Reviewing the Fluance Ai 41 and RT 82
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มิ.ย. 2024
- In a rare feat of strength, I tackle two reviews in one video. If that's your thing, you've found your place. Welcome to the Vinyl Attack!
0:00 - Into
1:50 - The Fluance R Series
3:02 - The Foundation
5:28 - A Sonic Comparison
7:19 - Turntable Caveats
8:41 - How About Some Speakers?
9:51 - The Ai 41 Details
12:05 - Speaker Performance
14:48 - Some Things They Lack
16:10 - Overall Thoughts
16:48 - Epilogue
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Man, I'm putting together my first audio system, and your videos have been so incredibly helpful. You answered questions I had that I had no idea you would even touch on. I just wanted general information on several turntables, and you went above and beyond. Thank you so much!
Happy to help.
Quick note: I can't tell you how much I appreciate the fact that you've thought about sound, lighting and set. I see SO many vinyl video channels pop up in my feed where the person in question just holds their phone in one hand, or shoots in their (messy) bedroom, has terrible lighting, just uses the mic in their phone and those videos just make me turn them off. After that, you always give well thought out and presented shows. Thanks for being professional about the whole product. It makes a difference; a big one.
Thank you very much for that. You've pointed out exactly what I've been trying to achieve from the start.
I own the RT 81, 83 and 85 turntables with the 81 connected to the Ai 40 speakers. I couldn’t be more satisfied with everything. Fluance is one terrific audio company.
They seem to have a knack for making quality, affordable products.
Any hum issues? What preamp are you using? Thanks!
@@bdsattern No hum issues. I use the internal preamp with my RT81 and the Fluance PA10 with the other two.
How would you compare them? I'm on the fence between an Rt 81 or an 82, and I'm not sure if the difference justifies the extra hundred (with current costs and a need for a preamp)
@@snookers5123 The RT82 gives you an upgrade path to the higher end 83, 84 and 85 if you so desire down the road. But, if that’s not an issue for you, you’ll be more than satisfied with the RT81.
Great video. You effortlessly answered every possible question I had bouncing around in my head.
Glad to hear it!
Every review should go like this... Thank you Chris and of course Fluance for being such a decent sort!
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I really appreciate your advice you do a easy to understand down to earth video thanks so much
Glad it was helpful!
Brilliant review especially explaining different levels on the Fluance upgrades👍🏼Fluance are genius the way they have sold their record deck products
I'm glad you liked it.
As always great review. So much info. This solidified my future purchase of the rt 81 with future plans to add upgrades as I can afford them. Thanks again for an entertaining and informative show. Look forward to it every week.
The 81 doesn't allow for the same upgrades as the Reference series which starts with the 82.
@@thevinylattack sorry my bad I meant the 82
@@chrisharding6205 Well then I think you'll be quite happy.
Thank you for the review, your voice is clean, professional, and precise. I did a lot of research and watching reviews on all turntables. Number one, the plinth had to be of a good wood without over pricing. The finish on this turntable is lovely. The cartridge comes aligned, this was a big deal for me as not all offer or discuss this. No pre amp, I have a vintage pioneer pre amp and amplifier, just a standard turntable was all I needed. Too bad all those years ago I sold my Marantz Series 6100 TT, it was always honest and hard working! Now I'm hoping the RT82 brings back the great memories of turning vinyl.
I'm sure you'll be quite happy with it.
Love my Fluance RT81 !!
Thank you so much this was very helpful I was looking for this exact answer on how the fluance turntables compared to one another keep up the good work subscribed immediately
Glad it was helpful!
First of all I love this channel. As always it’s informative & entertaining.
This channel has my favorite intro and here’s why. I wait for the “ATAAAAACK!” part in which I also yell “ATAAAAACK!” in unison.
Chris, please never ever, ever, ever, ever change that intro 😜.
I agree that the appeal of Fluance’s turntables is the upgradable option in which one can turn their RT82 into an RT85, if they so choose down the road.
I have a Sumiko Moonstone on my Fluance RT84 which I bought used for a good price.
I plan to get the acrylic platter soon. The sound has been amazing so far. I think the Sumiko Moonstone beats the Ortofon 2M Blue but that’s just me.
I’d like to see a review of Fluance’s PA10 Phono Preamp in a comparison with the
Schiit Mani and maybe even U-Turn’s Pluto 2 in a triple comparison, as they are all budget friendly preamps from reputable companies.
That's a comparison I can probably put together. At least the PA 10 and Mani part.
@@thevinylattack
That would be awesome!
