Ooooo, nice turntable. I replaced my Sony direct drive TT (circa 1978) with this, bought new speakers, and started listening to my collection of LP's. Beautiful and simple turntable. Easy to set-up. I needed to increase the tracking force from 2.0 to about 2.2 to avoid skips on some of my older albums, but that was well within the range for the cartridge (1.5 to 2.5). The hook for me was the auto-stop and the price. I really wanted a semi-automatic TT, but this was the next best thing for the $. This TT is great for the cost.
And, yes you CAN make MP3 files with this TT. You will need to buy an adapter cable from phono to 3.5mm jack & download some free software, Google it.
I'm using a preamp
Technolink TC-756USB RIAA Moving Magnet Phono Preamp with AUX Input and USB (Computer) Output
and use it to rip the analog to digital. This preamp can also be used to input computer sound files through to an amp.
Update 2/10/2017: I encountered a huge WOW. I thought I would be contacting Fluance & returning the TT for repair, BUT, I let the TT run with the arm up for a couple of hours to see what would happen. The WOW went away, and has yet to return. I'll keep an ear on this. I'm glad there's a two year warranty.
The auto stop works well. Takes about 11 rotations before it kicks-in. I wish it also picked-up the arm as well, but it is as advertised.
I have encountered a lot of skipping on some of my old LP's. I think this is more a function of the cartridge than the turntable. My old DD TT (Sony PS-X20, 1978) did not skip on these same records. I'll look at the cartridge on that machine and see what I have....the old TT is in the basement in a box....I was going to sell it, but now I think I found some parts from EBAY and I might be able to repair the arm lifter.
Update 3/24/2017: Noticed wow on a digital recording I made from this turntable BUT upon close inspection discovered that the LP had grooves that were off-center. The tone arm was weaving back and forth as it tracked. Just a heads-up to check the media as a potential source of wow, and not just assume that the turntable is at fault.
Update 4/3/2017: The OEM AT95E stylus was at fault for skips. Fluance responded by sending me a new AT95E cartridge, and I swapped out the stylus. The same passages that had been skipping now played through. I blame AT for this, and not Fluance. Fluance was very responsive sending a replacement (no charge).
Update 5/8/2017: Upgraded cartridge to Audio-Technica AT120EB. Works well. No issue with install or balancing. Used a spare cartridge shell, so now I have a quick way to drop in a spare.
Add to your order
-
Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary) -
24/7 support when you need it. -
Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
2-Year Protection $24.99
3-Year Protection $33.99
Cover all of your eligible devices:
Asurion Complete Protect: One plan covers all eligible past and future purchases (Renews Monthly Until Cancelled) $16.99/month
Select a plan
Add to your order
- Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary)
- 24/7 support when you need it.
- Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
Select a plan
There is a newer model of this item:
Frequently bought together
$249.99
Get it May 2 - 6
In Stock
+
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
From the brand
-
Fluance is a Canadian-based audio brand that produces high-end HiFi Turntables, Powered Speakers and Home Theater Speakers. Our entire team is dedicated to producing products that deliver exceptional audio performance while offering an extraordinary customer experience. We believe everyone should experience audio in its truest form.
-
HiFi Turntables
Our Turntables play traditional LP and EP vinyl records with stunning sound quality that achieves the purest analog sound reproduction.
-
Powered Speakers
Our Powered Speakers provide room-filling sound in any home audio setup, from turntables to TVs to Bluetooth music streaming.
-
Home Theater Speakers
Complete your cinema experience with our Surround Sound Speaker Systems.
-
Videos
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
Videos for this product
2:35
Click to play video
RT81 Customer Review
Shoptronics
Videos for this product
2:35
Click to play video
Fluance’s RT80/RT81 Turntables Remind Us Why Vinyl Rocks
Digital Trends
Videos for this product
0:51
Click to play video
Customer Review: Smooth and Sleek
Wendy Spalter Sempek
Videos for this product
1:00
Click to play video
Fluance RT81 Turntable - Amazing quality, 2+ years old
Kristin
Compare with similar items
This Item  Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player with Audio Technica AT95E Cartridge, Belt Drive, Built-in Preamp, Adjustable Counterweight, High Mass MDF Wood Plinth - Walnut |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $249.99 | $249.99 | $299.99 | $299.99 | $499.99 | -20% $159.99 List: $199.99 |
| Delivery | Get it May 2 - 6 | Get it May 2 - 6 | Get it May 2 - 6 | Get it May 2 - 6 | Get it May 2 - 6 | Get it as soon as Monday, May 6 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Giftable | ||||||
| For beginners | ||||||
| Value for money | ||||||
| Bluetooth connectivity | ||||||
| Sold By | Fluance Audio | Fluance Audio | Fluance Audio | Fluance Audio | Fluance Audio | Huanluo US |
| power source | AC | AC | AC | AC | AC | Corded Electric |
| connectivity tech | Wired | Wired | — | — | Wired | Bluetooth |
| signal format | Analog | Analog | Analog | Analog | Analog | Analog |
| model name | Elite | Elite | — | — | — | HQ-KZ006 |
| material | Wood, Engineered Wood | Plastic, Wood, Engineered Wood | Plastic, Wood, Engineered Wood | Plastic, Wood, Engineered Wood | Engineered Wood | Plastic |
| weight | 14.1 pounds | 14.1 pounds | 14.1 pounds | 14.1 pounds | 16.76 pounds | 11 pounds |
Product Description
The RT81 plays traditional LP and EP vinyl records with stunning quality that achieves the purest sound reproduction. When you want the absolute best in music performance, pull out your favorite 33 1/3 or 45 RPM records, hook up your sound system, drop the needle, and immerse yourself in the RT81.
