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Not to mention, it comes with an acrylic mat, bubble level, better AT cartridge than the rt81/82 for under $300 (just found about this new RT81+/elite last week and ordered one just based off of value) Great review! And thanks for bringing this TT to light (at least to TH-cam lol). Highly recommend for the price 100%!
I almost settled on an rt81 right before seeing that they had come out with the 81+. I had looked at the whole line and while I couldn’t justify one of the one’s beyond knowing I didn’t want to go to the trouble of using something without a phono pre amp built in, the other upgrades were really nice. And then boom, like they heard my wishes they said well here’s an 81 with even more value.
I would recommend changing the stylus to the micro linear stylus, this will elevate the sound quality a great deal, and almost eliminate sibilance and inner groove distortion.
I have had the RT 81 for a couple of years now, and I love it! I upgraded to the AT orange stylus, and the Fluance PA 10 phono preamp. I am quite happy with this set up!
For beginners (or audiophiles that want a quality TT for "cheap"), the RT81+ is probably the best bang for your money in Fluance's whole product lineup. You get adjustable feet, an aluminum platter with acrylic mat, a built-in phono preamp, and a slightly better cartridge (imo) than what the RT82 includes for $299?!.... It's a no-brainer. I would only recommend the RT82 over the RT81+ if your plan is to eventually turn it into an RT85 and/or you already own a dedicated preamp. Otherwise, the RT81+ is just going to be better for most people as it's a very well-rounded turn table with great performance for a solid price.
Thanks to your videos, I took the plunge and got a Fluance RT85N and gifted my Sony PS-lx310bt to my sister. Best decision ever, the cost is worth it imo and I’ve gotten enough use out of it the past couple weeks that I’ve had it that I’m confident that it’s going to pay for itself in no time!
Thx Randy, I have owned a RT81 for 5 years for secondary set-up. Love it and last year updated to AT95 ML cartridge that improved it a lot. This new RT 81 Elite seems like an excellent value at $299
Can I just say, I came across your channel because somehow I was looking at this player and your video came up. Your delivery is sublime, it's like being welcomed into a market traders home. Chapeau sir!
I have the RT82B Now I don't know how many 45's you play but I don't know if fluance has fixed the the problem of the turntable slightly slowing down at the end of the record on tight lead in's! What I mean is a short lead out will cause a brief slow down of the platter because the Auto stop function has been detected! I just wonder if they fixed this issue yet!
I purchased the RT85N, and I truly love the turntable. I was in need for a new turntable, and after watching your video on the RT85N, I was sold with no regrets. Thank you for your posts👍👍
I have commented on your livestreams that the Rega Green Line P1 turntable is only £200. If you go for the red gloss finish you get an acrylic P3 plinth and P3 bearing. Comes with a Rega Carbon cartridge. I bought one and it’s a brilliant machine that will destroy any competition anywhere near its price. You can get the plus version with built in phono amp for £230, it’s normally £380 so a massive saving. Rega says that they don’t make anything out of these, they have only done it to use up parts that would have been thrown away, i.e. current models use matt red so they had some gloss ones left.
P1's are $600 in the US so the value equation is quite different here. You could get an RT-85N for $500 US, a Schiit Mani 2 phono preamp for $150 and be well ahead of the P1 and Carbon (A-T 3600) in performance level.
I love the look of these, but god would it be a win if they made a auto return version like audio technica have on the lp3 which is the other player I'm trying to decide between at the moment.
Thanks Randy! Looks like the platters and mats are different also (compared to the RT82), but I don't know which is better. I have the RT80 and bought an additional headshell to mount my old AT95E cartridge - no problems aligning it as Fluance provides adjustment instructions and a printed alignment tool.
I have really enjoyed the Audio Technika AT-95 and the replacement AT-VM95 cartirdges. There are a number of different stylus that you can get for them, I have a slight preference for the Microline (ML) stylus, but the Eliptical (E) is close. I would say for the AT-VM95 is one of the best in that price range out there. Just a note: Make sure you get the RT 81 + Elite to get the one Randy is talking about here. The RT81 Elite doesn't have the adjustable feet the RT 81 + has. That + on the model number is important.
