Unbeatable? Fluance RT-85N Turntable Review - Now with Extra Nagaoka!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
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Pioneer PL-300:
Type: direct drive
Tonearm: static-balanced type, s-shaped pipe arm
Cartridge weight range: 4-9g
Motor: quartz PLL stable hanging rotor hall motor
Wow and flutter: 0.025%
Rumble: 75dB
Price: Currently selling at $40-$80, used. (Price of unit may vary with condition and seller's greediness)
Find one... get it serviced and fitted with a decent cartridge first... and enjoy something that was was sold/built new "cheaply" in the heyday of vinyl (+40 years ago) that out-performs at a level untouchable by the latest "affordable" stuff, for far less total outlay. =;)
Great video! I started with the RT83 myself, I’ve had it for almost 2 years now. Like others, I slowly upgraded mine. It currently has the acrylic platter and I have a nagaoka mp-110 waiting to be installed.
I am curious about future cartridge options though. It seems that the lack of VTA adjustability really narrows the selection. Aside from that, the fluance line is a great value.
I bought the Fluance RT84 with the Ortofon 2m Red Cartridge and upgraded to the Acrylic Platter and i couldn't be happier! Best value for your money.
Man. This tied so much together for me. Thanks so much
Hi Randy. Sorry if this was already mentioned, but I didn't want to look through over 200 comments by others. I found on Fluance's web site in their resources section that in addition to the cartridge change, the other difference between the RT85 and RT85N is that they adjusted the tonearm on the RT85N to account for the configuration of the Nagaoka MP-110. Here is what they say:
"The tonearm is lower on the RT85N to accommodate for the height of the Nagaoka Cartridge and VTA which differ greatly from the 2M cartridges. While the MP-110 can be used on the standard RT85 the vertical tracking angle may not be optimal."
I was wondering if you notice a less than optimal performance of the MP-110 on your upgraded RT83.
It's also worth noting that ortofon also makes the '2mr' series which is lower profile than the regular 2m series at the same price to fit turntables like the Rega planar or other turntables that have a lower tone arm
Alot depends where you are.
In SE Asia, the Audio Technica LP7 costs 50% less than the RT 85. It has everything the RT 85 has plus adjustable VTA on the fly. It looks sexier too if you like the Darth Vader look.
When you introduce a cheaper cartridge option, you should also adjust your pricing accordingly, no?
Hey Randy. I hope that you and yours are all doing well. Question:how is the phono amp in the Yamaha 801? We always hear about external amps…how’s the internal on the Yamaha? Thanks for your advice and all of the great videos. You make audio buying fun and adventurous!
I have the CR 800 and it's awesome. Although it's giving off a low level hum all of the time so I haven't been using it that much
So....it's not awesome. Low level hum is unacceptable.
Hi Andy. I have owned my RT85 for a few years, and I agree with your assessment. I just wanted to add that when you get any Fluance turntable, the cartridges are pre-aligned in the head shell at the factory. Easy-peasy.
I also use the Fosi Audi Box X2 pre-amp. I like that these are tube-based because solid-state pre-amps are (to me) harsh sounding.
So, question: I just purchased a Fluance RT85N, do I need a preamp if I plug into my 70s Toshiba SA 750 receiver, does the receiver act as the preamp, I guess I’m confused? Thanks!
I'm 2 weeks later seeing your question, so you likely already know the answer to your question if tried it out already in your phono inputs. But No, is the short answer.
Here's the long answer:
The 70s and 80s and some 90s gear all came with dedicated phono inputs if they were 2 channel receivers or integrated amps. It's when things started to go all home theatre that the phono preamps were removed, and you needed to buy an external phono preamp and connect it to your aux input or one of the tape monitor inputs. In case you didn't have any tape inputs either (by the 90s in some cases) you would then have to wire the pre amp into some of line level input on your receiver. Something with RCA plug type terminals would likely make it work.
