RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable

Record Player with Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge, Acrylic Platter, Speed Control Motor, High Mass MDF Wood Plinth, Vibration Isolation Feet

Rating:
97%
$499.99 USD

Color: Piano Black

color-swatchcolor-swatchcolor-swatchcolor-swatch

Model:

RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable

PURE ANALOG PERFORMANCE

The definitive vinyl record listening experience for beautifully warm and natural music, transporting you into the center of the performance

EXCEPTIONAL MUSICAL ACCURACY

Immerse yourself in the detailed high resolution sound of the Ortofon 2M Blue elliptical cartridge delivering improved linearity, higher channel separation and reduced distortion

HIGH DENSITY ACRYLIC PLATTER

The greater mass of the acrylic platter damps unwanted vibrations resulting in a more 3-dimensional sound with tighter bass, a fuller midrange, and overall improved clarity

SPEED CONTROL FOR PRECISION PLAYBACK

The isolated motor prevents unwanted vibrations and noise while the speed control mechanism ensures consistent platter velocity (0.07% Wow/Flutter)

HIGH MASS MDF WOOD PLINTH

Revel in the gorgeously crafted cabinet with real wood finish and a highly precise metal platter with adjustable resonance damping feet, ensuring superior isolation from unwanted micro-vibrations (Note: phono preamp not included)

Specifications

Specifications
Cabinet Specifications
Cabinet Material MDF
Finish High Gloss Piano Black
Dust Cover Yes - Tinted
Turntable Specifications
Drive System Belt Drive
Motor DC Motor with Servo Controller Analyzes motor speed 500 times/sec
Motor Isolation Under-mounted 7-point silicone isolation with decoupling isolation ring
Speed 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM (78 RPM - No)
Speed Variation 0.10%
Wow and Flutter 0.07%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Weighted) 76 dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Unweighted) 65 dB
Platter Acrylic
Diameter of Platter 12 inches (30 cm)
Weight of Platter 3 lbs (1.56 kg)
Height of Platter 0.62 inches (16 mm)
Auto-Stop Yes
Turntable Mat Not Required
Tonearm Type Static Balanced, S-Type
Supported Cartridge Weight 0.18 – 0.25 oz (5.0 – 7.5 g)
Counterweight Yes – 3.60 oz (102 g) - Adjustable
Anti-skating Adjustment Yes – Adjustable
Pivot Bearing Yes
Cueing Lever Yes
Tonearm Material Aluminum
Tonearm Wire 36 AWG Litz Cable / 7 Strand
Effective Tonearm Mass 0.97 oz (27.5 g)
Overhang 0.76 inches (19.2 mm)
Effective Tonearm Length 8.82 inches (224 mm)
Headshell Mount H-4 Bayonet Mount
Cartridge Type Moving Magnet (MM)
Cartridge Model Ortofon: 2M Blue
Replacement Stylus Stylus 2M Blue
Stylus 0.3 x 0.7 mil
Cantilever Aluminum
Mount Half-inch
Frequency Response 20 - 20,000 Hz (+2/-1 dB)
Frequency Range 20 - 25,000 Hz (-3 dB)
Channel Separation 25 dB at 1 kHz
Channel Balance 1.5 dB @ 1 kHz
Load Impedance/Capacitance 47k Ohms/150 - 300 pF
Output Voltage 5.5 mV
Cartridge Weight 0.25 oz (7.2 g)
Headshell Weight 0.35 oz (9 g)
Cartridge Height 0.71 inches (18 mm)
Recommended Tracking Force 0.06 - 0.07 oz (1.6 - 2.0 g)
Vertical Tracking Angle 20° (Non-Adjustable)
Rubber Belt Specifications
Rubber Belt Design Continuous loop (joint-less)
Width 0.17 inches (4.5 mm)
Length 36.02 inches (915 mm)
Thickness 0.02 inches (0.6 mm)
Connector RCA (Gold-plated)
Phono Preamp No - Separate Phono Preamp Required
Phono Output 5.5 mV
Phono Bypass N/A
Line Output N/A
Ground Terminal Yes
Input 100 – 240 V AC (50/60 Hz)
Output 12 V / 500 mA
Consumption 1.5 W
Dimensions 6 (+/-0.5) x 16.5 x 14.25 inches / 14.6 (+/-1.25) x 41.9 x 36.2 cm (HxWxD)
Unit Weight 16.76 lb (7.6 kg)
Operating Temperature 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C)
Wireless Playback No (Requires Bluetooth or WiFi transmitter connected via RCA connection to transmit audio wirelessly)
Fluance Speaker Size Comparison Chart

Click to Expand

Fluance Size Comparison Chart

Certifications FCC Certified, RoHS, CUL/UL
UPC 061783268414
What's Included

RT85 Reference Turntable Line Out

Click to Expand

RT85 Reference Turntable Line Out


  • RT85T Turntable
  • Dust Cover + Hinges
  • Bubble Level
  • Headshell with Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge
  • Counterweight (CW02)
  • Acrylic Platter (AP03) with Belt (RB35)
  • 5ft 100 - 240 V (50/60Hz) AC Power Adapter
  • 3ft 90pF RCA Cable (CA03)
  • 3ft Ground Wire (GW03)
  • 45 Adaptor
  • Motor Pulley Cap
  • Cotton Gloves
  • User Manual
  • Lifetime Customer Support
  • 2 Year Manufacturer’s Direct Warranty
  • What's Included

    Write Your Own Review
    You're reviewing:RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
    Your Rating

    Guides

    Take a comprehensive look at the set up, function, and maintenance of your product. The product manual details all of its specifications and how to care for your Fluance product.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need an amplifier for this turntable?