I just had the rt81+ elite turntable delivered. I'm looking to upgrade my speakers. Would you recommend the Fluance Signature series bookshelf speakers (to stay with the same brand, or do you have a better recommendation?) I'd prefer to stay under 500 for a pair. Thank you in advance, and I love your videos, keep doing what you're doing!
Thanks Randy! I’m going to by a fluance to go with my emotiva receiver I bought based on your review (love it!). Speakers are kef ls50 metas. Somewhat related note, I ordered the geshelli dac and wiim mini. Hoping my system makes most music genres sound great! Appreciate you!!
Ive looked at the Fluance tables many times and decided if I wanted or needed a new one they would be the one to buy for my purposes - but I still have s $300 (then) Harman Kardon T40 belt drive with a 2.2 lb. aluminum platter from back in the 80's and the same AT VM95E - ive always been an Audio Technica guy - and its still going strong decades later albiet with new feet, new platter mat (the original one reverted back to its original petrolum oil state -really!), new adjustable feet, a major dust cover rubout and polish and new belts as time has moved on. One thing I like about it is it has auto stop and tonearm lift at end of record, and this can be turned on or off. Its only because I dont think a fluance would be a major improvement on it that I dont buy one, not saying the Fluance is a bad table I really like everything ive seen and heard about them but I guess ive got what I need and no point in buying another.
Hopefully, the RT-86 will have a better cue lever and a pitch control.... and maybe even a tension adjustment on the dust cover so it doesn't have to be opened to nearly 90 degrees to stay up.
i got a RT82 in white and it looks fantastic and i love it, im no audiophile i just like a nice looking record player and good music another thing i like is they're called 81,82,83,84 which is a chorus in one of my favourite songs by by favourite bands (simple minds, new gold dream) 😂
I have the regular RT81 and I've heard that the AT-VM95ML/H (with the head shell) is an good upgrade. Does anybody have an experience with it? And if so, how hard is it to replace it? Thank you
I have the vm95ml running on my technics sl1200, I used to run the 95E, and though the 95E is a good sounding cartridge the vm95ml is in a whole different league. The 95ML is a micro linear naked cartridge rated at 1000 hours of play compared to the 300 hours on the 95E, also if you already have the 95E mounted and yiu want to get the 95ML all you need to do is purchase the 95ml stylus and just replace the 95E.
I bought the rt81+ that i saw listed below in the rt 81 elite as a newer model was selling for $239 ($299 now) came with acrylic mat not acrylic platter adjustable feet 5 options for finish and an upgraded at95vm cartridge so there is some cofusion between the elite and the + model but at $239 i jumped on it there were 0 reviews at the time so i must have been one of the first to notice this newer model. And for the $60 savings im grateful, So fluance has 3 rt81 model's so study what your ordering before you hit the buy button or you may be unhappy 5 days later when it arrives. Mine showed up in 5 days in perfect condition. And im very happy with it
Would you recommend over a direct-drive audio technica 120xusb? I want upgrade turntable as my first one was a shitty Lenco with included speakers so you can imagine…
I would probably have bought the RT82 if they had a matt black option, but the RT81+ Elite won out because of the matt black and the acrylic mat. So 2 mat's for the win lol.
Question ... between this and the audio technica LP3XBT which are same price, do you see major differences other than bluetooth? I kind want bluetooth so I could use earbuds when needed. What you think? Thank you for your videos.
Looks like a good value for sure. Would be interesting to see how it compares to some entry level Pro-jects. Also, was gona ask how the AT cartridge compares to the Ortofon Red (which I'm not a fan of for the price) so thanks for mentioning that.
I wanted to buy another turntable to go along with my Pioneer PL-518. I research the specs and I see my 1979 Pioneer wow/flutter = 0.03. RT81 wow/flutter = 0.2. That's a big difference. Will I hear it?
A disappointing upgrade, was hoping for an RT86, either direct drive, or automatic. The RT81+ really what only the acrylic turntable Matt, and the VM95E which that had to go to, cause the one on the RT81 is being discontinued, very disappointing indeed. Well I am happy with my RT85 anyways.