Great review,I'll pair it up with the fluance fi70
Very good video! I have RT85 and I want to upgrade the stylus after 1000 hours or so to the better one, the Bronze. Is that possible? is the arm ok for the Bronze? Thank you!
what would it sound like with the Negaoka MP150/200 & the Mani phone preamp
would be interesting
Oh man this turntable sounds right up my alley! If only they'd have a European warehouse/point of sale. As it stands with shipping and import taxes it's suddenly a 1050,- euro turntable for me :(
yikes. Ugh. I think AT makes some good ones. I wish that Project would have a table with a removable head-shell that was in this price range
I’ve been looking at the RT82. Why wouldn’t it make sense to get that and upgrade to the Nagaoka? The only thing you’re missing is the cool looking platter that the 85 has and I’m not sure that makes the performance better. Thoughts?
I love my nagaoka, but beware the needle is very fragile. It will bend easily if you’re not careful.
I’m planning on getting the 85n alongside a 90w class d receiver, would that make do or do I need a certain amplifier?
I have the nagaoka mp150 and it's good but the AT 540vm is better and cheaper.
Just curious, but have you checked into pro-ject’s stuff. I would rather buy from Austrians doing manufacturing in Czech Republic than 3year old’s doing forced labor in China for my next purchase.
Im happy with my Rt-82, but it took a needle scale to get things right-the instructions…I followed over and over, and thought about the laborious process of returning it. The scale made it a no-brainer. I just kept twisting until I hit 1.75 on a different needle (yeah, I thought the needle was borked, first).
The Czech’s make an awesome bedside pistole, hombre, and I’m giving their Debut Evo a shot next :)
Edit-oh, here’s yer’ upthumb. Glad you didn’t have such a fight with your weight.
Any decent vintage tt from the 70’s would absolutely destroy any fluance product.
-- the tonearm balance routine you outline is nothing new - its been done this way on many nicer tables for over 40 years. I still use a stylus pressure guage to verify accuracy, its surprising how far some tables are off in accuracy - saves a lot of time and guesswork.
I have had at least 6 turn tables in my 84 years and when I bought the RT-85 with the 2M blue I was blown away...it cost me more than you paid as the price is in USD and I am in Canada...the closest cartridge I could compare with Shure V15II which I still own...good show btw
Hi Randy...good review! They seem like nice turntables and they would be at the top of my list if I was in the market. One thing you probably should mention is that when changing the head shell and cartridge, the whole tonearm assembly needs to be re-balanced due to different cartridge weights. After re-balancing the tracking force and anti-skating adjustments also need to be re-set too. Keep on trucking!
I'm quite new to this stuff so How do you do that?
@@kinyuapeter278 there are tutorials if you search rt85 unboxing/setup
@@kinyuapeter278 theres also intructions in the box, its not hard
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo got my money last year. I really like it, but wish it had removable headshells , and acrylic platter. I Considered the RT85, but the limited availability had me go elsewhere. For the $500 price range most of the reviews at the time had the Pro-Ject rated at the top. I think it's really hard to say which is "best", since the features are slightly different and sound quality is very close to the same.
I was asked by a friend to recommend a good turntable that would last, and not crazy expensive, in other words, a solid piece and good value. Based on 2M Blue, build quality, headshell and semiautomatic operation, the RT85 was easy to recommend and he's thrilled with it. The difference between cost and value is huge.
Great review! I purchased the RT85N as my first serious turntable.
I know this was posted about 2 years ago. But it is still a very good value for the money.
And have yet to see any others that match it in value.
Keep up the good work!
I'm considering a Fluance RT85 and the more I hear about the Nagaoka MP-110, the more I think the Ortofon Blue would be more to my liking. I prefer a bit of brightness and so many descriptions of the Nagaoka make me think it'll be too warm for me. If it turns out that the Ortofon Blue is too bright for me, I can always mount an Audio Technica VM95-ML on the headshell. That's the cartridge I'm using now and I love it. I'd almost be surprised if the Ortofon Blue sounded any better to me since the AT95-ML is hitting my sweet spot, at least with my current equipment.
the blue sounds better than the MP-110, it's also $100 more than the nag in the retail box... I don't know why anyone would choose the RT-85N at the same price.
Why not look at the Rega P1 series for value turn tables? They are consistently reviewed so well. I havnt even felt the need to upgrade the needle (yet).