I had a Blue and really liked it - but jumped to a Bronze and it is heaven for me. I tried the Black and it was not my thing. Thanks for the cool video once again!
I'm glad to hear you found what works best for you.
I think you just sold me my entry level set up. Thank you.
Glad I could help.
Just ordered the RT82 over the other options, specifically because I'm interested in trying out various cartridges/preamps and going the custom upgrade route. Super excited for it to sow up :)
Let us know how you like it.
My experience dealing with Fluance has been nothing short of spectacular. I got the RT81 originally, and decided to upgrade to the RT85 after a couple of weeks. They not only made the upgrade easy, they even paid for shipping back the RT81. I would love to hear some of their other products because this turntable is incredible for the price.
I'm glad to hear that, but not surprised. They do a good job over there.
Just found your channel, and it's phenomenal. The fact that this video is EXACTLY what I was looking for doesn't hurt either. Also, you remind be a bit of Nick Offerman lol
I'm glad you like the show.
As an owner of the 82 I can say I've been very happy with it's performance. It's a good fit with the Mani.
I'd say that's a solid pairing indeed.
Does the 82 have the auto stop like the 81??
@@snippysword69 Yes.
there is also the 'acrylic platter mat' as an option .. the look of acrylic for £$20 something.. standard on the fluance rt81+ traditional belt drive (motor under the platter)
I've been into photography for so long that every time you said OM10, my first thought was Olympus.
lol
Thanks for the informative review, it was very helpful. I'm leaning towards going with the RT82 simply because the replacement stylus isn't as expensive as the Ortofon Blue or the Nagaoka MP-110 (found on the RT85N model). I'll probably upgrade to an acrylic platter sometime in the future.
Glad it was helpful.
Good to know they added the crossover subwoofer feature to the Ai41. I believe before only the Ai61 had the crossover cutoff.
I wished I'd had a chance to implement it, but I didn't have an available sub.
Excellent review Chris! ...as usual. I really wanted the ProJect Debut Carbon EVO, but can't justify $600 at this time for my modest two dozen record collection. If I get more serious on vinyl collecting, I can always jump up to the $1k+ level later.
All the antistatic, cleaning and storage accessories will add up quickly. The initial $300 for the RT82 isn't even half of the cost.
I started with vinyl records over 50 years ago, but stopped after starting my family. Haven't played any records since CDs came out.
Thanks again Chris for all the good that you do.
It can certainly be a pricey hobby if you're not careful. Just remember it's about enjoyment. I'm glad you like the show.
Agreed. If you arn't having fun in this hobby, you're doing it wrong. Did your main TT survive the flood?
@@audioaficionado9494 My main system is upstairs, yes.
Definitely looking to upgrade my home office speakers. Hard to part with them as they do sound pretty darn good. I’m more into passive speakers versus powered ones but that’s just me.
For hifi systems, I feel the same.
Great review Chris. You cant go wrong here in any of those turntables. The only thing I have to say is....buy the best you can....jumping from one turntable to another for upgrades is wasting your money. Again....get the best you can. Just my 50+ years speaking here.... :)...cheers and all the best.
Thanks for the great video. I was considering to couple the Ai41 with a Rt82 plus preamp, but after your comment I'm afraid it's not the best option. Do you have other suggestions ?
Not with powered speakers. These sound great, I just had trouble with ground hum.
Insightful video. Thanks. ... What are your thoughts on the tone arm not lifting at the end of a record. I have the blue ortifon and I wonder if the stylus gets damaged in that 30 second time it takes for the table to stop rotating.
Over time, yes, it'll take some damage. My turntable doesn't have automatic anything though, so I'm used to just lifting the arm when the record is over. Maybe one of these days I'll finally splurge on a Little Fwend lifter.
Weird how you already have a review at the ready whenever I have a gear question. I was thinking about a pairing a set of Fluance Ai 41s or 61s with an RT85 turntable I recently purchased. I’m currently using a single Sonos Play 5, which sounds pretty darned good to my ears, but it’s missing that essential stereo sound for vinyl. The Fluance speakers would solve that problem but the prices just seem to good to be true. Appreciate your perspective as always. Cheers!
Glad I could help.
love your review of RT 85 so much i purchased one !! great channel brother , now tell me when your going to review harley Davidson’s boom audio !! just kidding brother , love your channel
I'm glad you like it.
Hi Great Video. I subscribed. I own the RT82 and was considering upgrading the platter. Possible dumb question, Do you still use the rubber mat?
I used one of my cork mats.
I have a good word to say about Fluance while having another brand. Fluance service to send for accessories is excellent.