Hi Randy, hope you're having a good morning! I personally prefer Audio Technica turntables. Such as the lp120X & lp5. But this was still entertaining & I'm glad your talking more about turntables finally! 😅👍🏻
ha ha ha, you always bring a smile to my face. I discovered the channel about 20 days ago and I binged the whole bussiness. not only very informative an accessible but a lot of fun. I love the film references and the metal part of the intro with the animated stuff is plain awsome. Keep on the good work dude
I bought a Fluence used on ebay and I couldn't get it to work. I tried everything, still the same: no music. Finally someone asked, what kind of cartridge you got. I said I didn't know I needed a cartridge. He said that's what reads the music and turns it into signals. I'm like, I didn't know I needed a cartride, dude. Well that was the problem, after that it worked fine.
I have the Wiim amp and I want to get back into vinyl. I am considering the RT 81 Elite and I am confused by the fact that it has a ground wire. Does the TT need to be grounded if I am using the built in phono pre amp? If so, how would I ground it to the Wiim which does not have a grounding post? Should I get the RT 82 and go with a separate phono pre amp to eliminate the need to ground directly to the Wiim? If so, can you recommend a good, inexpensive phono pre amp? Thanks!
@@waynethompson4315 I recently got the 85, I'm using a Fosi X2 phono preamp (paid $90 cad) and it's great. I grounded the preamp to the turntable. Also using the Wiim Amp. If you have a built in phono I don't see why you'd need to ground it.
@@Anarchaotically thanks for the reply. After doing more research I am planning on going with a TT and a separate phono pre amp for the improved sound quality. Now I just need to decide which TT and which amp.
Mind reader, I need a turntable to replace my CS2110… just pulled it out of storage , been more than 5 years, largely because of you, appreciate your reviews and opinions, am Canadian and have recently supported FLUANCE, I have $1500CDN to spend, so many possibilities?? Thx
The whole phone pre-Amp built in vs separate vs receiver etc is always been confusing as to what to look for spec wise? Saving up for a fluance 82 with the ortofon and f a pine tree hadn't come down in my yard would have already bought one elite is something I'll have to look at. Thanks for the review
I swear too you, I just got an RT81... i actually meant to get an 82, but i think I'm plenty happy with the 81, thought the elite would have been nice.
Thx Randy. Bought an RT85 1 year ago. Recently had a problem with inconsistent rpm. I sent a text to Fluance and they told me to take a couple EASY steps which corrected the problem immediately. They have since contacted me twice to make sure all is well. VERY PLEASED with my turntable AND the customer service!!
The cueing-arm damping failed on my RT81 and Fluance's recommended oiling procedure did not make any difference. Fluance then said I had to buy a whole new tonearm assembly, but oops, they no longer sell it (same tonearm as the RT80, BTW). So BUYER BEWARE with Fluance, they talk a good game but can't deliver when you need support.
So I live in Japan and only really have access to brands that are widely available in Asia (TEAC, AT, Victor/JVC, etc…). I’d love to see you take a look at these brands that are a bit more obscure these days in the west (aside from AT that is). I’m just getting back into final and love the content! Thanks! I have a TEAC TN 3b-se for reference.
@@Bumerang378 it’s pretty good so far! I’ve only had it for a few months but I’ve had no issues. Upgraded from an atlp60x. Just wanted something with heftier build quality. The ATVM95E stylus produces quality sound, and the motor seems to be running silky smooth. My only concern is that the die cast aluminum platter does have more resonance than I would like. I haven’t noticed it during playback but it does RING like a gong when you suspend it from your finger and tap it. Overall though it’s been good for the price (¥44000 or $320). I pair it with a Denon N10 receiver ($500), the stock speakers that came with it (receiver), and a Fosi Box X2 external preamp ($50). All in all, the TEAC is a great addition to my preexisting system.
Enjoy your channel Randy, but I feel you made a misleading comment when discussing the auto-stop feature. A stylus will not last thousands of hours. If you have perfectly clean records and a perfectly aligned cartridge in a high quality arm, you might get 1,000 hours max. - but only if your cartridges has an advanced stylus profile like micro line or line contact. An elliptical stylus (as in the AT 95E), is good for 300 hours. You mentioned Nagaoka MP110. Nagaoka recommend a maximum of 200 hours for their elliptical stylii!
As far as the platter goes, no. The RT-81 elite's belt drive is under the platter, as the RT-82 is external. However, I think the RT-81 elite is a great deal for one and done setup, but still give you the option to upgrade the stylus. I would honestly recommend getting the RT-85, because once you upgrade the stylus on the RT-81 to a higher end stylus, the Ortofon Blue for example, you are now at the $500 mark. At that point, it is more economical to get the RT-85, which comes with the upgraded motor, the Ortofon Blue stylus and an acrylic platter.