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
Pure Analog Listening ExperienceYour soul will be captivated by the crisp, distinguishing characteristics of the music you love. Premium components allow this belt driven turntable to produce a pure uncompressed listening experience that recreates the performance the way the artist intended. |
High Performance Cartridge for Warmer SoundYour music will sound richer when the Audio Technica AT95E moving magnet 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. |
Complete Clarity Without Compromising Your CollectionYou'll savor every note thanks to the balanced and adjustable counterweight of the S-Type tonearm. The fluid movement of the bearings within the tonearm coupled with the advanced anti-skating system practically caresses your record, preventing scratching and ensuring the stylus is perfectly rested deep in your record's groove for perfect playback every time. |
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|
Solid Wood Plinth for Resistance to VibrationsThe cabinet is crafted from solid engineered (MDF) wood in High Gloss Piano Black 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. |
Premium Components for Captivating Signal ClarityThe built-in-high-quality Texas Instruments preamp, ground terminal and gold plated RCA line outputs ensures high fidelity sound in its truest form. |
A Passion for Great AudioFluance has successfully revolutionized home audio. Utilizing only superior components and expert audio engineering, the Fluance Record Players are a testament to the performance that can be achieved when a passion for music takes center stage. The perfect complement to any audiophile's lifestyle, you'll be enjoying live performances in your home for years to come. |
RT81 SPECIFICATIONS
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cabinet Material: MDF Finish: High Gloss Walnut Real Wood Veneer/ Piano Black/ Piano White Dust Cover: Yes - Tinted |
Turntable Drive System: Belt Drive Motor: DC Motor Motor Isolation: Three Point Rubber Isolation Speed: 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM (78 RPM – No) Speed Variation: +/-1.00% Wow and Flutter: 0.2% Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Weighted): 67dB or higher (A-weighted, 20kHz LPF) Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Unweighted): 60dB or higher (unweighted, 20kHz LPF) |
Platter: Aluminum Diameter of Platter: 12", 30 cm Auto-Stop: Yes Turntable Mat: Rubber Tonearm Type: Static Balanced, S-Type Supported Cartridge Weight: 0.12 to 0.23 oz (3.5 to 6.5 g) Counterweight: Yes – 3.53 oz (100 g) - Adjustable Anti-skating Adjustment: Yes Pivot Bearing: Yes |
Cueing Lever: Yes Tonearm Material: Aluminum Tonearm Wire: 36 AWG Litz Cable / 7 Strand Effective Tonearm Mass: 0.99 oz (28.2 g) Overhang: 0.76 inches (19.2 mm) Effective Tonearm Length: 8.82 inches (224 mm) Headshell Mount: H-4 Bayonet Mount Tonearm Height: 0.67 inches (17 mm) |
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Cartridge Type: Dual Moving Magnet (MM) Cartridge Model: Audio Technica: AT95E Replacement Stylus: ATN95E Stylus: 0.4 × 0.7mil Bonded Elliptical (Diamond) Cantilever: Aluminum Mount: Half inch Frequency Response: 20 - 20,000 Hz Channel Separation: 20 dB at 1 kHz |
Channel Balance: 2.0 dB or less at 1 kHz Load Impedance/Capacitance: 47k Ohms/100 pF Output Voltage: 3.5 mV (+/–3 dB) Cartridge Weight: 5.7 g (+/- 0.5 g) Headshell Weight: 0.38 oz (10.7 g) Cartridge Height: 0.67 inches (17 mm) Recommended Tracking Force: 2.0 g (+/–0.5 g) Vertical Tracking Angle: 20 degrees (Non-Adjustable) |
Rubber Belt Width: 0.17 inches (4.5 mm) Length: 21.03 inches (534.07 mm) Thickness: 0.02 inches (0.6 mm) Output Connector: RCA (Gold-plated) Phono Preamp: Yes, PHONO/LINE Switchable Phono Output: 3.5 mV (+/–3 dB) Line Output: 140 mV (–17 dBV) Ground Terminal: Yes |
