Fluance RT80 Vinyl Turntable Review and Unboxing
Fluance RT80 Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player: A Comprehensive Review
Welcome to our in-depth Fluance RT80 Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player review. This product is designed for the true audiophile, offering a pure analog listening experience that brings your favorite vinyl records to life. This turntable stands out with its high-performance cartridge, superior record tracking, and captivating signal clarity. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Product Specifications
| Brand | Fluance |
|---|---|
| Connectivity technology | RCA |
| Maximum rotational speed | 45 RPM |
| Included components | RT80 Turntable, Dust Cover, 2x Dust Cover Hinges, Headshell with Audio Technica AT91 Cartridge, Counterweight, Aluminum Platter, Rubber Belt, 45 Adapter, Felt Platter Mat, 3ft RCA Cable With Ground Wire, 5ft 100V – 240V (50/60Hz) AC Power Adapter, Quick Start Guide, Lifetime Customer Support, 2 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty |
| Material | Engineered Wood |
| Item weight | 9.9 Pounds |
| Style | Modern |
| Colour | Piano Black (RT80) |
| Motor type | Belt drive |
| Signal format | Analog |
Design and Quality
The Fluance RT80 is a modern-style turntable that exudes elegance and sophistication. Its sleek black piano finish is a testament to its contemporary design, making it a stylish addition to any room. This isn’t just a device for playing music; it’s a statement piece that reflects your taste and love for the finer things in life. The piano black finish is versatile, blending seamlessly with any decor, whether you have a modern minimalist aesthetic or a more traditional setup.
The turntable’s plinth, or base, is made from engineered wood, adding natural warmth to its overall design. This material choice doesn’t just contribute to the aesthetic appeal of the turntable; it also gives it a sturdy and solid feel. You can tell that this is a well-crafted piece of equipment designed to withstand the test of time. The engineered wood plinth provides a stable platform for the turntable, reducing the risk of skips or jumps when playing your favorite vinyl records.
In addition to its visual appeal and sturdy construction, the Fluance RT80 also incorporates several design features to enhance the listening experience. These include isolation feet, an aluminum platter, and a rubber platter mat. The isolation feet help minimize vibrations, ensuring the sound produced is as clear and pure as possible. The aluminum platter and rubber mat further contribute to vibration isolation, providing a stable and secure platform for your records. These thoughtful design elements show that this turntable is not just about form; it’s about function too.
- PURE ANALOG LISTENING EXPERIENCE - Premium components allow this high fidelity belt driven turntable to recreate the performance the way the artist intended
- HIGH PERFORMANCE CARTRIDGE - The Audio Technica AT91 featuring a diamond tipped stylus is designed to track your record grooves with greater precision & accuracy for high definition audio
- SUPERIOR RECORD TRACKING - Enjoy perfect playback using the balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm ensuring the stylus is rested deep in your record's groove, producing every audio detail indistinguishable from the original recording
- WOOD PLINTH - The beautiful cabinet is crafted from engineered (MDF) wood, incorporates isolation feet, an aluminum platter and a rubber platter mat which results in superior isolation from unwanted vibrations
- CAPTIVATING SIGNAL CLARITY - Incorporating a high quality built-in Texas Instruments preamp, ground terminal and gold plated RCA line outputs that ensures warm, true sound
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Key Features and Functionality
The Fluance RT80 offers a range of features that enhance the user’s listening experience:
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High-Performance Cartridge: The turntable has an Audio Technica AT91 cartridge featuring a diamond-tipped stylus designed to track your record grooves with precision and accuracy for high-definition audio.
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Superior Record Tracking: The balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm ensures the stylus rests deep in your record’s groove, making every audio detail indistinguishable from the original recording.
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Captivating Signal Clarity: The turntable incorporates a high-quality built-in Texas Instruments preamp, ground terminal, and gold-plated RCA line outputs, ensuring warm, true sound.
