Review Details

RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable

Product Rating:

Product Review (submitted on April 27, 2019):

For many years, I have bought and sold vintage audio equipment. It's a fun hobby for a semi techie-type like me, but when it comes to turntables, vintage gear can be frustrating.There are lots of mechanical things that can stop working or need lubrication and adjustment. There were so many great, affordable TTs built in the 1970s-80s and there are still some good deals out there, but they are getting harder and harder to find. Often, even if the mechanical condition is good, the cosmetics are just so-so. These days, you are lucky to get a dust cover, and often it is cracked or gouged. If it is pristine, expect to pay a lot more.So I have been shopping for a new TT for some time. The entry level models are not that appealing, spec- and sound-wise, because they cut so many corners. Above that, in the $200-$300 range, things get interesting. So, why Fluance, and why the RT-81?First, Fluance's designs are really good-looking. I know, this has nothing to do with performance, but for me it is the first criteria. A TT is the showpiece of an audio system, and because it is such a tactile product in everyday operation, looks and feel are important to me.Second, it has to do the job and not require constant adjustment. I have always liked direct-drive designs, given their reliability and constant-speed capability. But not many modern offerings offer direct drive. The argument is that belt-drive TTs better isolate the platter from audible vibrations. Sure, but with a good direct-drive TT, few of us are going to hear that difference. (That's another conversation, however.)So I was hesitant to buy a belt-drive design like the RT-81 because I did not want to fiddle around with periodic speed adjustments, due to belt stretching, etc. But I have owned some belt-drives, and was willing to give it a try again.On that last point, savvy readers of Fluance reviews will have noted speed variability issues. Lately though, this problem has not been reported much. On top of that, Fluance has excellent customer service, a dying business art form these days. Even before I bought this TT, I queried their customer service several times and the responses were always immediate and complete.The RT-81 has received a lot of good reviews since its introduction. Feature-wise, having auto-stop is SOOO great and most mid-priced TTs do not have this. (Many vintage TTs had it, or even auto-return of the tonearm.)It's also nice that the Fluance RT-81 has a built in pre-amp, in case your amp or receiver does not. You can switch it off if you don't need it. Some audiophiles complain that having that extra circuitry on-board somehow degrades the analog audio signal, even when not in operation. I find this to be a specious argument when you consider your TT's analog audio signal eventually has to go through a pre-amp at some point before being routed to your speakers.With Fluance's recent introduction of the higher-line RT82-85 models, I knew it was just a matter of time before the price of the RT-81 dropped. And it did, to $210 on Amazon, if only for a couple of weeks. I am always value conscious, so the price drop was my trigger to purchase.I've had this TT for a few weeks now. The packaging was excellent, and set-up was easy. I use the RPM smart phone app to set the speed, which was slightly fast (33.6 rpm out of the box), and I found the recommended adjustment procedure straight-forward. I also have a vertical tracking force gauge, and used it to check the factory VTF. It was spot on, kudos to Fluance.The sound quality is really wonderful, and this is a fun TT to operate. So far I have had no issues whatsoever. If I do, I will amend this review.I see today the price is back up to $250. But it will likely drop again, so keep checking. Also, I think the RT-80 is a good value, currently at $170 on Amazon, though I prefer the phono cartridge that is supplied with the RT-81.That's about it. I have titled this review 'Why did I wait so long?' because I typically buy everything used to get the best value I can. But when it comes to turntables, getting a new piece of equipment at the right price feels pretty good too.