Got extra belt from Fluance for my (discontinued) TEAC TN 570. No specs listed anywhere for the belt; could not get in touch with them either. I saw a YT review of the Fluance RT- and it looks like what I have.
The Fluance and my Teach both have 36 in belt that wraps around acylic platter. 36 in. belts was hard for me tto get otherwise.
Uh oh. I think Amazon might be watching...
Watched your video, funny, and scarily close to grabbing the check book; closed your vid, then opened Amazon.
There sat the RT-85, in bamboo no less, front and center. Having never looked at it...
Yikes. And, oh look, a handy-dandy credit plan too.
Perfect really. If I wanted to be single again.
Really good show, Chris. Scary good. You seem born for this. 😎
Thanks Dana. I've been trying to implement some new skills in editing and such with the show.
At least we got another great review for a Sunday session...way better than watching the lions try to win!
I wouldn't know, I don't follow the nfl. But, I'm glad you liked the video.
Excellent review, I subscribed. Did you buy them? Thanks!
Fluance were kind enough to gift me a pair of the speakers. I use them daily with my home PC.
So. I’m trying to pass down an RT83 to a friend, but he’s currently using my old ATLP120 that has a built in preamp. Is there an affordable (south of or up to $350) option for a preamp/powered speaker combo sans hum?
I’m running passives, so I don’t really know what to buy for him? Is hum to be expected at this price point, or are there maybe better options?
Unfortunately I don't have a ton of experience in powered speakers. If you're on a budget, you might consider a nice used Sony integrated and maybe the less expensive Elac speaker options available. It'd be something with which he can grow.
Thinking about getting this table. Do you recommend the Fluance pre amp also?
I haven't used it so I really can't say.
Do you have active speaker recommendations for a turntable with a pre-amp? I don't have a lot of space in my dorm room, so it only has to fill around 15m2 or 161 square feet. Thank you in advance! I really enjoyed this review :)
The powered speakers from Fluance perform quite well for the money. You might take a look there.
@@thevinylattack I'll do! Thanks
First off, bangin' t-shirt. Fluance sells turnables, speakers, and their preamp in packages (no discount, really, but they're presented that way on the Fluance site). I was literally about to buy the RT85 with the preamp and the Ai41 speakers as an all-in-one vinyl solution, as you called it. Thankfully I saw this video first. You recomnmend against this, because you found it produced humming. You don't explain what the cause was, however. Was the preamp? The speakers? I'm pretty much sold on the RT85, but now I don't know what set up (preamp and speakers) to pair with it. I'd love to hear your suggestions. Thank you my dude.
As far as I could tell, the speakers created the hum when connected to the turntable. Your mileage may vary.
Can you use the Concord/Ortofon type integrated headshells with Fluance? They would probably fit the tone arm, but does Fluance use the same overhang geometry as the Technics 1200 series?
Fluance sells their own headshells so I'd probably go that route.
I’m in the market for an entire system and an looking at the Fluance RT-85 with the preamp and speakers kit. Did you resolve your hum problem? If so, how? Thanks. Mark
I never tried to connect the speakers to a turntable after the review was over.
I love my RT-84 but not a fan of the rubber mat. Amazon sells an acrylic mat that comes in white. This is much easier to wipe down and keep clean and kinda has the appearance of an RT-85 until I go out and buy the acrylic platter. Note: Buying the acrylic platter separately is more expensive than the difference in price between the 84 and 85 tables.
I'm not sure how much I'd trust an audio component from Amazon.
Despite your advice I have been using the Ai41s as my 2.0 system, connected to my phono preamp for vinyl playback, and connected via optical input for TV audio. The sound is generally fantastic, but I am running into a couple issues: 1) Constant hissing with any RCA cable connection to the powered speaker, even when the RCA cables are connected to nothing on the other end, or when I run a ground wire from my preamp to a screw in the rear of the unit as advised by Fluance. 2) My TV audio level can't get quite loud enough even when the volume is maxed out. The audio level could blow my eardrums out via the other audio inputs, however.
Do your speakers have this same RCA hiss? Are you aware of any workaround to ever-so-slightly amplify the signal from my TV before it reaches the powered speaker?
I'm using my speakers as computer monitors connected via optical and I'm having no problems there. I have no workarounds unfortunately.
I am looking at buying an RT82 and Fluance Ai61 speakers for my vinyl playback. Do you know if the Ai61 has the same issues? What powered speakers do you recommend for all vinyl playback?
I don't know if the Ai61 will have any hum. Fluance has great customer service though, so I'd give that a shot.
@@thevinylattack What powered speakers would you recommend to go along with an RT82 and in iFi Zen?
