Slight corrections: I said mine was mahogany when it is in fact walnut! It matches my walnut Fluance speakers perfectly! Next: Fluance has actually been in business since 1999 and their first turntable was released in 2016. ALSO of note: the built in preamp is made by Texas Instruments. AWESOME deck...highly recomended! Do you have a fluance turntable?
I have had the RT82 for 3 years now. I have the gorgeous Walnut as well. I have mine paired with Triangle Borea BRO 3 speakers and an Arcam SA10 I bought last December.
Fluance big supporter here. I started with the Fluance RT81 during early covid & loved it & now have upgraded to the RT85 & love it even more, such great quality & performance for the price. I also have the Fluance base, due to my stereo cabinet is on hardwood floors & this base does a fantastic job, no longer have to tip toe past the turntable while spinning vinyl. Highly recommend that also.
In your live demo, I noticed there wasn't any clicking or popping. That was cool. I'm really getting close to getting into vinyl. Your videos are really enjoyable, and it was cool you, including the set of the Fluance. Awesome!
I started with the AT LP60XBT and upgraded to the RT83 with the Ortofon 2M red. It has a nice warm sound and if you want to upgrade to the 2M blue the cartridge is interchangeable. The only big difference is there is no phono preamp, so you would need an amplifier or a stereo receiver with a phono input.
I purchased the RT81 two years ago. Setting up the cartridge for that model was a nightmare. It required connecting each tonearm wire which were practically single hair thin. They were very delicate, and two were broken. I was furious sent it back, and refunded. This plus model has the tonearm improvement that was desperately needed. However, I own the STANTON STR8-100 Direct Drive, that I purchased years earlier, and it's still in perfectly new condition, and still sounds great. Yes, these Fluence tables are nice, and hefty in weight as is the Stanton, but the plynth isn't real wood as some may think. I've listened to the Fluence, and others too, but none sound any better than my Stanton which can also play 78rpm records. The Shure cartridge I have is the second of two that came with the Stanton along with two headshells. When it's time to replace the Shure which is no longer available, I have the Ortofon 2M Blue to replace it in the future, and for the 78rpm's I have Audio Technica's VM670SP. This Stanton still looks brand new (not even a scratch), still functions perfectly, sounds great, and I'm not parting with it until it doesn't. I just think many of these turntables are just overhyped. My Stanton model was in direct competition with Technics at the time.
I retired 2 years ago, wanted a small system for my home office, so I could play my music and not bug my wife. It is a small 10 foot x 11 foot room. So 18 months ago I went Fluance, RT85 > PA10 > AI61 > DB10, after 18 months I am still loving it, the AI61 speakers were just a tad light in the bass for me, so I bought their DB10 sub-woofer, ahhh that was the solution. Doesn’t matter, if I am playing new records, or my 50 year old records they all sound great to me. I went with the Bamboo color.
I’ve had 2 rt82 tables and they are great and their customer service is amazing. One of my tables had a tonearm defect and I sent it in and they fixed it no charge and I had it back in a week. This table is a great entry lvl table. U could upgrade the stylus to the ml stylus or upgrade the cartridge to something like the 2m blue or nagaoka mp-110 and this would be a great mid-fi deck
I keep a partially unfolded paper clip on hand for pulling the belt over the motor spindle. That way I don't have to worry about getting oil from my fingers on the belt. Also, some manufacturers recommend putting some talc powder on the belt, check with the instructions.
That's why white gloves are included with every table. Besides..... you only have to put the belt on once. How long do you think a couple molecules of "finger oil" are going to last? Remember..... many other tables require you to change the belt position to change speeds.
Well known hack - the ribbon attached to the belt is actually to make it easier to mount the belt on the drive pulley. Don't remove it until you have the belt in place and life will be much easier during the mounting process and you won't risk twisting the belt. Also, why on earth would you remove the stylus cover before (a) you mount the cartridge and (b) you balance the tonearm? That plastic cover has virutally no weight and will not impact the balancing of the tonearm, especially on the sub-$1000 turntables. Why risk ruining your brand new stylus before you have even used it?
Due to the magic of editing you can’t see my accidentally pulling the ribbon out….but yes you are correct that’s what it’s for. Other answers for you…the stylus guard being on would in fact impede the balance. Always remove it before setting tracking force - just be careful!
How much does it cost to dampen such a platter with a piece of rubber? And that there is no adjustable tone arm is not future-proof (Vta). You will have to go back to another deck or stay in low end equipment. Vta and dampend platter is the red line I draw here. Signal to noise ratio is also important. Good luck 👍🏼🇹🇷 nice video
May you do a full in depth review of the LP&NO.1 turntable with wireless bookshelf speakers? I'm planning on getting the light wood color bc it is the cheapest.