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Superior Stylus Makes for a Pure Analog Listening Experience Your music will sound richer when the Audio Technica AT91 Stylus rests in the grooves of your favorite vinyl record at a mere 2.0 grams of tracking force. The included conical stylus is renowned for its freedom from noise and distortion, clarity on musical peaks, and channel balance. |
Designed for Serious Performance The crafted wood cabinet reduces vibrations to ensure the stylus provides all of the signal. Sound isolation feet & an aluminum platter significantly reduce reverberation, leaving you with pure stereophonic sound. |
Smooth Playback Ideal for Long Listening Sessions You’ll experience every note thanks to the balanced and adjustable counterweight of the S-Type tonearm. The fluid movement of the bearings within the tonearm coupled with the advanced anti-skating system practically caresses your record, preventing scratching and ensuring the stylus is perfectly rested deep in your record’s groove while splendidly coaxing the music out of your vinyl. |
Comparison with Similar Products
The Fluance RT80 stands out for its high-quality components and superior sound reproduction compared to other turntables in the same price range. The Audio Technica AT91 cartridge is a notable feature not commonly found in other turntables in this price range. The built-in preamp from Texas Instruments is another standout feature, ensuring warm and true sound.
| Turntable | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Fluance RT80 | High fidelity belt driven turntable, Audio Technica AT91 Cartridge, Balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm, Engineered wood plinth, Built-in Texas Instruments preamp |
| Audio-Technica AT-LP3 | Fully automatic belt-drive turntable, Balanced straight tonearm, Dual moving magnet phono cartridge, Built-in switchable phono preamp, Die-cast aluminum platter |
| Pro-Ject Primary E | Manual belt drive turntable, 22cm tonearm and Ortofon MM cartridge, Near-plug-and-play design, Even tonal balance, Clear and clean delivery |
| Rega Planar 1 | Manual belt drive turntable, RB110 tonearm with precision bearings, Rega Carbon cartridge, 24v synchronous AC motor with an aluminium pulley, Thermoset, gloss-laminated plinth |
Each of these turntables has its own unique features and strengths. The Fluance RT80 stands out for its high-fidelity sound reproduction and built-in preamp. The Audio-Technica AT-LP3 is notable for its fully automatic operation and built-in switchable phono preamp. The Pro-Ject Primary E impresses with its easy setup and even tonal balance. Lastly, the Rega Planar 1 is known for its precision bearings and high-quality cartridge.
When choosing a turntable, you must consider your specific needs and preferences, including the type of records you’ll be playing, the sound quality you’re looking for, and your budget.
Compare The Fluance RT80 To Other Fluance Turntables
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-quality components for superior sound reproduction
- Sleek, modern design
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- Some users may prefer a manual turntable
- The piano black finish may show fingerprints and dust
Customer Questions & Answers
Users have praised the Fluance RT80 for its excellent sound quality and easy setup. The turntable’s design has also been lauded, with users appreciating the sleek, modern look. Some users have noted that the automatic start and stop feature is a nice touch, making the turntable easy to use even for vinyl novices.
| Votes | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Does this come with RCA leads or will I need to purchase separately? | Yes, this comes with an RCA interconnect complete with earth strap. <br> – By Trevor on 07 April 2018 |
| 1 | Is this Bluetooth? | No, it doesn’t do Bluetooth! <br> – By Andrew Map on 25 March 2018 |
| 1 | Is this turntable fully automatic? | No, you need to move the tonearm across to the record manually. Will play 33 and 45 RPM. <br> – By RobG on 17 November 2018 |
| 0 | Does this have RCA leads included? Also does the RT80 have the auto stop feature like the RT81 has? Thanks | Yes and yes. I honestly cannot think why people don’t just look up the details for themselves… it’s all on the product website: Fluance RT81 – By Psychic Surfer on 08 April 2018 |
Tips and Tricks
To get the most out of your Fluance RT80, ensure that the turntable is set up on a level surface to prevent any skipping or distortion. Regularly clean your vinyl records and the turntable’s stylus to maintain optimal sound quality.