I am looking forward to get a fluance rt85 or rt85n. But I have s question about the rt85n with the 2M blue cartridge. In the video you mentioned that if you were blindfolded, you probably couldn't tell the difference between a high resolution file and the sound coming from that cartridge. Does the 2M blue makes a turntable sound NOT like a turntable? If so, I would save me some trouble and keep listening to high resolution digital files. I want a turntable that sounds analog would you say that the rt85n will give me more if that?
I started with Nagaoka MP 100…I thought if this sounds great I wonder what the MP150, then 200 sounds like? MP500!!! They sound amazing!!! Also, it pairs excellent with a Schitt Mani…the 150 is the sweet spot.
Hello Randy, awesome review. Last year I bought the RT-82 and I love it! I'm planning on upgrading the platter and cartridge later this year to basically turn it into an 85. I was wondering what speakers would pair best with the Fluance RT-85 and 85N models? If this matters I'm running it through a Yamaha CR-620.
Thank you,
Brian
I miss my Technics Sl1210 Mk2... Upgraded it with a Nagaoka MP-200 cartridge, and yes, i mounted the 1210 on some good isolation feet... Man! It sounded ace!!! Due to personal circumstances, it had to go some years back... It's one piece of equipment I WISH I'd kept..... 😕...
I agree with you 100%. I bought the RT85 with the Ortofon 2m blue a few months ago. Very happy with it. I considered Rega and Pro-ject but felt like the Fluance was the best deal with a great cartridge included. I also have experience with the Nagaoka mp110 cartridge and as you say it is a little fuller sounding but a little less detail than the Ortofon. The Ortofon works well for me and my ear.
My next table, nice built
Based on the prices of the cartilages I'd recommend getting the RT85 and buying the Nagaoka MP-110 later with a headshell. The 2M blue costs $240 and the Nagaoka costs $150 at time of writing. So if you want the cheapest path to getting the 2M blue and MP-110 get the RT85 and grab the MP-110 later.
Those cartridges have different hight. But the hight of the tonearm mount in RT85 is not adjustable. So you can't just swap a cartridge because it would have a wrong VTA.
Fluance to this day has yet to sell me something I have disliked. I started with the white rt82. Loved it. It was my first real table. My wife loved it cause it was white and matched all of our farm house crap lol. I got their preamp. Sounds great.
Now over time I've upgraded the table. First the acrylic platter, which made things so much better. If for the dust problem alone. I'm in a desert. One wipe of the platter, no more dusty side 2.
Then I swapped the cartridge to the 2m red, I think I'll get the blue one day, but right now I'm so happy with the sound, I might not touch it. I drop the needle sometimes, close my eyes and just get transported to another world!
If I could do it all over again I probably would have started with the rt85, but it's been fun to listen, tinker, and just enjoy music. Best part of it all I'm turning one of my kids into a vinyl head, so now I have a listening buddy! Life is good. Thanks Fluance
😂 matches the farmhouse crap made me laugh, but yeah fluance really made something very nice and affordable
I don't know anything about turntables and don't own one but I'm watching anyways because I like to watch you talk
is that weird? maybe, idk
I'm very pleased to hear Randy pronounce Nagaoka elegantly and accurately. It seems like a bunch of people can't seem to say Nagaoka without hurting themselves.
I helped set up an RT82 a few days ago and I really liked it. I remember isolation being a really big deal for turntables before CDs came out. The RT82, and I assume everything above it in their line, had really excellent isolation from vibration in the surface that it sits on.
Pretty good. A little too hard on the "g" and a little bit "clippy" between the syllables. And, the first syllable "na" is too long while the last is too short (naa-ga-oka). It's an audio channel, so how things sound is important, right? LOL. But, yes, importantly he got all of the "a" sounds right, which is where most Americans chomp the bit with Japanese pronunciation.
@@grechan WOW! 😳
Randy, you provide the best entertainment value by far on TH-cam for audio/vinyl enthusiasts. Plus some solid audio info to boot. Thanks for being on my wavelength, man.