@@lukejames8679 I haven't had much experience in powered speakers as I prefer separates. I use the Ai 41's at my computer though and I love them.
Subscribed
Welcome aboard!
Is there a sound quality difference between a Bluetooth capable record player vs. using a Bluetooth transmitter that plug into a record player that doesn’t have Bluetooth technology? Trying to decide if I should buy a record player that’s already BT enabled like the audio technica you recommended in another video, or get a nice record player like the 82 and just plug in the transmitter when needed. New to this- thank you for the help!!
Probably not. I don't use Bluetooth unless it's streaming audio books on the go, so I really couldn't say. If you want quality audio, you'll want to skip Bluetooth. If you want convenience, I'm sure either the integrated or transmitter will do the same job.
Hey I appreciate the response! I intend to use it wired in, but Im realistic that my girlfriend will definitely want the headphone experience so I guess I’ll go for the best quality and worry about buying a transmitter afterwards. Thank you!
Maybe slightly off topic but how would ortophone compare to sumiko?
If you're comparing the 2M Blue to the Ranier, I'd say the Blue is brighter and more dynamic and the Ranier is more balanced and used friendly.
Hey Chris, thx for the reply. A speaker you might like to audition or may like to is the Bucharest S300 Mk II a tad pricey but on good authority you won't need a Sub and they too deal directly too the people. If I had the space...I'd buy them regardless of being just over the top of my Speaker Budget. because I know if I wanted to resale them later I'd get close to or my $ Back.
I'll send them an email and see what they say about a review sample.
@@thevinylattack If they send them they are if memory serves efficient however they like juice... Iol playing well l understand with as little as 40 watts maybe even 20, but their true nature liked 100 or better. Thomas and Stereo I think possibly bought a pair and or one of his posse. If he did he put them with the rest of his 100K in speakers!!!
The problem with the Fluance turntables is the tonearm. It is fitting for a $300 turntable but not a $500 turntable. If you purchase one of the lower models and don't mess with it it is a fine option, if you want to upgrade its going to let you down.
When comparing against the rest of the field at $500, I'd say it's pretty much right in line.
Would you recommend the RT82 or the Pro-ject T1sb?
I like them both, but personally I don't go for built in pre-amps like the Pro-Ject has. But they can be a great, affordable solution for lots of people.
Can anyone tell me if using the RT 82 or other Fluance decks, would be lost on an older amp like an Audiolab 8000A? Or is this potentially nirvana in the making? Thanks.
I can't see why it wouldn't be a fine pairing.
Looking to buy my first “real” turntable. I’ve narrowed it down to the Fluance RT82 or the u-turn Orbit Plus? Opinions?
You'd do very well with either one.
@@thevinylattack Thanks for the input. Initially, based on your reviews, I was ready to go with the Fluance RT82. Then I looked at the u-turn Orbit Plus. For about the same money, ($329 vs $299), the Orbit has the same stylus plus an acrylic platter. PLUS the u-turn is made in the USA. Nothing against Canada though.
@@ebrigm The Fluance is actually made in Taiwan if that matters to you. The only real drawback to the Orbit is having to purchase a tonearm lift separately.
What's a CD player?
Color reminds me of a butterscotch Fender Telecaster.
Interesting. I like it.
I recently purchased the Fluance bundle with the RT82 and the Ai41 speakers and fluance pre amp. Is this a good setup? This is my first real setup after previously using a Crosley.
It's worlds better than a Crosley, and it won't eat your records.
Hey, us Canadians are like that, eh?
You should be able to take the acrylic platter and cartridge from the drowned unit and mate it up with that unit...
That table is long gone.
Are you reviewing the 5” or the 6.5” speakers?
I promise that information is in the video ;-)
@@thevinylattack the 6.5 are not available only in Ai 61 from Fluance. I guess I should have mentioned that when asking.
@@br6480 The Ai 41's are a 5" speaker and they produce a lot of sound with them as well.
@@thevinylattack thank you for your help.
The OM series has an OM20, OM30 and OM40. Just change to a better stylus using the same cartridge. No alignment needed.
Personally, I'd just go for a different cart at that point.
@@thevinylattack The AT-VM95ML is my go-to cart. Completely eliminated inner groove distortion on every turntable I have put it on. And it's only $170 on Amazon. And if you have a turntable with another AT-VM95 series on it, you can just swap the stylus for $150. I'd love to hear your take on this cart/stylus.
@@AndyP126 Hopefully I'll get an opportunity to try that out at some point.
@@thevinylattack If you want to deal with the hassle of sending it back to me, I could send you mine for review. It's on a turntable that I am not currently using.