Only their 82-85s are interchangeable with other Fluance upgrades I believe. They’re made with the same build to allow for the customization at your own discretion if and when you feel you want it.
Randy, from the comments here, it looks like u need some clarification on model numbers (maybe pinned to the top). We all get 81 versus 81 elite from the video, but there is also an 81+ that your word overlays on the video reference. I understand it’s a mess, but 81+ versus 81 elite May cause even more confusion. Happy trails!
Are you serious when you say you can switch out cartridges in 10 seconds? You have to remove the old one, fit the new one and then check the alignment and weighting. How do you do all that in 10 seconds? Can the cartridges throughout the Fluance range be similarly switched in 10 secs?
Maybe the focus should be on the care of records by the record player, not just the person controlling it, since collecting records is an expensive proposition. I think it would be important to have a turntable with a tonearm/cartridge combination & setup that won’t wear out those records prematurely, which, in my mind, requires more than a budget turntable.. anybody who’s serious about record collecting should be wanting to protect their investment. Surely, with a 1.5-2 gram tracking force, you would think that’s good enough, but it’s more complicated than just tracking force.
@@dangerzone007 a danger, they always used to teach back in the analog days that all it takes is one play of poor tracking to destroy your groove. Careful as you go..
Turntables are works of art and precision. I just hate vinyl. My wife surprised me with a CD player in 1985 and I was hooked for life. I sold most of my vinyl and packed my turntable away.
There is no reason to buy this new Fluance over the RT82. The cartridge and servo motor on the 82 win with low wow and flutter stats! I don’t understand this move by Fluance at all
My First investment with Mrs Mary Margaret Schimweg gave me $186,000 and that has made me to continue investing without fear. I got three of my friends that I referred to her and they're making profits just like me. May God bless Mrs Mary Margaret Schimweg
VERY disappointed in the RT85. Counterweight will not balance the arm, the antiskate is wildly miscalibrated, no response from Fluance regarding these issues.
I quit using my Fluance RT85. I had lots of tonearm/cueing issues. It's a gorgeous turntable but Fluance needs to invest more quality into the tonearm and mechanism. I have gone all vintage in my setup and am MUCH happier with my Realistic LAB 400.
@@shipsahoy1793 Mmhm. I had to switch to the next-heavier counterweight for my ProJect Essential III when I upgraded from an Ortofon OM10 to an AT-VM95EN. That's a possibility.
If you checked them out only recently you may be getting the 81+ confused with the 81. The 81+ is the only one to come out with an acrylic mat and it’s really recent.
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And now the new rt81p with the acrylic platter adjustable 3 feet for $239
Oh I forgot new finishes Matt black Matt white and natural walnut
Not to mention, it comes with an acrylic mat, bubble level, better AT cartridge than the rt81/82 for under $300 (just found about this new RT81+/elite last week and ordered one just based off of value) Great review! And thanks for bringing this TT to light (at least to TH-cam lol). Highly recommend for the price 100%!
I almost settled on an rt81 right before seeing that they had come out with the 81+. I had looked at the whole line and while I couldn’t justify one of the one’s beyond knowing I didn’t want to go to the trouble of using something without a phono pre amp built in, the other upgrades were really nice. And then boom, like they heard my wishes they said well here’s an 81 with even more value.
I would recommend changing the stylus to the micro linear stylus, this will elevate the sound quality a great deal, and almost eliminate sibilance and inner groove distortion.
I have had the RT 81 for a couple of years now, and I love it! I upgraded to the AT orange stylus, and the Fluance PA 10 phono preamp. I am quite happy with this set up!
For beginners (or audiophiles that want a quality TT for "cheap"), the RT81+ is probably the best bang for your money in Fluance's whole product lineup. You get adjustable feet, an aluminum platter with acrylic mat, a built-in phono preamp, and a slightly better cartridge (imo) than what the RT82 includes for $299?!.... It's a no-brainer.
I would only recommend the RT82 over the RT81+ if your plan is to eventually turn it into an RT85 and/or you already own a dedicated preamp. Otherwise, the RT81+ is just going to be better for most people as it's a very well-rounded turn table with great performance for a solid price.