I had to watch again, but where the main bearing lives, is there a screw missing, or is that hole for something else? I see there are three screws around the spindle then this hole to the right of the spindle. What is that?
Slightly off topic any chance you can compare sound quality for AT LP60 vs the Fluance. I know apples oranges but lets hear the difference if we can. Do I want the Fluance RT whatever, or is the Plastic Fantastic worthy of the lower cost.
A closer comparison would be the lp70 and this because they use the same cartridge ( albeit with a different stylus) Either way though I would pick this first, the lp70 second although they all sound great
Do you still have that RT-85N? But yes, Fluance does make some nice looking turntables. I am very tempted to get the RT-85 and use that along side my Technics SL-QL15 linear tracker. Don't really NEED it, but would be neat to have both a "traditional" belt-drive turntable along with a direct-drive linear tracker!
@@Recordology Everything that I've seen/read seem to indicate that one is better off getting the RT-85 (non-N) with the Ortofon Blue cartridge. If I decide to "pull the trigger", that is what I will do.
There's one thing that bothers me about acrylic platter mats. If the record is slightly warped and you brush the record it can slip on the mat. But they look cool.
Hi RO-Great review! Own a Fluance 81 Elite w Green Audio Tech Cart-An Excellent choice Audio quality is FINE given the Price Point. Quality components IMHO. For Vinyl lovers on a Budget. Mostly buy Used LPs Paired w Sony SS Series Speaker On Sale I have a Decent system without Audio File $nob Prices!
With some.records I've had to increase the tracking force.to prevent the stylus from jumping out of the record grove when I cue the start of the tracks.
Just a question. Like the RT-81, does the manual for the RT81+ do you have to let the turntable run to give the motor a burn in period like the manual of the RT-81 says?
Do you really trust Fluance to have an accurate cartridge alignment right out of the box? I have a brother-in-law who bought a Fluance turntable and he called me knowing I was a turntable nut saying that the end of his records always sounded distorted. He was getting intergroove distortion. I knew right away what it was. I brought my trusty protractor with me and looked at his turntable and my God it was so off! You could say that maybe shipping caused it to shift but the nuts were really tight so I just think they do a quick deal at the factory and expect us to accept that. Don't accept that, do an alignment on your own. And please use a scale to make sure you're at the right stylus force. Those gram weight indicators are silk screened on and there can be a big difference in what the silkscreen indicator show and what the actual weight is. Records are expensive and precious, verify everything! I can only imagine what a Ortophon 2M Blue would sound like on the turntable!
I had alot of intergroove distortion when I was using an ortofon OM10. I really need to try with aligning and mounting a cheap cart for my first time, because my table and cart is now worth more than I would be comfortable with. When I got an AT VM540ML for an upgrade, it was only another 40 bucks or so premounted, but I have had no issues with innergroove distortion or any issue with tracking at all thankfully. Does make me curious tho
I have an ATVM95ml on an ATLP120XUSB. The soundstage is just amazing. The detail is the same. Even records that I've had for years I hear things which are not possible on other carts.
Slight corrections: I said mine was mahogany when it is in fact walnut! It matches my walnut Fluance speakers perfectly! Next: Fluance has actually been in business since 1999 and their first turntable was released in 2016. ALSO of note: the built in preamp is made by Texas Instruments. AWESOME deck...highly recomended! Do you have a fluance turntable?
Yes I have a Fluance RT-85 with a Ortofon Blue Cartridge. Very unforgiving Cartridge & stylus. Great to play New UHQR & NEW RECORD ALBUMS
Mahogany or walnut, I don't care. The fact is, I want one!!! That audio test really won me over.
I have had the RT82 for 3 years now. I have the gorgeous Walnut as well.
I have mine paired with Triangle Borea BRO 3 speakers and an Arcam SA10 I bought last December.
I actually have this turntable. I had it for about 7 months and i love it.
Woo another turntable 😄
Fluance big supporter here. I started with the Fluance RT81 during early covid & loved it & now have upgraded to the RT85 & love it even more, such great quality & performance for the price. I also have the Fluance base, due to my stereo cabinet is on hardwood floors & this base does a fantastic job, no longer have to tip toe past the turntable while spinning vinyl. Highly recommend that also.
Really impressed with the turntable and the sound was really excellent. A great buy, I'd say.
I agree!
Great review - as always!
I've had my RT85 for two years. It's a great workhorse.
In your live demo, I noticed there wasn't any clicking or popping. That was cool. I'm really getting close to getting into vinyl. Your videos are really enjoyable, and it was cool you, including the set of the Fluance. Awesome!
Hi great interesting video, these are great decks and reasonably prices . Great has a little spirit level . Live the finish . Regards mark
That looks like a fine TT. I appreciate the close-up view of the cartridge.