I'm quite new to this stuff so How do you do that?
Hinges. Yep, I am with you on that one Randy. The so-called hinges on the too expensive for what they are REGA turntables are junk. They will snap eventually. Pro-Ject ones look good too. But for $500 you get an acrylic platter with the Fluance RT-85, but the Pro-Ject? Nope. You have to pay extra for the acrylic platter.
Great review on the Fluance Reference line, Randy. I recently purchased an RT85 and upgraded the cartridge to an Audio-Technica VM540ML. Highly recommended - especially if you like the fuller, more balanced sound of the Nagaoka MP-110 over the Ortofon Blue - you’ll be impressed. After trying a handful of different cartridges over the past few years, I’m convinced that Audio-Technica is among the most ‘transparent’ of them all. It seems to bring out a rich, detailed sound that’s truer to the nature of the vinyl, plus whatever the sound signature of your specific turntable is. This as opposed to a cartridge like the Ortofon 2M Blue that often tends to overpower the music with it’s own characteristics. Appreciate your channel - cheers!
Did you just change the headshell and balanced it or did you have to adjust some other stuff?
I recommend buying a spare belt only when you need it. Materials like that do not age well sitting on the shelf. The bamboo finish on the RT85 is a pretty unique look. All of their finishes are superior to everything else in this price range.
I’m running an 85 with an AT-540ML. Sounds amazing!
Best bang for buck seems to be, if you want both high end cartridges mentioned, is to get the normal RT-85 and then the Nagaoka separately. Fluance should do a “Connoisseur Pack” where they include both, in head shells. I’d totally spring for that.
or add an even better cartridge and add a rt86
Audio equipment can envelope you and take you down an abyss of endless good products that will drive you crazy. Fluance? Rega? Project? Yada yada yada... trying to decide and haven't even gotten to amps, preamps, speakers...
Needed a part for my RT85 from fluance, contacted the company for the part, a plastic part, a guard for my stylus that broke because of the poor design and they try to milk me out and get a profit to replace a part that broke because of poor design. Not happy... NOT HAPPY! Enough for a company that uses such big words as: mission, valued customer,philosophy or values.
I won't ever spend a single dime on them anymore!
Best deal I've got I bought a Pro-Ject essential III for $75 open box on Amazon was sent back for one of the tone arm wires comming loose easy fix👍
Wow. What a great value
The Tonearm and cheap bearings on the gimbal is how they make it so cheap... The turntable is garbage... Plastic cueing lever?
I'm glad you shared your impressions of the 2M Blue vs. the Nagaoka. That pretty much agrees with many other reviewers. The only thing that I found 'Grating' in your video, is please, Please, *PLEASE* don't state it like 'The TT was so good even compared to a high end DAC with high res files, it was that good!' UH... *NO!* Digital is digital, please sir, it is *NOT* the ultimate standard by which you measure analog. No, No, No...! But, otherwise... Thanks! 😁
5:24 If you want to keep a spare belt in top condition, store it in a zipbag with some talc powder. That way the rubber doesn't become brittle/deteriorates as quickly.
8:20 A heavier tonearm doesn't necessarily imply a "sonic penalty"... it's just that a heavier tonearm works better with lower compliance cartridges, while a lighter tonearm works better with higher compliance cartridges - it's all about synergy! 👍
thanks for the tips
Hi Qorax. What’s a higher or lower compliance cartridges. Is it on the specs? Thks
@@garysiu5498 Yes it's usually specified, you should look at "dynamic compliance" in particular.
Static compliance is also often given, but doesn't say much about the resonance in real life conditions.
Compliance is basically the stiffness of the cartridge suspension/cantilever, with lower compliance meaning a higher stiffness and higher compliance meaning a more flexible suspension.
The higher the compliance, the lower the tonearm weight/mass needs to be.
The combination of tonearm mass and compliance results in a tonearm resonance frequency.
These resonance frequencies will always be present within a tonearm, but to keep their effects to a minimum, they need to be within a certain range (6.5Hz to 12Hz).
Those resonance frequencies are below the capabilities of human hearing (20Hz), however in extreme cases, these can be heard on top of other frequencies as a fluttering pitch, fluttering at the resonance frequency.
