with a different one over all I like the build of the RT-81 looking forward to trying there speakers someday
Just don’t tap on it while spinning a record and it will be fine.
My Sony ps-lx300usb was purchased in late 2008/early 2009 - I've noticed it starting to get a little long in the tooth recently. I've done a few minor fixes on it and have really enjoyed the process, but could see myself needed an upgrade in the next 3 years or so once it finally wears down.
I got a RT-83 a few years back and since I updated the platter to the acrylic one and ort red head shell. it works great for me.
How do i hook the rt81+ to a soundbar that doesn’t have rca spots? Only optical and hdmi for tv?
I have had a RT82 for several years and love it.
Hi Frank...I wholeheartedly concur with everything you said about Fluance (pros and cons)and what I've come to know about the RT turntable line from them. I like that they are a home grown Canadian company, too, so shipping and duty wasn't an expensive add on here in Canada like so much other gear we often need to buy off shore. But ya, that tone arm lever is really sketchy, as well as the plinth generating boom into the system when it is impacted. I might need to figure something out in that regard since my speakers are relatively close to the rack my turntable sits atop.
I own an RT 83 but have since upgraded many of the original components it came with. The one thing I can't justify (but want badly) is the acrylic platter ( for a price of $160 Cdn) that the RT85s come with Ouch! My RT 83 came with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge that was OK for a few months. I'm old school and have been used to more refined, smoother sounding cartridges with much more upper and lower frequency extension.
I bought this only as a half decent entry level turntable for a second system I had decided to put in my bedroom. But after moving to a different place (much smaller bedrooms) I decided to just run it as part of my main system instead of installing my vintage amazing Sony PS-X700 with a Shure cartridge. The Fluance has performed very well for the past 2.5 years and is sounding way better than the original set-up straight out of the box after upgrading to both an Ortofon 2M Blue and an Audio Technica VM540ML. I now have a total of 3 cartridges (not including the Shure on the Sony) to swap in and out easily with the head shells I bought for them.
I have 2 separate phono pre-amps, too, for additional options in the sound experience from the system. Yes, I'm a bit nerdy in my audio hobby. My pre-amps are the iFi Zen, and an inexpensive Fosi Audio X2 phono box, just for some cheap fun.
What I also really liked about the Fluance RT83, like you, was the ability to use whatever RCA interconnect cables I wanted. I bought some SKW brand cables and am really loving them. I needed 2 sets to run between the turntable-pre-amp and back to my old school Yamaha receiver. All those upgrades didn't come cheap, but my ears certainly appreciate the differences each of them has contributed to my love of vinyl sound.
Thanks for the review, as always. Maybe an acrylic mat is in my future until Fluance offers me a better price on the platter itself.
This one must feel very flimsy if you're used to your 1200MK2!
Rt82 owner here, Love it. Been enjoying it going on 2 years now.
This version is the best because of the cartridge that it comes with. That cartridge is an Audio Technica AT-VM95E. The good thing about it is that you can upgrade the stylus to the EN, ML or SH (Eliptical nude, Microlinear and Shibata) All of these are significant upgrades on the eliptical that it comes with. Ignore him saying it is nothing special, it is a fantastic cartridge, even with the E stylus. With the EN or above it takes it to a whole new level and all you need to do is swap the stylus.
Spot on Audio-technica carts are excellent, the blue and green are the entry level, the orange, red and brown are fantastic just purchase the stylus and away you go , once broken in they will sound great this usually takes around 30 to 50 hrs, I have lots of carts mostly ATs and they perform way better than their price point. 👍
Wondering if I'll notice a difference if upgrading from Rt85 to the new Technics 1200gr2
You would notice a world of difference , the technics sl 1200gr2 is in a completely different league , with its 25lb weight superior anti resonance characteristics, delta sigma direct drive ,oh the list is endless, they cater for 2 different listening experiences.
@@peterstudley1804 much appreciated
6:09 Having no internal preamp is a *PLUS* rather than a minus! There should be *NO* electronics in turntables! The turntable's *ONE AND ONLY JOB* is to rotate the disc at an even 33 1/3rpm or 45rpm and the cartridge track the groove(singular), feeding the signal to a reasonable quality amplifier(with its own preamp) and speakers.