I'm glad you appreciated the detail!
I notice small details. Like the cat/fox instead of Nipper. @@Recordology
Great review !
I appreciate it!
I currently have a an Audio Technical LP60X. My next turntable will most likely be a Fluance. Thanks for the review.
I started with the AT LP60XBT and upgraded to the RT83 with the Ortofon 2M red. It has a nice warm sound and if you want to upgrade to the 2M blue the cartridge is interchangeable. The only big difference is there is no phono preamp, so you would need an amplifier or a stereo receiver with a phono input.
I purchased the RT81 two years ago. Setting up the cartridge for that model was a nightmare. It required connecting each tonearm wire which were practically single hair thin. They were very delicate, and two were broken. I was furious sent it back, and refunded. This plus model has the tonearm improvement that was desperately needed. However, I own the STANTON STR8-100 Direct Drive, that I purchased years earlier, and it's still in perfectly new condition, and still sounds great. Yes, these Fluence tables are nice, and hefty in weight as is the Stanton, but the plynth isn't real wood as some may think. I've listened to the Fluence, and others too, but none sound any better than my Stanton which can also play 78rpm records. The Shure cartridge I have is the second of two that came with the Stanton along with two headshells. When it's time to replace the Shure which is no longer available, I have the Ortofon 2M Blue to replace it in the future, and for the 78rpm's I have Audio Technica's VM670SP. This Stanton still looks brand new (not even a scratch), still functions perfectly, sounds great, and I'm not parting with it until it doesn't. I just think many of these turntables are just overhyped. My Stanton model was in direct competition with Technics at the time.
It's nice to hear that you have a turntable that you love so much, and are holding on to it. Every audiophile has their favorite!
I retired 2 years ago, wanted a small system for my home office, so I could play my music and not bug my wife. It is a small 10 foot x 11 foot room. So 18 months ago I went Fluance, RT85 > PA10 > AI61 > DB10, after 18 months I am still loving it, the AI61 speakers were just a tad light in the bass for me, so I bought their DB10 sub-woofer, ahhh that was the solution. Doesn’t matter, if I am playing new records, or my 50 year old records they all sound great to me. I went with the Bamboo color.
That sounds like a great setup!
Thank you very much 😊
3:56 oops I threw it away. Time for some dumpster diving!
I’ve had 2 rt82 tables and they are great and their customer service is amazing. One of my tables had a tonearm defect and I sent it in and they fixed it no charge and I had it back in a week. This table is a great entry lvl table. U could upgrade the stylus to the ml stylus or upgrade the cartridge to something like the 2m blue or nagaoka mp-110 and this would be a great mid-fi deck
That’s awesome to hear about their customer service!
I keep a partially unfolded paper clip on hand for pulling the belt over the motor spindle. That way I don't have to worry about getting oil from my fingers on the belt. Also, some manufacturers recommend putting some talc powder on the belt, check with the instructions.
Good tip!
That's why white gloves are included with every table. Besides..... you only have to put the belt on once. How long do you think a couple molecules of "finger oil" are going to last? Remember..... many other tables require you to change the belt position to change speeds.
I have yet to get a Fluance turntable, but I am very interested in having one. I have yet to hear anything bad about them so far.
For the price, Fluance produces excellent turntables. I own the RT-85T, which is the RT-85 with an Ortofon 2M blue cartridge. I love mine.
It looks good with the tinted cover. Heat up the clips with a hair dryer it will help flex them during assembly and avoid cracking stuff. Maybe.
With the slight upgrades I made to my Rt82 I essentially have an Rt83+ with my acrylic mat and 2m silver.
Where is the Effluance brand?😅
Not sure about an Effluance brand. But the same company that owns Fluance also owns Electrohome and Citizen, two other popular Canadian brands.
What did you use to hook the fluance speakers to the tr81
Well known hack - the ribbon attached to the belt is actually to make it easier to mount the belt on the drive pulley. Don't remove it until you have the belt in place and life will be much easier during the mounting process and you won't risk twisting the belt. Also, why on earth would you remove the stylus cover before (a) you mount the cartridge and (b) you balance the tonearm? That plastic cover has virutally no weight and will not impact the balancing of the tonearm, especially on the sub-$1000 turntables. Why risk ruining your brand new stylus before you have even used it?
Due to the magic of editing you can’t see my accidentally pulling the ribbon out….but yes you are correct that’s what it’s for. Other answers for you…the stylus guard being on would in fact impede the balance. Always remove it before setting tracking force - just be careful!
How much does it cost to dampen such a platter with a piece of rubber? And that there is no adjustable tone arm is not future-proof (Vta). You will have to go back to another deck or stay in low end equipment. Vta and dampend platter is the red line I draw here. Signal to noise ratio is also important. Good luck 👍🏼🇹🇷 nice video
Is the built-in preamp any good?