There are simple formulas to calculate the resonance frequency, if you know the compliance and total mass of your tonearm and cartridge.
In reality when playing actual music, it mostly impacts the tracking ability of a cartridge - this is what results in a distorted tonal balance, like sibilance or lack of bass.
One of the most well known examples are Denon DL-103 cartridges ran on light tonearms, which tend to sound bass lacking due to their low compliance.
Most Denon cartridges match better with heavier tonearms.
On the other end of the spectrum are Audio Technica cartridges for example; their higher end moving coil ones in particular.
Those sound better using medium to low mass tonearms due to their high compliance.
@@QoraxAudio thks for so much information. I sure subscribe your channel 👍😄
@@garysiu5498 Nice! Thanks 👍
I think part of it may be their decision to omit a built-in phono pre-amp. That means more money can get spent on developing other stuff. That's what actually drew me to Fluance.
That was my thinking and I feel l got my money's worth and then some.
i did worse than you. I have an older Rega RO# with an upgraded aluminum subplatter and a an acrylic platter. I installed a 110 on it and am very happy with the sound but is cost a lot more so i agree going with the 85N makes a lot of sense.
I owned an RT85 for quite some time and loved it. It's got some drawbacks, but overall it can't be beat for the money.
Narcolepsy.... 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
Randy, i need to say that I’m loving your channel. So glad I found it a few weeks ago.
As a fellow 2M Blue owner, I agree. I think it’s one of the best options out there without doubling the money.
I'm the kind of person who, 99% of the time, makes the wrong decision, but buying the RT85 has proved SO right! I also like to swap my system around a lot, but since getting the RT85 around six months ago, I haven't felt the need to swap to any of my other three turntables at all. Proper value for money and great sound, too! Marvellous!
Thanks Randy, I appreciate you explaining the difference between the Nagaoka and the 2M Blue. I tried to go cheaper on a turntable and wasn't happy, I should have just gone up to this in the first place. Live, learn and listen. Thank you.
Tony I'm guilty of that too.
Same place I am
Just learned this the hard way too.
Based on income constraints went with RT83 , I’m happy so far and I’ll have to save the $ for the Nagaoka…
For $100 more the Audio-Technica ATLP1240 seems like a much better deal.
Narcolepsy?…Zzzzzz….I’m sold!
If I ever leave the 1980s, this will be the turntable for me. Great review! Congratulations on following your passion and your new career.
I purchased the RT85 with 2M Blue and matched it with the ifi Zen Phono amp, and It is everything you talked about in this video.
The build quality of the turntable exceeds the price being asked. I got the bamboo finish, and think it's very beautiful!
I purchased the turntable just when Fluance introduced the Nagaoka cartridge choice. I really wanted the bamboo finish, and it wasn't available
at that time with the RT85N, so I went with the 2M Blue.
So far, I love the sound. I have it connected to a tube amp, and I think the tubes help the 2M Blue to not sound too bright.
At least , to my ears.
Gotta say, I am one happy puppy!
.
I love the blue and the mp 110
Have been using the MP-500 for 8 years now as my prime cartridge and just love it. Just got the MP-200 for office turntable. Soooo good to finally see a Nagaoka appearance after all this Ortofon overload.
THE MP- 500 is GREAT !!!!!🥰 LOVE .
It's made me want to get more Naga carts
@@cheapaudioman Go for it. I do have the MP-110 as a spare, so I know that one too. The step up towards the 200 is most significant, 200 to 500 is fairly marginal. The MP-200 is also more forgiving with less perfect records (e.g. worn grooves). It's probably the boron cantilever that plays the prime role. Glad to have them all, but knowing all that now, I'd be fully satisfied with the MP-200 alone.
I've played many records and the semi-auto does not work. Pretty disappointed.
I have the MP 110 on my Dual 1219 via a Schitt Mani into a Yamaha CA-1000 going to JBL L88 Plus. Old school vintage sound! Really enjoyed this review!
Off the top of your head xls encore, fluance, cartridge, phono, amp. What would you choose from them that harmonize as a whole?
