Red vs Blue - Fluance RT 84/85 Turntable

FLUANCE HAS CHANGED THE CONFIGURATION OF THE RT-84/85 MODELS. THE 84 NOW COMES WITH THE BLUE, AND ALUMINUM PLATTER.

My 45 "After All" on RT-85: Pending...

[swinedog]

Also… Your “needle-drop” demonstration was more useful than just about any other similar demo I’ve seen in a YouTube video. Great job. Thanks!

[freedomisbrightestindungeons]

I’m new to the vinyl world and your videos have helped me a lot
Thanks for everything

[ozarkpipertony]

We grew up in probably the greatest time for music and I know teens today love music and I hope they are cool with the 80's kids sharing and caring about them and sharing our experiene with them!! I wish I could take the teens of today back to our time in the 80's for 1 year.

[tobymummert]

I understood for many many years the difference between a standard Diamond tip and a nude diamond. So I bought this awesome new Technics SL 1500 C turntable which of course the 2m red was pre-mounted on it. I had been listening to a fantastic cartridge which unfortunately for some reason Shure in their own Infinite Wisdom decided to stop making cartridges and styli just when vinyl has made a solid comeback. And the cartridge I was used to for over 20 years was the m97xe which I absolutely loved. I bought that cartridge when it was $160. Like I said about 20 years ago. So naturally I'm trying to find a replacement cartridge that's going to imitate the Shure cartridge. Well, at first I did not like the 2m red at all because it had a much higher output of 5.5mv which is just about on the edge of high, loud output DJ cartridges which I have had much experience with considering I've DJ'd over the last three-and-a-half decades. RETIRED NOW! So now I can just concentrate on my audiophile-ism.
I must say that over the course of about a month I really started to like the sound of the 2m red. Practically every style of music that I played sounded fine. The 2m red is definitely a great all-around cartridge that won't let you down and you don't have to pay around $100 for one if you have already got one with a turntable you purchased over the last year or two.
So I got curious and decided to go ahead and buy a 2m blue stylus to see what all the fuss was about just because it was a nude mount. I didn't mind paying $209 for the so-called upgrade.
As far as the difference goes, you will notice an immediate change. It's louder in the high-end frequencies and a bit more of a punch in the bottom and very overwhelming in the mid-range section of the music. I am not a mid-range kind of guy. I like an all-around good warm cartridge that will attack any style of music and represent it well and is very engaging and no ear fatigue. The 2m blue is not warm sounding. You might as well just be playing a CD.
The outright best part about the 2m red is that it has a warm sound to it. Vinyl records are to sound warm not necessarily neutral. That sounds like you're talking about a CD player.
Overall what I have found is that the 2m blue does have his distinctive different qualities than the 2m red but for me personally I'm going to stick with the 2m red just because of its overall ability to reproduce any Style music. The 2m blue is picky. If you happen to have a lesser than better pressing of some record, you will hear a crappier sounding record than you will if you're using the 2m red instead.
Just stick with a 2m red and save your money. I rather see you go out and spend $209 on some great vinyl records then on the 2m blue stylus. Personally to me it's not an upgrade.

[obtainiumgaming]

We have very similar views about this subject. After looking at all my options for about a month, I decided on the RT85 walnut with acrylic platter and blue. Even at $500, and the price of the blue, this turntable is a steal. It’s well made with great large acorn rubber feet for isolation. The dust cover feels thick and substantial and not thin. I only wish the tone arm lever was metal instead of plastic. Very happy.

[brucebernardini]

I went to Amazon and noticed that they are now selling the 84 with the blue, where as 5 hours ago, on this day of 3-22-20, ago they were selling the 84 series with the red, interesting.. I think your comment made them realize.. I bought the 84 walnut one. Your video are very informative. I have not bought a "new line" turntable in about a decade, (my stand by is Technics SL1400) But they listened to you, and in 5 hours span, since I checked in the US, they included their blue Ortofon with the 84 series! Thanks again for being honest and to the point. I hope I enjoy it as much as you do. I am too a 40 year musician, but very much into jazz and classical. Yes sometimes I do pull out my 60's and 70's lps. I hope they sound a little different! thanks again!

[renatobressan]

Hello, Craigh.
Happy with with your channel. I am a new member learning a lot about vinyl, and loving it.
Greetings from Brazil!