    An amplifier is only needed if you’re connecting the turntable to passive speakers such as the Signature Series Bookshelf Surround Speakers.

    If you’re looking for an option without a separate amplifier, the Ai40 Powered Bookshelf speakers fit the bill.
    With the Ai40, all you need to do is connect the included RCA cables to your preamp, then to the speakers and you’re ready to listen to the music the way it was meant to be heard.

    Do I need a Preamp?


    If you intend to use your Reference series turntable with powered bookshelf speakers such as our Ai40 model, a preamp will be required.
    The preamp will boost the signal to line level (similar to a headphone jack) so you can play it on speakers with RCA or AUX inputs.

    If you have a home theater or stereo receiver/amplifier, you will need a preamp if the amplifier does not have a PHONO input. If you have a PHONO input, you may have a preamp already built in. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications or manual for confirmation!

    Why does this model not include a preamp?


    This design choice was made with a number of factors in mind. The main reason was to separate electronics from the turntable’s signal path to maintain the purity of the analog signal. Many listeners also like to customize their listening experience and choose specific components such as preamps based on unique sonic qualities. Using separate components also allows for optimization of cartridge and phono stage compatibility. If you upgrade your cartridge in the future, you can pair with an optimal phono preamp to maximize performance and achieve the sound profile you desire. !

    What are the benefits of the Reference series turntables?

    What's new! What does it mean?
    The motor is located away from the platter Allows the use of an acrylic platter, reduced rumble at the stylus.
    90pF RCA cables Upgraded RCA cables with higher capacitance to protect and maintain the purest signal path.
    No internal preamp Provides a clean signal, with no electronics in the path for increased audio quality.
    Spring loaded adjustable feet with built-in isolation Allows the turntable to be leveled on any surface, bubble level included.
    Spike-shaped feet prevent outside vibrations from affecting audio quality.
    Servo controlled motor Improves speed consistency and reduces wow and flutter by checking the speed up to 500 times per second!
    Ortofon Stylus All Reference turntables are compatible with Ortofon OM10, Blue and Red Cartridges.
    102g Counterweight Heavier counterweight to accommodate the Ortofon stylus.
    More diverse upgrade options.
    Compatible with an acrylic platter (included with RT85) Heavier, denser material reduces resonance and improves speed consistency, not to mention great looks!
    Customizable All Reference turntable components are compatible with each other giving you a clear upgrade path!

    What does a servo motor do?

    We want our users to experience music the way it was meant to be heard and have pulled out all the stops for the new Reference series.
    These new turntables include a servo belt drive motor.

    What does this mean for you?

    This means that you have a sensor checking and adjusting the speed of the motor up to 500 times a second to make sure the speed of your turntable is consistent with no manual adjustments, bringing wow and flutter under 0.07%!

    Which cartridges can I use on my turntable?


    Reference turntables are compatible and shipped with moving magnet cartridges such as the Ortofon OM10, 2M Red and 2M Blue, giving you the ability to customize your system for top tier performance.
    Cartridges must be between 3.5 to 7.5 grams to be balanced correctly.

    Why is an acrylic platter better?


    Acrylic is an extremely stable and dense material. This greatly reduces resonance that can be picked up by the cartridge from the environment such as people walking by, large vehicles passing or other sounds that create a lot of vibration.
    This also gives it considerably more weight compared to an aluminum platter of the same size. The extra weight of the platter during rotation helps the platter to spin flatter and at a more consistent speed, reducing wow & flutter.

    Do I need a platter mat with the acrylic platter?


    There is no need to use a platter with the acrylic platter!
    If a platter mat is used, it may interfere with the vertical tracking angle of the stylus.
    Additionally, the resonance of acrylic is very close to vinyl so a mat is not needed.
    As an added bonus, the acrylic looks fantastic!

    Can I buy the turntable without a cartridge?


    All Fluance Reference turntables are sold with an Orotfon cartridge included.

    We do know that our users love to customize their decks and there are many options out there, so we designed our Reference series to have extensive upgrade potential!.

    What is the difference between the RT85 and RT85N?

    There are two main differences between the standard RT85 and RT85N Models:

     

    Ortofon 2M Blue:

    Stylus Profile: The 2M Blue features a nude elliptical stylus, which is known for providing a good balance between tracking ability and record wear.

    Output: It has a slightly higher output compared to the Nagaoka MP-110, which means it produces a stronger signal.

    Sound Characteristics: Known for its clear and detailed sound reproduction, the 2M Blue is often praised for its precision and accuracy.

     

    Nagaoka MP-110:

    Stylus Profile: The MP-110 also has an elliptical stylus, designed for good tracking and reduced record wear.

    Output: It generally has a slightly lower output compared to the 2M Blue.

    Sound Characteristics: The MP-110 is often noted for its warm and smooth sound signature, providing a more vintage or analog feel. 

     

    Tonearm Height:
    The tonearm is .5mm higher on the RT85N to accommodate for the height of the Nagaoka Cartridge and VTA which differ greatly from the 2M cartridges (31° vs 20°). While we do not recommend it, the MP-110 can be installed on the standard RT85 the vertical tracking angle may be outside of the required specifications and performance less than optimal.

    Articles from our experts

    We found other products you might like!

    © 2024 Fluance. All Rights Reserved.