Question for anyone really! Love you guys
The answer to yesterdays question about which audio manufacturer has hearts in its company logo design is......AKG. A really good company. I've used many of their products and they are great.
The day you start played promotion is the time to leave the channel, nobody can do honest reviews and to be played at the same time.
As most people are saying, it ends up to what your ear likes and how well it adapts with your setup. In my case, the Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge sounds better than the other ones I have, but again, with my setup. I don't think it's right for a company to sell a different turntable model just because of the cartridge, specially if the Turntable has switchable headshells, but that's just my opinion
This is funny as i bought an RT82 a few years ago, added the poly platter upgrade and changed the cartridge from an OM10 to the Nagaoka MP110, giving me the newly released RT85N before Fluance even offered it! I love it, it's very quiet on "rougher" albums and sounds wonderful to me.
Very cool!
i bought the project debut carbon dc a few years back but kind of regret it over getting the fluance. I didn't realize how much I wanted auto lift and speed switching, and now I'm in a weird upgrade spot where I'm not sure if I should side grade to a fluance 85 or save up money for a more expensive and better semi auto option.
Just discovered your channel today. Nice channel. Enjoying it.
I went with the 2m black purely out of balance of economy Rega Rp6. Love this review.
If hinges are the standard for a good turntable, you want to get a 70's Japanese turntable.
Thanks for this awesome review! I just ordered my Fluance RT85, and I can't wait for it to arrive! I plan on also getting the Nagaoka cartridge later, but I'm also curious to hear what the Blue sounds like first. I'm also thinking about which preamp to get - what do you think of paring the Ortofon 2M Blue with the Fosi X2? I was thinking it might balance out some of the brightness of the 2m Blue??
hey do you have an update on this?
Arrrgggghhh! It's pronounced Na-gow-ka!
Great review. Would like to see you review some more
Fluance speakers
Been thinking about the Nagoaka for a while now. I have two tables, both vintage. One a Ratshack clone of a Technics, the other a DUAL Direct Drive. Both have the orignal Shure carts, which are quite good! But, I'd really like to hear what the Nagoaka brings to the table, pun intended? Plus, the Shures have been discontinued so getting parts, in the future, might not be easy and will get pricier and pricier.
I’m about to pull the trigger on buying the RT85 or RT85N. I like the idea of a buttery smooth sound; however, I am 65 years old and have some hearing loss between 4kHz and 8kHz. Does it seem reasonable, therefore, to lean toward the brighter sound of the 2M Blue instead of the Nagaoka?
I've got the same question
@@scottroberts4551 - As compelling as the RT-85 was, I ended up buying a 40-year-old, fully recapped and restored Denon DP-57L. Wow & Flutter 0.008, SNR >82dB. It has the S-curved tonearm and a Goldring E3. I am in love with it!!
9:41 Can I suggest one more step? Readjust the tonearm balance. Your two cartridges probably won't be the same weight. Thanks for the review.
Great point. Ironically, they actually are though
Nagaoka is a great cart I have it as a spare on my PL518.
I've been looking to get back into vinyl for a while after a 30 years hiatus. Looking for a good value upgradable TT, finally narrowed it down to a Rega Planar 1 and the Fluance RT-82. For pure sonic capability I doubt the Rega can be matched for the money but the functionality and aesthetics of the Fluance put the hook in me. I bought the RT-83 because they didn't have the RT-82 available here in the UK. It is a thing of beauty IMO. Now all I need to do is match it up with an amp and speakers. I have a Pro Ject MM Phono stage I'll try it on initially; I'm thinking maybe a Cambridge 25/35 Amp, perhaps a Nad NAD C316BEE V2 and a pair of jamo s 803's or a pair of Wharfdale 12.2's. I'm driving myself nuts with choices already.
Love your channel btw.
Rega Planar 1 although well built, is over rated and over priced. Fluance is a lot better value.
@@peterlarkin762 I'm not sure I'm brave enough to call the Rega over-rated tbh. I think they are aimed at two slightly different markets.