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Proper Setup: Ensure that the turntable is set up on a level surface. This is crucial for preventing any skipping or distortion during playback. Use a spirit level to check the surface if you’re unsure.
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Regular Cleaning: Maintain optimal sound quality by regularly cleaning both your vinyl records and the turntable’s stylus. Dust and dirt can affect the sound quality and even cause damage over time.
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Handle with Care: Always handle your vinyl records by the edges to avoid getting oils from your fingers on the grooves. This can affect sound quality and cause skipping.
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Use the Right Speed: Remember to set the turntable to the correct speed for the record you’re playing. The Fluance RT80 can play both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records.
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Protect Your Turntable: Use the dust cover when the turntable is not in use. This will protect the turntable from dust and other particles that could affect its performance.
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Upgrade Your Cartridge: If you’re looking for an even better sound quality, consider upgrading the cartridge. The Fluance RT80 comes with a high-quality Audio Technica AT91 Cartridge, but it can be replaced with other compatible cartridges.
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Proper Storage: Store your vinyl records vertically and avoid stacking them on top of each other. This can prevent warping and other damage.
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Avoid Heat and Sunlight: Keep your turntable and vinyl records away from heat sources and direct sunlight. These can cause damage to both the turntable and your records.
FAQ
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Question: Can the Fluance RT80 play 78 RPM records?
Answer: No, the Fluance RT80 is designed to play 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records. -
Question: Does the turntable come with a dust cover?
Answer: Yes, the Fluance RT80 comes with a dust cover to protect the turntable when not in use. -
Question: Can I replace the cartridge on this turntable?
Answer: Yes, the Fluance RT80 comes with an Audio Technica AT91 Cartridge, but it can be replaced with other compatible cartridges for an upgraded listening experience. -
Question: Does the Fluance RT80 have a built-in preamp?
Answer: Yes, the Fluance RT80 features a built-in Texas Instruments preamp, which ensures warm, true sound. -
Question: Can I connect this turntable to my computer for vinyl-to-MP3 conversion?
Answer: The Fluance RT80 does not have a USB output for direct connection to a computer. However, you can connect it to a computer using an external audio interface or a phono preamp with a USB output.
Top Reviews from United Kingdom
| Reviewer | Rating | Title | Review Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graham | 5.0 out of 5 stars | Impressed for price | 1 May 2023 | Looks beautiful in its piano black, set up was easy but upon checking cartridge alignment was out but an easy fix, setting the tracking weight was easy as expected and when checked on a scale was spot on. The built-in phono stage gives a pleasant sound and the build quality is excellent much better than audio technica entry turntables, checking the rpm on the deck showed 33.46 rpm with an app on my phone and a wow of 0.09% though this will be only so accurate. All in all for a lifestyle deck which this is, it’s a fantastic buy the sound is great through my Edifier s1000 speakers so very happy. One thing to note I changed out the platter mat only a basic mat provided but not a deal breaker. |
| Amazon Customer | 4.0 out of 5 stars | Great entry level turntable with impressive dynamics | 1 January 2023 | I’ve not had a turntable in 30+ years so was a little nervous about what to expect. The set up was straightforward and well explained in the manual. I’ve connected the turntable to a pair of Sonos Fives and the sound is warm, punchy and there’s a lovely separation of instruments that you just don’t get from streaming. I like the fact there’s a route to upgrade the stylus and cartridge if needed and it feels well made. I’m delighted. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Fluance RT80 Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player is a high-quality, feature-rich turntable that offers excellent value for money. Its superior sound reproduction, sleek design, and ease of use make it a standout choice for both vinyl novices and seasoned audiophiles. While it has a few minor drawbacks, these do not detract from the overall quality and performance of the turntable. Whether you’re new to vinyl or looking to upgrade your current turntable, the Fluance RT80 is a choice you won’t regret.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.