Thanks to your videos, I took the plunge and got a Fluance RT85N and gifted my Sony PS-lx310bt to my sister. Best decision ever, the cost is worth it imo and I’ve gotten enough use out of it the past couple weeks that I’ve had it that I’m confident that it’s going to pay for itself in no time!
I'm also looking at something called the RT81+ now.
Thx Randy, I have owned a RT81 for 5 years for secondary set-up. Love it and last year updated to AT95 ML cartridge that improved it a lot. This new RT 81 Elite seems like an excellent value at $299
Can I just say, I came across your channel because somehow I was looking at this player and your video came up. Your delivery is sublime, it's like being welcomed into a market traders home. Chapeau sir!
I have the RT82B Now I don't know how many 45's you play but I don't know if fluance has fixed the the problem of the turntable slightly slowing down at the end of the record on tight lead in's! What I mean is a short lead out will cause a brief slow down of the platter because the Auto stop function has been detected! I just wonder if they fixed this issue yet!
I purchased the RT85N, and I truly love the turntable. I was in need for a new turntable, and after watching your video on the RT85N, I was sold with no regrets. Thank you for your posts👍👍
Morning Randy hope you and your family are doing great😁😁😁😁😁 and wish the best to your viewers
I have commented on your livestreams that the Rega Green Line P1 turntable is only £200. If you go for the red gloss finish you get an acrylic P3 plinth and P3 bearing. Comes with a Rega Carbon cartridge. I bought one and it’s a brilliant machine that will destroy any competition anywhere near its price. You can get the plus version with built in phono amp for £230, it’s normally £380 so a massive saving. Rega says that they don’t make anything out of these, they have only done it to use up parts that would have been thrown away, i.e. current models use matt red so they had some gloss ones left.
P1's are $600 in the US so the value equation is quite different here. You could get an RT-85N for $500 US, a Schiit Mani 2 phono preamp for $150 and be well ahead of the P1 and Carbon (A-T 3600) in performance level.
@@dangerzone007 it is but it’s a great starter
I love the look of these, but god would it be a win if they made a auto return version like audio technica have on the lp3 which is the other player I'm trying to decide between at the moment.
Thank you! Excellent review that helped me decide. Keep it up!
Thanks Randy! Looks like the platters and mats are different also (compared to the RT82), but I don't know which is better. I have the RT80 and bought an additional headshell to mount my old AT95E cartridge - no problems aligning it as Fluance provides adjustment instructions and a printed alignment tool.
I have really enjoyed the Audio Technika AT-95 and the replacement AT-VM95 cartirdges. There are a number of different stylus that you can get for them, I have a slight preference for the Microline (ML) stylus, but the Eliptical (E) is close. I would say for the AT-VM95 is one of the best in that price range out there.
Just a note: Make sure you get the RT 81 + Elite to get the one Randy is talking about here. The RT81 Elite doesn't have the adjustable feet the RT 81 + has. That + on the model number is important.
Great video. I have the rt85n. love it. What i did was replace the feet with SVS sound path isolation feet. Looks really cool.
I just had the rt81+ elite turntable delivered. I'm looking to upgrade my speakers. Would you recommend the Fluance Signature series bookshelf speakers (to stay with the same brand, or do you have a better recommendation?) I'd prefer to stay under 500 for a pair. Thank you in advance, and I love your videos, keep doing what you're doing!
Thanks Randy! I’m going to by a fluance to go with my emotiva receiver I bought based on your review (love it!). Speakers are kef ls50 metas. Somewhat related note, I ordered the geshelli dac and wiim mini. Hoping my system makes most music genres sound great! Appreciate you!!
Ive looked at the Fluance tables many times and decided if I wanted or needed a new one they would be the one to buy for my purposes - but I still have s $300 (then) Harman Kardon T40 belt drive with a 2.2 lb. aluminum platter from back in the 80's and the same AT VM95E - ive always been an Audio Technica guy - and its still going strong decades later albiet with new feet, new platter mat (the original one reverted back to its original petrolum oil state -really!), new adjustable feet, a major dust cover rubout and polish and new belts as time has moved on. One thing I like about it is it has auto stop and tonearm lift at end of record, and this can be turned on or off. Its only because I dont think a fluance would be a major improvement on it that I dont buy one, not saying the Fluance is a bad table I really like everything ive seen and heard about them but I guess ive got what I need and no point in buying another.
