This is impressive. I upgraded from two vintage Technics and Dual turntables and was astounded at the sounds coming out of my vintage records. I listen mostly to opera that were recorded in the 50's and 60's and this turntable has really opened up the sound. The base is much clearer and the separation among instruments and voices is great. It is beautifully made, set up in just a few minutes and quite attractive ( the piano black finish).
Only warning, the dust cover scratches very easily, seems placing a box set of an opera on it scratched it.

After reading the review on CNET I purchased the RT 83, when I got the turntable home I was very impressed. The quality of the build was excellent. As was packaging. The shiny wood plith is beautiful and the sound that comes really shines. After playing some of my old records I remembered why Albums sounded so good. Honestly for the price the turntable is an excellent purchase.

I researched turntables in the $200-$500 range and decided on the RT83. Fluances'Quality workmanship, sound, and looks far surpassed my expectations! Now I am trying to figure out with Fluance product to buy next!

Qapla'! A work of art. Simple, functional, elegant. The three feet leveling is spot on, no pun intended. Recommendation: Change the end of record auto-stop to end of record, auto lift and stop.

I had pined about purchasing the RT81 for over a year. When the reference series was announced with the new motor and cartridge/upgrade options.... take my money. Went with the RT83 and couldn't be happier. Exponentially better than the old Technics it replaced. Plus, I can still upgrade the platter, ect down the road if desired. Beautiful looks, and more importantly, beautiful sound.

I have had a Technics SL-J33 since I bought it in the 80’s. It was nice, but I think it was more gimmicky than quality. I got an RT83. The different is amazing!! The setup was easy and it looks fantastic!! I hope in the future Fluance offers the acrylic platter as an upgrade.

I grew up with a turntable being the only source of entertainment and I forgot all about it. I recently saw a turntable at a hotel and felt all nostalgic. Did some research and read a lot about Fluance. It had great reviews from audiophiles and regular folk like myself. I wanted RT84 but that was out of stock, so ordered RT-83. I had high expectations and when I opened the box and set it up, I was super impressed. I paired with the new Fluance Ai 60 bookshelf speakers (Which are great for the price BTW). Of course, this needs a preamp and I hooked it to Schiit Mani, which is nice and compact. The build quality is exceptional. It looks great and sounds as good as it looks. The set up was actually pretty easy. I have had it now for few days and it plays beautifully.

I love my rt83, but i was more looking for an rt85 out of stock, so i was no patient to wait for the rt85, but my choice was more an acrylic platter including Ortofon 2m blue, but does not regret my current purchase.

Do not hesitate. I initially purchased the RT-81 for my son and I was immidiately impressed with build and sound. A couple of days later other models became available. Purchased the RT-83(only because the 84 was sold out) Amazing tables! Go for it!

I purchased the RT 83 to replace a 40 year old Empire 698. So far I am pleased and really like the pairing with the Ortofon Red. I am only a week into this, but this is looking like a great purchase.

A great system, great sound. I love it!

every thing from the way belt drive is set up ,outstanding specs ,table legs that are adjustable and minimal contact drive motor isolated

I love this turntable. I have it hooked to my Onkyo amp using ART DJPRE II Phono Preamp and a sheilded cable and there is no noise. I am enjoying listening to mine and also my fathers old vinyl. Look forward to trading and buying many more. I also like the setting where the turntable stops rotating at the end of the record.

Had this for about 3 days so not a long term test ( will update this after a month or so) but it certainly does everything right so far. The speed control is spot on, the Ortofon red cartridge is perfectly matched at this price range and i love the fact you can upgrade when/if you choose. I certainly think that the acrylic platter and the Ortofon Blue are worthy upgrades but the RT-83 setup is no slouch as it is. I like the fact that they truly thought about what was important to the users and added the platter speed control, a more solid cuing lever, a heavier tone arm weight for a wider range of cartridge choices, better isolation for the motor and the table, and kept the auto-stop feature. The loss of the pre-amp (from the RT-81) might be a deal breaker for some but it was the right move for most to have a cleaner signal path and a choice of pre-amps. I easily set up my old Shure V15 type 4 cartridge and paired it with my older Yamaha amp with phono inputs and WOW it really performed! Hard to choose - the new Ortofon or the old Shure...one thing is certain however, they have a winner with this new Reference series, great job!

I absolutely LOVE the new line of Reference Turntables. I purchased the RT 83, was delighted with it, but decided that I wanted to take advantage of the cost savings by getting the RT85, so I'm upgrading!