Review Details

RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable

Product Rating:

Product Review (submitted on September 5, 2017):

I’ve had the Fluance RT-81 for a few weeks now, which is enough to form a considered opinion. It’s a really, really good turntable, and pretty much a steal at $250.You’ve seen how the Fluance looks, know that it has an internal preamp (I don’t use it) and an auto-stop function (though no auto-return) – the auto-stop has worked for me every time, on several dozen LPs. And it really is nice-looking, with a heavy, solid plinth. I ran the platter for the 24-hour recommended “burn-in” period and haven’t had any of the speed issues others encountered a few months ago, which is worth noting.But how does it stack up against a good vintage turntable?I had been running a Pioneer PL-514, a wonderful old warhorse than I bought around ’02-’03 for only $25 (the glory days before the hipster vinyl resurgence). Now, one of those in good condition will cost you at least $100, and often considerably more. And that’s with 14-15 years of extra age on the motor and components. I loved that turntable, but the motor started to squeal – she almost made it to 40!How does the Fluance sound? Excellent – punchy, bright but rounded, nice and detailed. I should note, though, that I’m using an AT 100E cartridge w/an ATN 120E stylus, and haven’t used the 95E/headshell combo that came with it. But to compare, the AT 100E cartridge/headshell/stylus sounds as full and punchy on the RT-81 as it did on the Pioneer; maybe a little brighter, but clearer and more detailed. Newer/better wiring probably has something to do with this – it’s not miles better than the Pioneer, but as someone who was a bit apprehensive about a newer, affordable turntable (was afraid it would sound tinny or otherwise weak) I was very pleasantly surprised. (I should also note that I’m running it through a cherished old Pioneer SX-550, which is why I’m not using the preamp).The one problem is that the Fluance counterweight wasn’t heavy enough to deal with the AT 100E, which (with the AT MG-10 magnesium headshell I use) is 3 grams heavier than the included 95E/headshell combo – it might be a good idea for Fluance to consider making heavier counterweights, at least for separate purchase, for those who want to upgrade their cartridge/stylus down the line (the build quality on the Fluance suggests that this might become a warhorse too). But my old Pioneer counterweight snapped right onto the Fluance tonearm like it should – problem solved. So it’s good to know that these older, heavier counterweights are compatible, as they’re easy enough to find online.In sum, then, I’ve been totally pleased with the RT-81 – it’s a phenomenal deal for the money and easily comparable in build and sound reproduction with the old ’70s turntables so many of us love. If it holds up for the long haul, so much the better! - Verified Store