Recommendations for a budget amp and budget speakers to pair with a Fluance? Thanks!
Hopefully, the RT-86 will have a better cue lever and a pitch control.... and maybe even a tension adjustment on the dust cover so it doesn't have to be opened to nearly 90 degrees to stay up.
i got a RT82 in white and it looks fantastic and i love it, im no audiophile i just like a nice looking record player and good music
another thing i like is they're called 81,82,83,84 which is a chorus in one of my favourite songs by by favourite bands (simple minds, new gold dream) 😂
Ok i give up either amazons messing up or fluance but now im finding the plus has the at-vmn95 cartridge all i can say is do the research.
I have the regular RT81 and I've heard that the AT-VM95ML/H (with the head shell) is an good upgrade. Does anybody have an experience with it? And if so, how hard is it to replace it? Thank you
I have the vm95ml running on my technics sl1200, I used to run the 95E, and though the 95E is a good sounding cartridge the vm95ml is in a whole different league. The 95ML is a micro linear naked cartridge rated at 1000 hours of play compared to the 300 hours on the 95E, also if you already have the 95E mounted and yiu want to get the 95ML all you need to do is purchase the 95ml stylus and just replace the 95E.
Of course Fluance has started coming out with new models. I just bought my RT85 a couple of months ago. 😀
How does it compare to the Audio Technica 120 BX
I bought the rt81+ that i saw listed below in the rt 81 elite as a newer model was selling for $239 ($299 now) came with acrylic mat not acrylic platter adjustable feet 5 options for finish and an upgraded at95vm cartridge so there is some cofusion between the elite and the + model but at $239 i jumped on it there were 0 reviews at the time so i must have been one of the first to notice this newer model. And for the $60 savings im grateful, So fluance has 3 rt81 model's so study what your ordering before you hit the buy button or you may be unhappy 5 days later when it arrives. Mine showed up in 5 days in perfect condition. And im very happy with it
Would you recommend over a direct-drive audio technica 120xusb? I want upgrade turntable as my first one was a shitty Lenco with included speakers so you can imagine…
Is the arm made of steel or plastic like the rt81?
@luxuryfood3810 it's aluminum I believe. Has no USB if you are needing that look elsewhere.
@@larryh.4629 you think is better than the audio technica? Is it very noisy?
I would probably have bought the RT82 if they had a matt black option, but the RT81+ Elite won out because of the matt black and the acrylic mat. So 2 mat's for the win lol.
Question ... between this and the audio technica LP3XBT which are same price, do you see major differences other than bluetooth? I kind want bluetooth so I could use earbuds when needed. What you think? Thank you for your videos.
Looks like a good value for sure. Would be interesting to see how it compares to some entry level Pro-jects.
Also, was gona ask how the AT cartridge compares to the Ortofon Red (which I'm not a fan of for the price) so thanks for mentioning that.
I wanted to buy another turntable to go along with my Pioneer PL-518. I research the specs and I see my 1979 Pioneer wow/flutter = 0.03. RT81 wow/flutter = 0.2. That's a big difference. Will I hear it?
You sound like Phil Dumphy . Thanks for the review, you confirmed my choice , buying it !!!!
Does it have preamp included? Could it be better than the audio technica 120xusb?
A disappointing upgrade, was hoping for an RT86, either direct drive, or automatic. The RT81+ really what only the acrylic turntable Matt, and the VM95E which that had to go to, cause the one on the RT81 is being discontinued, very disappointing indeed. Well I am happy with my RT85 anyways.
So sorry i misspoke it does have the at95e cartridge
Wish they put this cartridge on the RT-82
Hi Randy, hope you're having a good morning! I personally prefer Audio Technica turntables. Such as the lp120X & lp5. But this was still entertaining & I'm glad your talking more about turntables finally! 😅👍🏻
You think this one is better than the 120xusb? I am between this new one and the audio technica.
ha ha ha, you always bring a smile to my face. I discovered the channel about 20 days ago and I binged the whole bussiness. not only very informative an accessible but a lot of fun. I love the film references and the metal part of the intro with the animated stuff is plain awsome. Keep on the good work dude
Thanks Randy
I bought a Fluence used on ebay and I couldn't get it to work. I tried everything, still the same: no music. Finally someone asked, what kind of cartridge you got. I said I didn't know I needed a cartridge. He said that's what reads the music and turns it into signals. I'm like, I didn't know I needed a cartride, dude. Well that was the problem, after that it worked fine.
