Fluance RT81 Vinyl Turntable Review
In our Fluance RT81 Record Player Review, we unravel the allure of nostalgia that fills the room the moment a vinyl record starts to spin on this exquisite piece of technology. The Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player encapsulates this timeless essence, beautifully merged with modern technology to deliver a rich, pure sound that resonates authentically as the artist intended. This turntable doesn’t just play music; it transports you back in time while maintaining the crisp clarity that modern audio technology demands. The design blends classic aesthetics with modern simplicity, making it a visually appealing piece of art that stands out in any setting.
Diving deeper into the heart of the RT81, we have explored its design, quality, and functionality, assessing how it measures up against other record players in the market. The marriage of a vintage vibe with modern technology sets it apart, offering a unique experience to the vinyl enthusiast. The RT81 is not just about playing records; it’s about experiencing music in its most authentic form. Its design exudes sophistication, while the quality of materials and sound output showcases the meticulous attention to detail that went into creating this turntable. As we delve further into its features in this review, the Fluance RT81 is a harmonious blend of style, quality, and performance, making a solid case for its place in the modern audiophile collection.
Key Features and Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Fluance |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 45 RPM |
| Included Components | RT81 Turntable, Dust Cover, 45 Adapter, Rubber Platter Mat, 3ft RCA With Ground Wire, 100V – 240V (50/60Hz) AC Power Adapter, Quick Start Guide, Lifetime Customer Support, 2 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty |
| Material | Engineered Wood |
| Item Weight | 14.1 Pounds |
| Style | Modern |
| Colour | Walnut |
| Motor Type | Belt Drive |
| Signal Format | Analog |
Product Summary
The Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player is an exquisite blend of nostalgic essence and modern technology, providing an authentic vinyl listening experience. The turntable’s design is a captivating mixture of classic and contemporary aesthetics, with a walnut finish on a solid audio-grade (MDF) wood cabinet that not only looks sophisticated but significantly minimizes vibrations. It boasts a belt-driven motor, ensuring reduced noise and smooth playback. It has a high-performance Audio Technica AT95E cartridge with a diamond elliptical-tipped stylus for precise tracking and high-definition audio. The balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm, coupled with an adjustable counterweight and advanced anti-skating system, ensures superior record tracking, delivering every audio detail as the artist intended.
The Fluance RT81 doesn’t just stand out for its design; it’s the superior sound clarity that sets it apart from competitors. The built-in Texas Instruments preamp, gold-plated RCA line outputs, and a ground terminal ensure warm, authentic sound, embodying a pure analog listening experience. The package comes with an array of essential accessories, including a dust cover, 45 adapter, rubber platter mat, and a 3ft RCA cable with ground wire, among others, facilitating a straightforward setup. This turntable is a solid choice for both vinyl enthusiasts and those looking to delve into the vinyl world, offering a blend of style, quality, and exceptional sound performance. The Fluance RT81 is a worthy investment for the avid music lover, promising countless hours of musical enjoyment.
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A Look at Design and Quality
Material and Build
The Fluance RT81 exudes an aura of sophistication right from the first glance. With a walnut finish on its solid audio-grade (MDF) wood cabinet, it not only looks exquisite but also plays a crucial role in minimizing vibrations. The high-mass MDF wood plinth is a testament to quality, ensuring superior isolation from unwanted micro-vibrations.
Modern Yet Classic
Its style is modern, yet it retains a classic appeal with its belt-driven motor, known for reducing noise and ensuring smooth play. The walnut color adds a touch of elegance, making it a stylish addition to any room.
Delving into the Features
The RT81 isn’t just a pretty face; it’s packed with features that enhance the vinyl listening experience.
Superior Record Tracking
- Tonearm: The balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm ensures the stylus rests deep in your record’s groove.
- Counterweight: The adjustable counterweight and advanced anti-skating system ensure smooth tracking.
High-Performance Cartridge
- Cartridge: Comes with an Audio Technica AT95E cartridge that boasts a diamond elliptical tipped stylus.
- Performance: Designed for high-definition audio and precise tracking.
Captivating Signal Clarity
- Preamp: High-quality built-in Texas Instruments preamp.
- Outputs: Gold-plated RCA line outputs ensure warm, accurate sound.
Additional Features
- Connectivity: Wired connectivity offers a reliable, uninterrupted sound transmission.
- Rotational Speed: A maximum rotational speed of 45 RPM.
- 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 AT95E featuring a diamond elliptical 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
- HIGH MASS MDF WOOD PLINTH - The beautiful walnut finished cabinet is crafted from solid 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
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Superior Stylus Makes for a Pure Analog Listening Experience Your music will sound richer when the Audio Technica AT95E stylus rests in the grooves of your favorite vinyl record at a mere 2.0 grams of tracking force. The upgraded elliptical stylus is renowned for its freedom from noise and distortion, clarity on musical peaks, and channel balance. |
Premium Components Captivating signal clarity is produced with a high quality Texas Instruments preamp, ground terminal and gold plated RCA line outputs that ensures high fidelity sound in its truest form. |
Designed for Serious Performance The walnut finished cabinet is crafted from solid audio-grade (MDF) wood which reduces vibrations to ensure the stylus provides the best possible signal. Sound isolation feet, an aluminum platter and a Rubber Platter Mat significantly reduce reverberation, leaving you with pure stereophonic sound. |
Best Selling Fluance Vinyl Record Players
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Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sound Quality: Exceptional sound quality thanks to premium components.
