Fluance RT85 Turntable Review - A new AFFORDABLE Record Player to BEAT

⬇️ CLICK SHOW MORE for how we tested the Fluance Turntable + comparable record players

► REVIEWING THE FLUANCE RT85 RECORD PLAYER

► OTHER FLUANCE TURNTABLES & SPEAKERS

► COMPARABLE TURNTABLES

► TESTING THE RT85

POWER

SPEAKERS
Technics Octavia
XTZ Bookshelf Speakers

FURNITURE SHOWN

► FLUANCE RT85 RECORD PLAYER REVIEW

Fluance RT85 Turntable Review - A new AFFORDABLE Record Player to BEAT
Fluance's reference turntable, the RT85, is an affordable record player aimed at costlier competition. This belt-driven record player comes equipped with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge as standard, not to mention a three pound acrylic platter -two features not found on even costlier tables -all at a sub $500 price point! I compare the RT85 against cheaper and costlier record players to see if it isn't the new budget king.

► MY REFERENCE AUDIO AND HOME THEATER SYSTEM

POWER

LOUDSPEAKERS

SPEAKER STANDS

TURNTABLE

RECORD PLAYER CARTRIDGES

HEADPHONES

BEST SMART TV

BEST BUDGET SMART TV

MEDIA CABINET & TV STAND

BLUETOOTH SPEAKER

DESKTOP SPEAKER

► MY STREAMING SERVICE

► SHOP OUR LIVING ROOM


► STAY CONNECTED


FTC: This video is not sponsored. Some links above are affiliate, meaning we make a small percentage if you buy through the link but it won't change the price for you! Thank you for helping to support the channel.

#recordplayer #fluance #turntable

[andrewrobinsonreviews]

★ *CLICK ⌄ “SHOW MORE” in the description for answers to many of your questions*
★ *RULES: Please be respectful. NO OUTSIDE LINKS, URLs, email addresses, etc.*

[CHICO]

In my 82 years and over 55 years of owning and enjoyng vinyl music, I have owned 5 Turntables..I just bought the rt-85 and absolutley love it. I did a lot of research to make this purchase and even though I paid much more for it, I love the fact that Fluance is a Canadian company as I am Canadian lol.. The Orofon 2m blue is fantastic for my hearing...I couple it with a Pioneer SX-780 into B&W DM6 speakers and the sound is fantastic...thanks for your review..

[olsfield]

Just got my Fluance RT85. I think it is awesome. I am just getting back to my music after raising my children. For the price I could not be happier. I am very happy with my choice

[mlkefisher]

I just got my RT85 last week and LOVE IT. I checked out a lot of reviews for it and no one had anything bad to say about it. I'm about to retire and was in need of a new table and decided, while I had a regular income, to splurge and get the flagship. It was definitely worth it!! I would recommend the RT85 to anyone looking to upgrade their current turntable. IT ROCKS!!!

[velchuck]

I’ve been listening to my RT85 for a couple of weeks now! I’m astonished at what this turntable sounds like. In my setup combination, it’s perfect. I listen pretty much all jazz, and I couldn’t ask for anything better. As for the price, it can’t be beat. The motor is whisper quiet. I’m willing to say that this will be my last turntable. Thank you Fluance! You have hit a home run.

[vanessajones]

I purchased the Fluance RT85 directly from Fluance. I received it on April 22, 2020. I love this turntable.

[TexasScout]

I have the walnut model, the finish is mirror smooth. It looks like glass layed on top of wood. I only have two gripes with it, number one, the dust cover has to be removed at high-volume. It adds a rumble and a resonance in the mid bass. Second, The VTA is not adjustable. So if you add a record mat, which you don’t really need, you can’t change the vertical tracking angle. Other than that I think it’s a superb turntable package. Other than being forced to watch Michael Bloomberg ads, this was a great review. BTW, The cartridge was perfectly aligned out of the box.

[thejedness]

Hi Andrew, my wife after searching a lot (ALOT) for a turntable to give me as a present… she bumped into your channel and loved how you explain things… she got me the Fluence RT85… and now I need to get a good pair of speakers without busting the bank… I’m new regarding audio and vinyls so I would like you to guide me on this new path I’m taking.. many thanks and wishing you a happy 2023… Fran

[davidgena]

I own both the RT 81 and RT 85 and love them both, including the beautiful high gloss finish on the two of them. I use the RT 85 with the Fluance PA10 preamp and Fluance bookshelf and floor-standing speakers. Needless to say, I'm a happy man when the records are spinning. A terrific company with terrific audio products.

[hoytarcher]

Just dropping a line to let you know that I bought this turntable, 3-months ago, after watching your review. Couldn't be happier with the purchase and addition to my system. Thanks for the great content!

[BloodedWarm]

Just discovered this review and your channel and I gotta say you are one of the most articulate reviewers out there. Really appreciate the honest, accurate, and smooth review!