I have the Wiim amp and I want to get back into vinyl. I am considering the RT 81 Elite and I am confused by the fact that it has a ground wire. Does the TT need to be grounded if I am using the built in phono pre amp? If so, how would I ground it to the Wiim which does not have a grounding post? Should I get the RT 82 and go with a separate phono pre amp to eliminate the need to ground directly to the Wiim? If so, can you recommend a good, inexpensive phono pre amp? Thanks!
@@waynethompson4315 I recently got the 85, I'm using a Fosi X2 phono preamp (paid $90 cad) and it's great. I grounded the preamp to the turntable. Also using the Wiim Amp.
If you have a built in phono I don't see why you'd need to ground it.
@@Anarchaotically thanks for the reply. After doing more research I am planning on going with a TT and a separate phono pre amp for the improved sound quality. Now I just need to decide which TT and which amp.
Mind reader, I need a turntable to replace my CS2110… just pulled it out of storage , been more than 5 years, largely because of you, appreciate your reviews and opinions, am Canadian and have recently supported FLUANCE, I have $1500CDN to spend, so many possibilities?? Thx
The whole phone pre-Amp built in vs separate vs receiver etc is always been confusing as to what to look for spec wise? Saving up for a fluance 82 with the ortofon and f a pine tree hadn't come down in my yard would have already bought one elite is something I'll have to look at. Thanks for the review
I swear too you, I just got an RT81... i actually meant to get an 82, but i think I'm plenty happy with the 81, thought the elite would have been nice.
Thx Randy. Bought an RT85 1 year ago. Recently had a problem with inconsistent rpm.
I sent a text to Fluance and they told me to take a couple EASY steps which corrected the problem immediately. They have since contacted me twice to make sure all is well.
VERY PLEASED with my turntable AND the customer service!!
The cueing-arm damping failed on my RT81 and Fluance's recommended oiling procedure did not make any difference. Fluance then said I had to buy a whole new tonearm assembly, but oops, they no longer sell it (same tonearm as the RT80, BTW). So BUYER BEWARE with Fluance, they talk a good game but can't deliver when you need support.
So I live in Japan and only really have access to brands that are widely available in Asia (TEAC, AT, Victor/JVC, etc…). I’d love to see you take a look at these brands that are a bit more obscure these days in the west (aside from AT that is). I’m just getting back into final and love the content! Thanks!
I have a TEAC TN 3b-se for reference.
How's the Teac tn-3b in your experience
@@Bumerang378 it’s pretty good so far! I’ve only had it for a few months but I’ve had no issues. Upgraded from an atlp60x. Just wanted something with heftier build quality. The ATVM95E stylus produces quality sound, and the motor seems to be running silky smooth. My only concern is that the die cast aluminum platter does have more resonance than I would like. I haven’t noticed it during playback but it does RING like a gong when you suspend it from your finger and tap it. Overall though it’s been good for the price (¥44000 or $320). I pair it with a Denon N10 receiver ($500), the stock speakers that came with it (receiver), and a Fosi Box X2 external preamp ($50). All in all, the TEAC is a great addition to my preexisting system.
@@quitefranklyjosh what would you say about quality and how motor works
Some good options especially at the price points. Nice work Randy.
Enjoy your channel Randy, but I feel you made a misleading comment when discussing the auto-stop feature. A stylus will not last thousands of hours. If you have perfectly clean records and a perfectly aligned cartridge in a high quality arm, you might get 1,000 hours max. - but only if your cartridges has an advanced stylus profile like micro line or line contact.
An elliptical stylus (as in the AT 95E), is good for 300 hours. You mentioned Nagaoka MP110. Nagaoka recommend a maximum of 200 hours for their elliptical stylii!