I'm looking at a second hand deal with a project tube amp and a fluance 85 (2m blue stylus) will be my first turntable. I prefer the buy once cry once mentality. Are you happy with that combination? It will be a big investment for me so I'm just doing my research haha.
@@danielh12345 I've no regrets regards the tt although I think you're wise going for one of the 85 models. I ended up buying a 2m blue stylus and went with a Zen phono stage.
@@LA_Coaster thank you!
I need to hook my new wiim up. I’ve had it for over a week now.
It is 100% NOT POSSIBLE to determine how good a record is unless you are willing to listen to it once the chocolate feet melt. Jimmy Paige had no fear of chocolate. Pink Floyd made filled Abbey Road with melting chocolate during the recording of Dark Side of the Moon ...TRUE FACT! Syd Barrett said so. Hendrix? Chocolate Feet Studio...but he met this amazing groupie chick. Electric Lady Studio. It happens, but he did put chocolate inside his Marshall's when he toured the record. Also TRUE FACT.
@cheapaudioman I have a question - have you ever experienced loud pops from the Nagaoka due to static buildup on the record? I live on the West Coast of BC (Canada) and have seen a LOT of reports that the Nagaoka MP-110 is ridiculously prone to extremely loud pops from static discharge. I would like to avoid having to buy gimmicky-seeming items like the Milty ZeroStat 3 Anti-Static gun in order to sit down and enjoy my records without having to worry about brutally loud pops and bangs from staticky vinyl. I really want to buy this TT, but if the Naga is that sensitive to static, i may have to go for the model with the Ortofon Blue (which does not have the improved motor that the 85N has, according to specs).
Good choice with the Nagaoka MP110, I own that one as well. idk if youtube will keep the Iink to HiViNyws channel, so I dropped it in the reply to this. He is commenting on on MP110 while reviewing the Ortofon 2M Blue
I am looking to get my first turntable. I was looking at U-turn but I am now looking at Fluance because since the upgrade of U-turn's Orbit ( gen 2), the price has gone up more than I expected. Could I get recommendations on the 85 vs. the 84? Is the acrylic platter worth the price difference? Do you prefer acrylic platters over aluminum? The 84 comes with the 2M blue and a rubber slip mat with. an aluminum platter - does the sound change compare to the 85?
Thanks for all your help.
I happen to LIKE "beefier" as opposed to....what are we calling them, Sleek? Maybe SKINNY, or THIN, or just plain CHEAP as opposed to the Fluance's SUBSTANTIAL, HEAVIER, More THERE! YEA, BABY! I'm sorry, but all these other RECORD PLAYERS (now ain't THAT an insult these days, huh?) that charge you an arm and a leg for most often times alot LESS than you get with a Fluance.....well, sorry, but they ain't milking ME with all their fancy marketing and claims of sonic superiority. Give me FLUANCE, or give me........the hell with that, just give me FLUANCE. (I already got liberty, TYVM)! AND a nice, shiney, and affordable preamp. Yea, in the throes of a bad case of upgraditis! The built in phono preamp on my ancient Sony pre-dolby surround sound reciever is probably garbage (how would I know; I've never heard any of these new fandangalicious seperate pre-amps GUARANTEED to improve the sound of my turntable.) So I will have to suffer chronic havenoideawhatI'mmissing until I can land some extra MooLah to treat it (they never actually CURE anything these days....that would be socialism!!) Till then, please keep these great videos coming, my fellow bubblehead!
What about just upgrading a rt-80 with a good cart? Personally I’m looking just to listen through headphones. I don’t have room for much else, and my wife doesn’t like most of the music I want on vinyl. And I like the idea of a built in pre amp.
Do the tap test, turn on the amp, place the stylus on a record but don't start the turntable, crank up the volume a bit and tap on the rack!
Reveals how good the feet and the plinth are.
Years ago I owned a SOTA turntable. At Audio Shows, the salesman would demonstrate it by removing his shoe and banging it on the plinth while the record played. Now that was the ultimate test for isolation.
i like to play the record backwards and piss on it to show off how good it is
The 85 was my first turntable, it’s also my only turntable. I can’t say it’s the best because I don’t have anything to compare it to. I first saw a review of the 85 N on vinyl attack and now on your channel. I think the Nagaoka cartridge may be what I’m looking for to maybe calm down the upper mids on my system.either way I will be interested in the change in sound between the blue and the Nagaoka
I like that cart
Get another headshell, and have both.