Phono Bypass: Yes, all electronics bypassed when using external preamp Power Input: 100 - 240V AC (50/60Hz) Output: 12 V / 500 mA Consumption: 1.5 W General Dimensions: 5.75 x 16.5 x 14.25 inches / 14.6 x 41.9 x 36.2 cm (HxWxD) Unit Weight: 14.1 lb (6.4 kg) Operating Temperature: 20° C |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluance RT80 Classic High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable | Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable | Fluance RT82 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable | Fluance RT83 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable | Fluance RT84 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable | Fluance RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable | |
| Customer Reviews |
989
|
3,215
|
1,163
|
411
|
181
|
1,788
|
| Price | $199.99 | $249.99 | $299.99 | $349.99 | $449.99 | $499.99 |
| Finish | Piano Black | Piano Black or Walnut | Piano Black or Walnut or Bamboo | Piano Black or Walnut or Bamboo | Piano Black or Walnut or Bamboo | Piano Black or Walnut or Bamboo |
| Cartridge | ATN91 | ATN95E | OM10 | 2MRED | 2MBLUE | 2MBLUE |
| Platter Type | Aluminum Felt Mat | Aluminum Rubber Mat | Aluminum Rubber Mat | Aluminum Rubber Mat | Aluminum Rubber Mat | Acrylic |
| Built-In Preamp | ✓ | ✓ |
Reviews with images
Affordable audiophile turntable
Model reviewed: Fluance RT81Summary: after first trying one of those "suitcase" players - this turntable sounds absolutely brilliant.Key points:• Some assembly required, but the instructions are simple and clear.• Balancing the tonearm is straightforward and inspires confidence that your vinyl is protected.• There are built-in pre-amp outputs AND traditional phono-outs. When using pre-amp, you don't need to connect the "ground" to anything.• It's heavy and solid, feels super well-built. All the controls feel high quality.• Auto-stop feature works well.• Minimalist aesthetic looks great.• Canadian company, made in Taiwan.I couldn't be happier with this purchase. The pre-outs work great with my Sonos Port to add a turntable to my full-house system, and the sound quality is amazing. The first time I heard it play, I became a believer in vinyl. It sounds warmer overall, and the highs just sound somehow more natural than digital streaming. Not to mention it's fun and nostalgic to drop the needle old-school style on your favorite records.The minimalist style looks great and it's very simple to use after a short setup process.I'm no audiophile (yet), but I did a lot of research to make a purchase that wouldn't break the bank and wouldn't be a weakness in some future hypothetical audiophile system. This stylus cartridge is not supposed to be high-end, but it sure sounds nice.As per their support, this model is NOT compatible with Ortofon styli - the heights and the counterweights are just a bit off. Not a deal breaker for most people, but just be aware.However, if I want to go with a dedicated pre-amp someday, it's fully supported by this turntable.Super happy with this purchase, highly recommend this product and this company.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on February 29, 2024
Color: Piano WhiteVerified Purchase
Model reviewed: Fluance RT81
Summary: after first trying one of those "suitcase" players - this turntable sounds absolutely brilliant.
Key points:
• Some assembly required, but the instructions are simple and clear.
• Balancing the tonearm is straightforward and inspires confidence that your vinyl is protected.
• There are built-in pre-amp outputs AND traditional phono-outs. When using pre-amp, you don't need to connect the "ground" to anything.
• It's heavy and solid, feels super well-built. All the controls feel high quality.
• Auto-stop feature works well.
• Minimalist aesthetic looks great.
• Canadian company, made in Taiwan.
I couldn't be happier with this purchase. The pre-outs work great with my Sonos Port to add a turntable to my full-house system, and the sound quality is amazing. The first time I heard it play, I became a believer in vinyl. It sounds warmer overall, and the highs just sound somehow more natural than digital streaming. Not to mention it's fun and nostalgic to drop the needle old-school style on your favorite records.
The minimalist style looks great and it's very simple to use after a short setup process.
I'm no audiophile (yet), but I did a lot of research to make a purchase that wouldn't break the bank and wouldn't be a weakness in some future hypothetical audiophile system. This stylus cartridge is not supposed to be high-end, but it sure sounds nice.