The Qup, works great on my ProJect. Looks cheap but very functional. Great vlog, thanks
Is the RT81 Elite upgradeable like the RT82? i.e. acrylic platter
As far as the platter goes, no. The RT-81 elite's belt drive is under the platter, as the RT-82 is external. However, I think the RT-81 elite is a great deal for one and done setup, but still give you the option to upgrade the stylus. I would honestly recommend getting the RT-85, because once you upgrade the stylus on the RT-81 to a higher end stylus, the Ortofon Blue for example, you are now at the $500 mark. At that point, it is more economical to get the RT-85, which comes with the upgraded motor, the Ortofon Blue stylus and an acrylic platter.
Only their 82-85s are interchangeable with other Fluance upgrades I believe. They’re made with the same build to allow for the customization at your own discretion if and when you feel you want it.
Is that a Goldring E4 (spoiler alert) I spotted on your headshell?
If you have the money, the Rega P1 is all the starter turntable you will need. Not sure if you can get them in the US.😀
Randy, from the comments here, it looks like u need some clarification on model numbers (maybe pinned to the top). We all get 81 versus 81 elite from the video, but there is also an 81+ that your word overlays on the video reference. I understand it’s a mess, but 81+ versus 81 elite May cause even more confusion. Happy trails!
Are you serious when you say you can switch out cartridges in 10 seconds? You have to remove the old one, fit the new one and then check the alignment and weighting. How do you do all that in 10 seconds? Can the cartridges throughout the Fluance range be similarly switched in 10 secs?
Am I imagining things, or does the Fluance website say that it includes an acrylic platter mat too? That's a big plus if that's the case.
That’s the new 81+
Amazon says they are made in Taiwan.
Junk
Maybe the focus should be on the care of records by the record player, not just the person controlling it, since collecting records is an expensive proposition.
I think it would be important to have a turntable with a tonearm/cartridge combination & setup that won’t wear out those records prematurely, which, in my mind, requires more than a budget turntable.. anybody who’s serious about record collecting should be wanting to protect their investment. Surely, with a 1.5-2 gram tracking force, you would think that’s good enough, but it’s more complicated than just tracking force.
@@dangerzone007 a danger, they always used to teach back in the analog days that all it takes is one play of poor tracking to destroy your groove.
Careful as you go..
today Jul 26, 250 US on amazon
What is $250 USD on Amazon ?
I have the rt85 the auto stop works in about 1 out of 20 albums, do I care not really
So…. Now there are reviews for something you don’t actually have first hand experience? I still love your channel. Ft. Worth’s forts stick together.
Way, WAY, better than the Effluence Bu77 2K.
Turntables are works of art and precision. I just hate vinyl. My wife surprised me with a CD player in 1985 and I was hooked for life. I sold most of my vinyl and packed my turntable away.
Sorry, but fluance is charging 1000 NZD (that's 620 usd) for shipping to New Zealand that's ridiculous
There is no reason to buy this new Fluance over the RT82. The cartridge and servo motor on the 82 win with low wow and flutter stats! I don’t understand this move by Fluance at all
I think maybe you get access to the AT VM95 range of styli, which I personally prefer to the Ortofon range, soundwise.
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The best thing l've seen today on TH-cam thanks a lot
VERY disappointed in the RT85. Counterweight will not balance the arm, the antiskate is wildly miscalibrated, no response from Fluance regarding these issues.
Are you sure the cartridge you are using isn’t out of the weight range allowed according to the specs?
I quit using my Fluance RT85. I had lots of tonearm/cueing issues. It's a gorgeous turntable but Fluance needs to invest more quality into the tonearm and mechanism. I have gone all vintage in my setup and am MUCH happier with my Realistic LAB 400.
@@shipsahoy1793 Mmhm. I had to switch to the next-heavier counterweight for my ProJect Essential III when I upgraded from an Ortofon OM10 to an AT-VM95EN. That's a possibility.
@@phen277 lol I know it’s a possibility or I wouldn’t have mentioned it😉
@@shipsahoy1793 I was just reinforcing your mention. Good job.
1 cheap motor for whole line?
How much they pay you
Forgive me if I'm wrong, but the Elite comes with an acrylic mat, where the original comes with rubber.
The RT 85 has an acrylic platter, the mats are rubber on the cheaper Fluance RT players.
If you checked them out only recently you may be getting the 81+ confused with the 81. The 81+ is the only one to come out with an acrylic mat and it’s really recent.
@@SunnyGoesIn1D why is there an 81, an 81 elite, and an 81 plus ?! .. how does Fluance decide these model names lol