It's a great looking turntable, and bet it sounds really good. However, I will never buy a belt driven TT without a "speed adjuster". I've owned belt driven TT's in the past, but they all had that adjuster. That was standard back in the 70's and 80's. Those belts stretch fairly soon after. Also with temp changes. In the past they came with that strobe light and adjustment wheel. Manufactures today really need to start adding those back in. Maybe they are too young to remember. lol
you can use a pre-amp with this thing, correct? I like the idea of having a pre-amp and a built-in amp and can choose which to use.
I'm 74, have some experience with LP's ( my first was an original full Manuel AR. ). My thought - IF funds are even a minor point, do NOT go with LP's. a bargain DVD player from a big box store can be had for $75. and works fine. CD's are more durable than LP's and cost = or less. third, for me, I prefer Concert film DVD's over LP / CD 's anyway. be it Anna Netrebko LaTraviatta, Diana Krall Paris or Grateflul Dead , movie ( disc 2 )
that said, I like the note about 'detachable H'shell'. point - What IF one of the 4 tiny wires to back of cartridge breaks ? my fairly expensive model instantly became worth about 2 cents. absolutely pathetic engineering. New H'shells with included wires can be had for $40. easily.
I am updating from my RT85, you hear every single footstep through fluance turntables
I’m getting mine delivered today! Got it in the piano white! As my first turntable, with my limited knowledge, I’m really excited about my choice!
I appreciate the stylish and sleek look with the acrylic platter. I like that it has the built in preamp because I don’t want to have to buy so many extra things. I did get the matching bookshelf speakers. And in terms of value, I spent a couple hundred less on it than I would have if I bought my first original choice, the Bluetooth jbl one (before I watched review videos).
Yay! 🎉
I have a cheaper TT in the Audio Technica/Technics design style (S shape aluminum tone arm, detachable headshell, phono preamp, RCAs etc) with adjustable speed (the slider that makes it turn slower or faster) and strobe. And completely manual (every audiophile dream 😆). This Fluance doesn't have these. So despite the nice look...no for me. I'll stick with mine. 😉
But nice quick review. Liked it. 🙂👍
That reflective wood veneer looks like equipment you would have bought at Sears in the 70’s. In other words, butt ugly cheap!
I have two turntables, no microphone though. I have an old Dennon DP-47F, and currently in my listening room, I am using the RT85. Both turntables have the Ortofon 2m blue on them. The RT85 I am running through all fluance stuff, RT85 > PA10 preamp > AI61 powered speakers > DB10 subwoofer. The Dennon is hooked up to my living room system, Onkyo AVR, Bose accoustimass speakers.
There is Bluetooth??
I have the Fluance 85 with an Ortofon blue cartridge. It comes with a much thicker acrylic platter than the one you show on the 81+ and the better motor of course. I have it connected to my vintage system (Kenwood 4070 and large Advents and a WiiM for streaming) and am really enjoying the sound. The TT is extremely quiet with good condition vinyl and I prefer the sound to its predecessor (Denon DD TT with a Denon 110 cart).
I have a 1973 Pioneer PL-50. Its been regularly serviced and everytime I think about replacing it, I don't. I'm 100% vintage gear guy, growing up in the sixties, high school in the seventies, vinyl and 8-tracks were my only way of listening to music other than the radio. Great show always look forward to your opinions
I love mine to death as a first "real" turntable. I've had it for years and haven't felt the need to upgrade once.
If you buy the Fluance with the OM10 you can buy a Jico stylus to improve sound.
I bought the audiotechnica 120lxp over the fluance. Since you have reviewed both, how do you think it stacks up?
I sent my Fluance table back because of that noisy plinth. The internal preamp was also not good, and even the pre outs into my graham slee were not great. For the price, it is good, but not as great as everyone claims.
Even though without 78rpm it's nothing that fits my profile, this is seriously a very solid turntable to get into spinning LP's. And it is all the way sufficiently decent to not worry about elevated record wear. They did all the essentials things right with that design.