Hi great interesting video
I’ve just completed a bit of research regarding bang for buck.
You see in the UK between £700-800 we get the Rega P3, that smokes the Fluance .
But I’ve found in the USA the Rega is around $1300 so now I can get what you say at this price. As at that price the Rega just wouldn’t be so worth it.
As you can tell Rega fan boy I have the P3 and since getting it I’ve stopped buying digital and only vinyl LP’s .
Although I do confess interested in Wiim pro to dip my toe into streaming seems worth it although as yet not available in the UK !
Keep up the good work for value for money hifi.
Unfortunately the dust cover itself is crap and will scratch if you look at it wrong. Otherwise, I’ve been very happy with my RT85
Yeah, well, my pop had a turntable. And some sort of hi-fi system ~ that I have no idea of the brand name. He also had a reel to reel. And some sort of like that early fender amp burlap stuff laminated . . .
. . . or like varnished. The turntable was delicate. I have no idea what it was. The needle had to be replaced at some point I have no idea how it got broken. There was a cuckoo clock on the wall above and next to the TV and it was like Looney Tunes and Tom & Jerry and Sesame Street and Gilliagans Island . . . and the Herculoids all the time . .
Hi Cheapaudiobman.. big fan i need some advice. I got the fluance rt85 and the yamaha HS7 powered speakers . Can you advise what phono pre amp or other devices are recommended for this setup?? Thanks from Alton
The cost of the cartridge ($230) and platter ($120) as separates, you get the turntable for $150. Worth it. High grade gear.
Well, I was pretty happy with my turntable… now I’m wondering if these will have any good Black Friday sales 😂
Is anyone else disappointed with their RT85? Initially I was impressed, but the more I listen, the more I find surface noise to be intrusive. I've tried different cartridges, all to no avail, doesn't make any difference. Anyone had the problem and solved it?
Well, i love Fluance turntables but for one caveat...They don't have a direct drive...I'm not going to put that as a negative, it's just that ever since I bought my Pioneer PL-540 back in the day, I am in love with it. I also have a Dual DD as well, and I also have 2 belt drives as well...A Technics and a Pioneer. About a year ago, I bought the 110 and I was blown away. Not by how good it was, but how good it was for the price!!! I am waiting for Fluance to come out with a DD, but they told me that it depends on the market...
By the way, I think Fluance dropped the 80...
@cheapaudioman slightly off-topic, but I'm on the hunt for a phono preamp - for $200 what would your money be on, hands down without even blinking an eyelash?
Hi sir Cheapaudioman. can you help me. Can a Fosi Audio BL20C could drive A yamaha NSF51 speakers... thank you much
Hello.. i was hoping that someone could comment on if we were to listen to both the Fluance rt85 and the Technics 1500c, would there be a demonstrable difference in sound quality..clarity, etc.. between the two, or for that matter a TT that is at the $1000 price point? Is the 1500c which is roughly $700.00 more, going to give you that much more of an Improvement in sound quality? I am simply asking as I would like to upgrade and i am not sure that one would see a great improvement between the two price points?
Are the isolation feet removable? If so, what is the thread size and screw diameter? I am strongly considering the RT85, but will want to replace the isolation feet with those from IsoAcoustics. Thanks for any help.Are the isolation feet removable? If so, what is the thread size and screw diameter? I am strongly considering the RT85, but will want to replace the isolation feet with those from IsoAcoustics. Thanks for any help.
7:35 standard Dual tonearm adjustment. Do the rubber feet deteriorate in time? Will a spare belt deteriorate in time. "Upgrade-itis" -- I hear ya! Does it come with Ortofon blue as standard now?
I am trying to figure out if my system is good enough to notice the upgrades that each turntable offers. I have an NAD 7600 paired with Polk Lsim705 towers. Opinions?