- Design: Beautiful walnut finish with a solid build.
- Easy Setup: Comes with a quick start guide, making setup a breeze.
Cons
- Price: Slightly pricier than some other models, but justified by the quality.
Why Choose the Fluance RT81?
The Fluance RT81 transcends ordinary record players with its high-quality construction and superior sound clarity. While slightly pricier, the quality justifies the investment, making it a valuable addition for vinyl enthusiasts.
User Experiences and Testimonials
Many users have lauded the RT81’s exceptional sound quality and robust build. The ease of setup and the aesthetic appeal are also frequently mentioned in positive reviews.
| Reviewer | Rating | Review Date | Colour | Review Title | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mel Kettle | 5.0 out of 5 stars | 24 August 2023 | Walnut | Great no-frills quality turntable… | Bought this to replace a Project T1, could not get on with it at all…….so back to Amazon it went. This is great, a no-frills, quality, turntable…….for a decent price. Thats not to say its not good though, the sound through the Audio Technica stylus is fantastic, very detailed and a decent bit of ooomph to it. The build quality is spot on, the walnut effect looks lovely (the Project- gorgeous though it looked- felt so lightweight and flimsy, just touching it caused it to move, this is a solid chunker of a plinth). If I wanted to quibble, one detail I would like to see is the arm return back to the rest at the end of the side, but that is a minor thing, just means I will have to get off my arse a bit more sharpish to turn the record over. So all in all very happy with my purchase and would recomend this turntable whole-heartilly. |
| Dillon | 4.0 out of 5 stars | 17 August 2023 | Walnut | Well made entry level turntable | Firstly the item arrived quickly and was well packaged, first problem was the box indicated that it was a piano black unit, I ordered walnut, well I took the plunge and opened the box and found a walnut unit as ordered, nearly sent it back without opening the box. As for the turntable it goes together easy enough comes with the old version of the audio technica AT95E good all round cartridge but not as good as the VM95 E a good upgrade for the future. The on board pre amp and auto stop are nice inclusions and makes this pretty much a plug and play turntable. Sound quality on par with most entry level turntables at this price range. The audio technica lp120 usb X slightly more expensive but comes with more whilstes and flutes but is more DJ orientated. Summing up good turntable nice walnut finish at a good entry price. |
Tips and Tricks
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Utilize the Quick Start Guide: The included quick start guide is a valuable resource for hassle-free setup. Following it step by step will ensure that your turntable is set up correctly and ready to play your favorite vinyl records in no time.
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Place on a Stable Surface: Ensure that the turntable is placed on a flat, stable surface to prevent any skipping or jumping of the needle. A durable surface will also help reduce any additional vibrations affecting sound quality.
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Regular Maintenance: Keep your turntable in top shape by regularly cleaning the stylus and the turntable. A clean stylus ensures better tracking and a more pristine sound. Additionally, consider upgrading the stylus or cartridge to enhance audio quality as needed, and remember to store your vinyl records properly to ensure longevity and consistent sound quality.
FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the preamp in the Fluance RT81 bypassable? | Yes, it has a switch that allows you to bypass the built-in preamp. |
| What’s the warranty period for the Fluance RT81? | It comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. |
| Can the cartridge be upgraded? | Yes, the cartridge can be upgraded to enhance audio quality or to suit personal preferences. It comes with an Audio Technica AT95E cartridge, but is compatible with other standard mount cartridges. |
In Conclusion
The Fluance RT81 Record Player Review unveils a turntable that is a solid choice for anyone looking to delve into the world of vinyl or upgrade their current setup. The superior craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that has gone into the design and construction of the Fluance RT81 make it a worthy investment for the avid music lover. This turntable is not just about playing records; it’s about experiencing music in its purest form. The RT81 transcends ordinary record players with its high-quality sound output, promising to deliver an authentic audio experience every time. With its blend of modern and classic aesthetics, it’s not only a music player but also a stylish addition to any room.
Furthermore, the ease of setup and the robust build quality are factors that can’t be ignored, making it user-friendly, especially for those new to the vinyl scene. The package includes essential accessories that facilitate a smooth setup process, and the quality of materials used promises durability and long-term enjoyment. The exceptional sound quality, coupled with its aesthetic appeal, encapsulates the essence of what vinyl listening is all about. The Fluance RT81 doesn’t just play music; it immerses you in a rich auditory experience, making every spin of a record a memorable event. In conclusion, the Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player is more than just a turntable; it’s a ticket to a nostalgic yet modernized musical journey.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.