[blacksunshine]

I have had my RT85 with a Cambridge solo preamp for 2 months, just getting back into vinyl after 30 years. I was actually anti vinyl for many years, but this COVID environment did something to how I wanted to listen to my music. Namely buying physical media from small artists and going thru the process of listening and touching the media. I am shocked at how good this pair sounds, against red book cd’s and even some sacd’s. It has been a very satisfying purchase.

[newriverratsam]

After getting a desire for a new turntable, reading countless reviews, and watching way too many videos to mention, I became aware that the Fluance RT 85 kept making the short lists. Obviously, there are less and less brick and mortar dealers in 2019, a test listen was unfortunately out of the question. The only places to purchase were on-line. I committed sight unseen and unheard.
I ordered from your company on November 8th, received November 11th. I opened an extremely well packaged collection of various components to assemble, and never once did I feel overwhelmed during assembly. The manual was on top, exactly where it should be. After well less than maybe a half of an hour, it was playing. The Ortofon 2m Blue was mounted and aligned perfectly, while the white linen gloves were a must to attach the acrylic platter. There is no type of platter mat, however I do not see the need for one. The belt used to drive the turntable was an easy install around the platter and the shaft on the servo motor shaft. The specs said the motor adjusts the RPM’s 500 times per second. I love the look of the walnut on the very substantial plinth. There are no mechanical or electrical extras included save the auto-stop. After the end of the play, the platter spins about 20 seconds and then the platter stops. First impression was that this was a keeper.
I must add that during the break-in, my Klipsch tweeters were replaced, the speakers were bi-wired, and lastly the “too lively, too harsh” new receiver was replaced with a one-owner beautifulfuly warm sounding Harman/Kardon 730 from 1976. This latter combo has been in use most for the majority of my listening.
I’m listening to as many variables as possible (for me) concerning my vinyl. Old, new, NM condition, good condition, rock, country, folk, etc., etc. I’ll admit that I’m no audiophile, just the beast that needs soothing by pleasant sounds. I love listening, and the RT 85 with the Ortofon 2m Blue is an answer to a question that I had really never asked. This combination is fabulous! Yes, the cart is very sensitive and surface noise and trapped particulates are audible, but not so much to the degradation of the playback. It is vinyl, after all.
I can not call this turntable entry level, nor can I call it audiophile level. I can call it one of the best points of diminishing return purchases I have ever made. It simply oozes with a retro feel, a great inclusion of quality, and a sound that I can live with for quite a while.

[fakiirification]

I got this one because its simplicity. I absolutely love it. Easy to adjust, and dead silent motor. so good for the price. your right, higher end TTs should be afraid.

[anthonyschumacher]

I have the RT 82. Easily best turntable I've ever heared! Love this thing. Excels in every department (so long as you give it good quality supporting components i.e. reciever, speakers etc. but that's true for any turntable) Would not want any other. Happy listening.

[rubydog]

I bought the RT85 in bamboo back in May and I just love it. It looks great, sounds great, and I don't feel a need to upgrade it!

[MrFreightdawg]

The great thing about Fluance is that you can buy a lower priced turntable to check out the brand....and then add some upgrades to make it an RT 85. I bought the RT 83 ($349) with an Ortofon Red, loved it!!! Later I switched the cartridge to an Ortofon Bronze and added their acrylic platter...

[koonwisessombat]

I own one! It's exactly what you described. The thing for me is the 2M Blue sounds sometimes too bright for my taste but no problem I can switch between other cool cartridges out there. The price is amazing. Very reasonable for someone who has a humble audio system that actually sounds good. Enjoy your videos a lot. Keep up the good work, Andrew. - A fan from Thailand.

[TBNTX]

Hi Andrew -

This is a nice no-nonsense review about Fluance's RT-85T.

I've had my RT-85 for just over a year, and mine was among the first generation. The finish (black) is perfect. I understand that the demand was so high for this model, that there was a long period of unavailability, so perhaps the finish with later units weren't as nice as the first batch. I'm just guessing here. But for the $$$, this is a high-quality turntable; and I agree, it rivals higher-end products.

A couple of other talking points, if I can share:

* The unit has three leveling feet, not four like other turntables. Two at the front, one at the back. This makes leveling easier.
* Fliuance includes a bubble level in the box.
* Fluance pre-aligns the cartridge in the headshell at the factory, so manual alignment is unnecessary out-of-the-box.
* I own several turntables, a few of which are direct-driven. Some of these introduce cogging noise. Belt-driven turntables won't.

If you'd care to ask what DD turntables "cog", feel free to PM me.

All the best, and keep up the good work.

[froglevelfilms]

I had already decided on the next TT I would purchase at some future date when my Denon unexpectedly died right here at Christmas time. I knew I didn't have the money to get my dream table but I could not face an extended period with no TT at all and so I started shopping with a limited budget. The RT85 was stretching the budget but after reading the specs, I could not bring myself to buy one of the more affordable tables. I ordered this table this morning. Then, tonight I find your review and I was delighted to see you practically gushing over this table. It was quite affirming. I feel pretty good about my decision and can hardly wait for it to arrive! Best of all, there will be no rush to save up for that dream table now. Sounds like this one will tide me over nicely