@1547 - Ha! I love it that you call it Smoked after being "called out" that it's called Tinted.
May you do a full in depth review of the LP&NO.1 turntable with wireless bookshelf speakers? I'm planning on getting the light wood color bc it is the cheapest.
Does it play 78
I had to watch again, but where the main bearing lives, is there a screw missing, or is that hole for something else? I see there are three screws around the spindle then this hole to the right of the spindle. What is that?
When are u doing another live?
Hopefully soon! I love doing those!
Slightly off topic any chance you can compare sound quality for AT LP60 vs the Fluance. I know apples oranges but lets hear the difference if we can. Do I want the Fluance RT whatever, or is the Plastic Fantastic worthy of the lower cost.
A closer comparison would be the lp70 and this because they use the same cartridge ( albeit with a different stylus) Either way though I would pick this first, the lp70 second although they all sound great
Do you still have that RT-85N? But yes, Fluance does make some nice looking turntables. I am very tempted to get the RT-85 and use that along side my Technics SL-QL15 linear tracker. Don't really NEED it, but would be neat to have both a "traditional" belt-drive turntable along with a direct-drive linear tracker!
I regret selling my 85….although I was disappointed in the MP-100 cartridge.
@@Recordology Everything that I've seen/read seem to indicate that one is better off getting the RT-85 (non-N) with the Ortofon Blue cartridge. If I decide to "pull the trigger", that is what I will do.
There's one thing that bothers me about acrylic platter mats. If the record is slightly warped and you brush the record it can slip on the mat. But they look cool.
Scuffing? I suppose it could indeed happen.
@3:25 - i was disappointed to not see your 45 adapters pop on the screen lol
We are re-tooling for a new color coming out soon!
Hi RO-Great review! Own a Fluance 81 Elite w Green Audio Tech Cart-An Excellent choice Audio quality is FINE given the Price Point. Quality components IMHO. For Vinyl lovers on a Budget. Mostly buy Used LPs Paired w Sony SS Series Speaker On Sale I have a Decent system without Audio File $nob Prices!
With some.records I've had to increase the tracking force.to prevent the stylus from jumping out of the record grove when I cue the start of the tracks.
Just a question. Like the RT-81, does the manual for the RT81+ do you have to let the turntable run to give the motor a burn in period like the manual of the RT-81 says?
It suggests 24 hours.
@@Recordologyyep I left my RT-81 spinning for that period
His Kylie Minogue records will still sound like the CD's
Nice record player also I got a Sony stereo
Not bad for $300. Tough to even find a new turntable for less that $200 these days.
I know what you mean. The prices are going up.
Do you really trust Fluance to have an accurate cartridge alignment right out of the box? I have a brother-in-law who bought a Fluance turntable and he called me knowing I was a turntable nut saying that the end of his records always sounded distorted. He was getting intergroove distortion. I knew right away what it was. I brought my trusty protractor with me and looked at his turntable and my God it was so off! You could say that maybe shipping caused it to shift but the nuts were really tight so I just think they do a quick deal at the factory and expect us to accept that. Don't accept that, do an alignment on your own. And please use a scale to make sure you're at the right stylus force. Those gram weight indicators are silk screened on and there can be a big difference in what the silkscreen indicator show and what the actual weight is. Records are expensive and precious, verify everything! I can only imagine what a Ortophon 2M Blue would sound like on the turntable!
I had alot of intergroove distortion when I was using an ortofon OM10. I really need to try with aligning and mounting a cheap cart for my first time, because my table and cart is now worth more than I would be comfortable with. When I got an AT VM540ML for an upgrade, it was only another 40 bucks or so premounted, but I have had no issues with innergroove distortion or any issue with tracking at all thankfully. Does make me curious tho
Ya it’s all easily verified and adjusted if need be. Sounds perfect so I’m thinking it’s fine.
I have RT85n With Shimmed RigB9-ATVM95ml and it sounds Great. I use A Dayton Audio HTA-200 tube Hybird Amp.. Very Nice Music come out of this setup.
Sounds like you have a really nice setup!
I have an ATVM95ml on an ATLP120XUSB. The soundstage is just amazing. The detail is the same. Even records that I've had for years I hear things which are not possible on other carts.
20 years, huh? Curious.... I've never seen any other turntable besides the RT's, and I doubt that design is 20 years old.
The first thang to do is upgrade the EN to an ML-the difference is like night and day! Now, if there was only a fully automatic version. Peace.
I have yet to experience anything above an elliptical
👏👏
They are 29 sec time out for auto shut off
that blows a cd player away
The belt looks suspicious
When the needle is in the groove there is just that amount of friction to make sure the speed is accurate.