As per their support, this model is NOT compatible with Ortofon styli - the heights and the counterweights are just a bit off. Not a deal breaker for most people, but just be aware.
However, if I want to go with a dedicated pre-amp someday, it's fully supported by this turntable.
Super happy with this purchase, highly recommend this product and this company.
Summary: after first trying one of those "suitcase" players - this turntable sounds absolutely brilliant.
Key points:
• Some assembly required, but the instructions are simple and clear.
• Balancing the tonearm is straightforward and inspires confidence that your vinyl is protected.
• There are built-in pre-amp outputs AND traditional phono-outs. When using pre-amp, you don't need to connect the "ground" to anything.
• It's heavy and solid, feels super well-built. All the controls feel high quality.
• Auto-stop feature works well.
• Minimalist aesthetic looks great.
• Canadian company, made in Taiwan.
I couldn't be happier with this purchase. The pre-outs work great with my Sonos Port to add a turntable to my full-house system, and the sound quality is amazing. The first time I heard it play, I became a believer in vinyl. It sounds warmer overall, and the highs just sound somehow more natural than digital streaming. Not to mention it's fun and nostalgic to drop the needle old-school style on your favorite records.
The minimalist style looks great and it's very simple to use after a short setup process.
I'm no audiophile (yet), but I did a lot of research to make a purchase that wouldn't break the bank and wouldn't be a weakness in some future hypothetical audiophile system. This stylus cartridge is not supposed to be high-end, but it sure sounds nice.
As per their support, this model is NOT compatible with Ortofon styli - the heights and the counterweights are just a bit off. Not a deal breaker for most people, but just be aware.
However, if I want to go with a dedicated pre-amp someday, it's fully supported by this turntable.
Super happy with this purchase, highly recommend this product and this company.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Gaspar Humberto Pacheco Cetina
Excelente tornamesa
Reviewed in Mexico on March 5, 2024Color: WalnutVerified Purchase
chetwynd sherwin
Quality deck.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 2, 2024Color: Piano WhiteVerified Purchase
C. Johnson
A joy to set up, use and a thing of beauty.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 6, 2023Color: Piano BlackVerified Purchase
Steve
Beautiful-looking, and beautiful-sounding
Reviewed in Canada on January 20, 2018Color: WalnutVerified Purchase
Steve
Reviewed in Canada on January 20, 2018
I'm not a turntable expert, nor a hardcore audiophile, but I'm quite impressed with the audio quality coming from this turntable using the built-in preamp and a pair of reasonably priced, powered speakers. I am someone who, if the audio quality isn't good, I don't even want to listen to it. If you have a more finely-tuned ear for this sort of thing, I suspect you'd be satisfied with this turntable, but there is still the option to upgrade the cartridge/stylus in the future, as well as use an external preamp if you choose.
Additionally, it's a gorgeous device, with its high gloss walnut exterior, matte black components, and tinted dust cover.
Overall I'd say it's a very easy to use, but high quality turntable. I don't have any complaints really, it's just a sweet machine.
//
EDIT May 2022: Still really enjoying this record player. I later went and bought a relatively inexpensive preamp (DJ Art Pre II) and did notice an improvement in audio quality even on my modest little speakers. It widened the overall sound and gave clearer bass than the built-in preamp. So If you want to squeeze more out of this turntable that would be an easy place to start. Also ensure you have moderately thick, shielded cables running between components or you may pick up some hum. (I went with Amazon Basics RCA cables)
I will agree with another reviewer about the dust cover being very easy to scratch. Doesn't bother me a huge deal, but it's worth noting. Simply laying or sliding a record sleeve on top of it could scuff it up a bit.
I don't foresee replacing this turntable unless it utterly breaks down which I think is unlikely given its mechanical simplicity and good construction.
//
Images in this review
Das Spaz
Great value, great product.
Reviewed in Canada on September 10, 2022Color: WalnutVerified Purchase
Das Spaz
Reviewed in Canada on September 10, 2022
Solid performer with decent parts and a built in amplifier. The auto stop feature is a nice touch a works well with 12" LPs.
I love the wood finish on this colour, it looks very nice. The simplicity of the design is also appreciated, it makes it look modern with a hint of vintage.
The Audio Technical AT95e cartridge is a nice midrange moving magnet needle combo which yields in good sound quality.
The only gripe with this is the tone arm mechanism. It feels a little cheaper and flimsier than my Audio Technica LP120. Also, and this is more of a personal preference, the lowering mechanism is very slow.
Other than that it does it's job and works well.
This is a good beginner to mid range turn table. Ingot this for my wife. I personally prefer direct drive tables, but there is nothing wrong with this belt driven RT81. It has all the features you want and yields in good sound performance.
Images in this review