[PaulHoyle]

Thanks so much for reviewing the Red vs Blue. I'm one of the folks who recommended the blue, and I do think that it will open up and settle in. My turntable came with the red but after a while I upgraded to the blue stylus and I'm so glad I did.

[pjhj]

Thank you, Craig. Always enjoy your videos. For those who may not know, the RT81 - RT84 platter weight is 1.22lbs (553g), whereas the RT85 is 3 lbs (1.5kg). That's more than double the weight. Of course, you pay for this difference.

[mariodesmo]

Thanks for the video brother! I recently found my old Dual turntable from the 70's as I'm packing to move.
I got my old LP's out and put a few of them on the turntable, and let her rip! It felt and sounded great! Once I'm in my new place, I will definitely be up grading the old turntable! I really like the looks and specs on the Fluance RT84/85. Thanks again for your videos it's a big help in understanding where things are now after a 30 year absence!

[jeffreysrnec]

I truly enjoy watching your videos, Craig. Lots of good, useful information and you are a great voice also, for those new to the hobby. I agree with you that Fluance does offer very good turntables that are built well, look great and offer much for your hard earned dollar. I would love to see the RT-85 go head to head with a three way shootout between the Pro-ject Debut Carbon and the Rega P1. That battle might just underscore the value Fluance offers in their turntable!

[anthonyf]

From what I have seen, the Ortofon Blue generally costs approximately $100 USD more from most retailers than the Red, so spending $50 more to get it seems like a no-brainer if you are already looking at buying the RT84/85. I am more internally debating whether it is worth the extra $100 to get the acrylic platter. Thanks for the videos, they do help.

[rmca]

First time I've stumbled across your videos - absolutely fantastic explanation. And I loved your piece of advise with not always splurging for the fancy shiny model and living within your means. It's very easy to get carried away especially when shopping for vinyl & turntables, so it's good advice, thanks!

[williamsstevem]

When I moved from the Ortofon Red to the Blue, I found tracking was superb -- records skipping was completely eliminated. From my notes I commented that the sound produced seemed a bit more immersive and full.

[DJEshelman-personal]

Definitely hearing a difference in that snare. I'm sold.

[jasonmccraw]

I have been looking for a new turntable to replace the inexpensive one that was given to me about 7 years ago. After all my research over the past 6 months, or so, I have decided on a Fluance turntable, I was just trying to determine which model to purchase. This video, among others, have helped me choose the RT83. For me, the additional $100 USD is not worth upgrading to the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge. For my listening pleasure at home the 2M Red will be just fine. I greatly appreciate your channel and willingness to provide your honest opinion. I don't know you personally but I feel your focus is to distribute information in a clear and calm manner in an effort to allow others to enjoy vinyl as much as you. Thank you sir.

[JosephThompson]

Excellent review, thank you! I sold my AR XA yesterday and I was able to make enough to completely cover the cost of the RT85 woot! The Fluance RT85 was an obvious choice for me, I prefer the S-shaped tonearm. I also really like the design with the belt and motor on the outside of the platter. I plan on pairing the RT85 with my Shiit Mani preamp, I can't wait to hear it! Videos like this really help people seal the deal and make the decision to upgrade. I've gotten to the point where I just don't feel like tinkering and messing around with anymore used turntables. The AR was the second turntable that sold this week! You're absolutely correct about how some of us are feeling, I just want to listen to records and have it sound good.

[chavez]

Totally agree with you Craig I have the RT85 and am sooo happy I took your advice and went with Fluance turntable. Unfortunately they were sold out of the RT85's. I didn't realize that before selling my RT81 and was without a turntable for months. Finally after months of waiting I called Fluance every couple weeks asking about the availability and eventually I got an email. I had to act quickly they only get small batches of the 85's and they sell out fast! For those out there still waiting here's a bit of advice. Call them and let them know how long you've been waiting. When I told them I sold my turntable and was without one because I've been waiting for the RT85 they gave me a discount.

[universellesradio]

You hit the nail on the head with this one. There are certain albums with harsh sibilance that really put the stylus to the test. Different brand but similar comparison; I had the at-vm95e that couldn't handle certain albums with hard sibilance but upon upgrading to the at-vm95sh completely solved the problem

[samh]

I have the fluance rt80 and I love it! I highly recommend it if you’re on a tight budget and are looking for quality!