I have a Sansui record player and when i play my records theres a low humming sound through my speakers, how can i get rid of that?
I have a RT81 turntable but do not have the platter sound issue that you have with yours. The only issue I found with my Fluance is the center spindle is larger and some newer records are a tight fit on it. My second 1by one turntable has a smaller spindle,
I like the look of the finish and the acrylic mat. The cartridge should be upgraded when possible for sure. Personally I only vintage turntables. A direct drive, a belt drive and an idler wheel drive. Variety is the joy of collecting lol.
I have the fluance rt 81+ what would be a good upgrade for the cartridge??
I’ve had a regular 81 for the past few years. No problems. But I would like to upgrade soon.
I have the fluance rt80 with an external preamp and it sounds amazing🔥
I have the RT82 and no complaints , i recently upgraded the stylus and it sounds better than ever. Im curious about the Fluance speakers as i ner heard one in person.
I'm looking for a turn table but I'm on a budget. I need some good recommendations. 😊
The tonearm is awful!
nothign wrong with the tonearm at all
I like my RT85 but the arm lift is inconsistent in lift height.
I would just save up a little longer and go straight to the top of the range.
I have the RT81 and love it!! They make some good stuff
I prefer vintage and yes I expected that when tapping on the plinth.
LENCO LS-500 IS A GREAT TURNTABLE, FOR A BEGINNER ITS A GREAT ONE
I wish both you Canadians *AND* Americans would learn, it's *NOT* Aluminum(Al-Oo-Min-Um), its *ALUMNIUM(Al-You-Mini-Um)!* (1:05)
ni it is aluminium🙂
@@dutchcoyote Errrrr...... That's what I said! I just gave the phonetic version to clarify.
Only $299? Bargain! What about longevity though? Hard to tell.
That is the question. Time will tell... literally. I have 2 friends who had issues with theirs eventually.
Directions are not for real travelers!!
Hi, Frank! Nice-Device!😀
Wow. One more Fluance in your collection :)
Two Fluance turntables and two Speakers :)))
This one goes back to Fluance (it was a loaner).
@@Channel33RPMtell them they’ll get a better review next time when you get to keep it
😁😁
Eh up!!! Is it Friday already? 😂😂😂
Haha... nope... This one didn't feel like a Friday video, so I decided to throw it up today.
@@Channel33RPM Thanks Frank
Great for a teenager as a first turntable. I know if I was 17 again I would be happy.
I'm getting excited to get the Rega Planar 3 50th Anniversary Edition with PSU included and upgraded Rega Cartridge in about two weeks time as I have it reserved. I can pay off the balance at the end of the month. I cant wait, but unfortunately have to
Congrats on the new turntable.
@@Channel33RPM Thanks Frank. I'm doing it to get my store in order so to speak before I retire in a few short years.
Good choice Bobby.
@@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox It's to replace my current Linn Basik turntable which I have had for 30 years. The Linn was chosen as it was that or the Rega 2 at the time. The Linn did just edge it slightly at the time. It's been a good turntable and still works. I wanted a change. I know this new turntable will be a step up.
Damped not dampened
I thought I said damped? If not, s**t happens... slip of the tongue.
Hey frank, so good to see a video from you that's not on a Friday or a Sunday! I will be honest I've owned one turntable in my life, a Technics SL 1700 from 1978. I keep it impeccably well maintained. I replaced the output RCA cables with higher quality ones. I'm a firm believer as I think you are now of a direct drive turntable. I've listened to friend's belt drive turntables and I can't like them no matter how hard I try. Yes the Fluance turntable looks great but your knocking on that plinth tells me it's completely hollow and it's not so good. I can knock on the plinthof my 1978 Technics and it's just dead. People just embrace direct drive and go forward. Thanks again Frank for an honest review.
Midweek video, nice! The knocking sound coming through the speakers was pretty clear to me.
Ok, thanks for letting me know. I wasn't sure if the thump would translate through to the video.
@@Channel33RPMWhich turntables have you reviewed passed that thumping test? You ultimately said the entire Fluance lineup used cheap plinths as they are all the same quality.
Same box as top 85n
Junk, unless go to 85n
lol