@@AndyP126 I may take you up on that down the line. Right now I have some product reviews I need to work on with the stuff I have in home.
Something just put me off on the RT82 that's unrelated to their quality and that is that I just read a "CNN article" ranking "the best turntables" which they called the "best beginner turntables" in the text description. The RT82 was the clear winner, but something seemed off... so I go down to the bottom of the article and find "Paid Content" there... at the bottom, not the top. No way to comment either. My main gripe was that the others compared were obviously inferior... but were kind of meant to be. The last they compare it to was the AT-LP60.... and nowhere in the article do they mention the AT-LP120, or that it's the one at the same price-point as their "winner."
I am right on the comparable quality level too, right? the RT 82 is closest in quality level to the LP120, right? It seems the RT-80 might be the one to compare to the LP60?
For a dollar amount, yes, that would be a better comparison.
@@thevinylattack great channel! I’m starting in vinyl and buying my first turntable, and thought the ATLP60X would a perfect start, but i’m reading everywhere that it has some issues…. Would you say i can tell the difference for sure that the Fluance RT82 sounds way better even with the equipment i have? Sony SSCS5 and Aiyima A07 (which is budget but good). Thanks!
I want to give my wife a birthday gift. I just placed an order on RT81, should I get RT82 OR RT83 and get a preamp instead?
If you can afford it, I'd say it's definitely worth the upgrade.
@@thevinylattack I will cancel my RT81 and place a new order for RT83.
@@zitaozhou7239 Congrats!
LOL!!! Metric system dying off...That's a good one, Chris!
I was wondering if anyone would catch that.
Another Reviewer who thinks overall Fluance is a Company that offers with their products a great value. He chose the Ai 61's to review and was so so on them...thought they a tad too bright and the bass a tad too boomy. He thought in specific cases they were a reasonable proposition. However, once he decided to see if he could improve the listening experience by adding a Topping DAC as the Pre Amp he pretty much declared them just shy of Audiophile and having a much better sound. He felt that they seemed to come alive and sounding much improved. And if considering them, or any powered system you might look adding a DAC unless you're seriously budget constrained, or thrifty. His final thought was could you be better off building a system another way. A say New Raved Sony A/V Receiver and some Pioneer Speakers done by Andrew Young, I think he said, or Sony's own CS5's which a lot of reviewers including himself have praised. And again an excellent review. Thanks for Reviewing Powered Speakers. I may end up selling the recently acquired Sansui 7070Db and either trade up for an 8080 with Pre Amp Outs finding a DAC Receiver with Headphone Amp and Pre Amp capacity to hook to my Sansui or sell it off and go the small, but powerful mini system.
They're pretty damn fine speakers for the money. I think Fluance is on to something here.
@@thevinylattack I hope to find some local places where I can get a listen to some of these.
@@RedSinter They sell direct to consumer so you'd need to order a pair to try them in home.
@@thevinylattack I may do just that and order a couple of Sm. Passives. As there's not much in the way of listening Salons with a wide verity of reasonable to more $ gear that I know of at the moment. And as my personal space is limited to my bedroom / office / Photo Studio / Man Cave. And their are a number of others that may qualify. Its All Near Field Experience. The speakers no matter the make need to "disappear" be slightly warm with good mid bass as their will be a Sub. I recently purchased in good order, minus one less than optimal Off, A, B, A+B switch Vintage Sansui 7070Db. Will be getting that replaced and possibly have katching caps added and the Power Cord replaced with the now standard 3 Prong Plug Socket and the case stipped of the funky Viynal replacing it with Teak Vaneer. I may sell it later if its too much of a hog spacially for SMSL receiver, and either integrated and or mini quality pre amp and amp. There appears to be many well regarded units now USA / Chinese / British / and European Co. which offer reasonable priced high value products. So, yeah Q Acoustic being just one.
Death has come to your little town, sheriff... Oh yeah, Fluance = high quality products at affordable prices!
I think they're doing a pretty good job myself.
imagine claiming that metric system is i. new and ii. worse than whatever those units mean. kinda hilarious. don't get me wrong though, I also wouldn't like to change units of measurement and rather stick with what I grew up with
I love how people call it "ortiphone" instead of "ortofon" (ort-oh-fawn). This is the 4th review in a row I've seen where they don't know how grammar works with / without an ending e.
I pronounce it like the employees of the company do. I figure they know better than the interwebs ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
@@thevinylattack Which employees? Their team don't all pronounce it the same.
@@proteusblack8913 The employees at their factory that I've spoken with do.
Please, could you get to the point?
I feel like the convenient chapters located in the video description do just that.