Fluance RT84 Turntable Review
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- čas přidán 8. 07. 2024
- With the resurgence of vinyl records, many are looking to upgrade from their basic turntable. How does the RT84 from Fluance stack up?
Fluance RT84 product page:
www.fluance.com/rt84t-referen...
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Intro music by BoxCat Games (www.box-cat.com). - Věda a technologie
I feel like I learned a significant amount about what to look for in a turntable. Thanks Colin!
No one in the "Vinyl Enthusiast" category, spending $500 on a turntable, wants a penny of the price going to a built-in pre-amp.
I do.
Sam Except for Rega, Pro Ject, VIP. etc.
@@Zveebo Fellas, I meant serious, adult buyers, not millennial kids. Sorry for the confusion...lol...
Who else is buying an acrylic turntable? C'mon let's not pretend it's all that difficult to throw together a few op-amps. Phono pres are simple, established devices. They don't cost much to build, and don't require any voodoo.
A built in pre amp would have needlessly increased the pricing another $100.00 dollars or more. I would much rather spend the money on a pre amp or use a pre amp I already have. I feel this turntable isn't for beginners but it does depend on the individual. My second turntabe, that I still have today, purchased in 1984 is a Denon DP1200. At that time it cost $600.00 and works flawlessly to this day. I'm looking for something more modern and I think this Fluance is the one.
RT 80 and RT 81 have the preamp built in. You can buy them on Amazon right now for less money. This is a higher end turntable from the same company. It's meant for more serious record collectors that wish to decide on which preamp or receiver to use. This allows for a clearer signal, better sound quality. This turntable gives you more features for less money than other comparable turntables like U-Turn, Pro-Ject, or Rega. Bang for the buck this turntable sells itself to people who have done a modicum of research beforehand. Thanks for the review I liked looking at the turntable.
ALL MADE IN CHINA.
@@Kidsinamerica and your point is??
Love your audio content Colin, and this was no exception. great stuff
Thanks Colin! This video is very helpful for vinyl collectors!
Just ordered the RT84 which now comes stock with the Blue Ortofon and is on sale for $350. Only dif with the 85 is aluminum platter v acrylic. Can upgrade later to the acrylic if I want. Just want to say that I've watched a bunch of video reviews on this machine and yours is both the best produced and most informative. Good job.
Beautifully shot Colin. It’s an attractive looking turntable too, and seems good value too.
Not knowing these turntables, but knowing the 2M Red and Blue quite well, I highly recommend taking the step up to the RT85. The upgrade from Red to Blue is absolutely worth it, and doing it yourself later is a lot more expensive than 50 bucks extra for the 85 instead of the 84..
However, if you lack the funds now, you can always put the Blue stylus on the Red body later, they're identical. Only the stylus itself is different.
Can you clarify the reason the upgrade is worth it?
the acrylic platter is too slick though, records slide when you try to clean/brush them
@@massv953 Well, then be careful cleaning and brushing them right? Also couldn't one place a felt mat over it just to clean the records?
RT84 now comes with BLUE cart and ALUMINUM platter. RT85 adds vinyl platter. RT83 is RED cart, and there is now a $100 upgrade to the BLUE cart.
Also the only difference between BLUE and RED carts is the stylus. You can upgrade ONLY the stylus if you want. You can also get a 78 stylus that fits the same cart (but Fluance doesn't spin at 78 RPM)
Wow thanks for the knowledge! Loved the vid as usual
I’ve been looking at getting one of these...maybe one day I will. Great video as always.
I bought the rt85 and in my 82nd year I have found it to be afantasic turn table..the 2m blue is worth the extra money
awesome video didn't realize how much goes into a good turntable. also saw some good records in that stack of vinyls you have. daft punk, jamiroquai etc
I didn't know there was anything relating to the counterweighting for fancier turntables. Cool review!
The minute I saw the Jamiroquai album, I was hooked on this video!
"2 years ago"
That is one sexy turntable. And on price, a major consideration of mine personally was quality and longevity. I wanted a solid turntable that neither bankrupted me, nor was a cheap toy. So, that $500 mark is a real sweet spot. It's not chump change, but it'll get you something that should last for life. The 2M Red is a wonderful cartridge. I have the Blue and the clarity makes me weep nerd tears.
Geek Therapy Radio Podcast I spent a ton of money on the over 500 mark. The lesson learned? The difference for the most part between 500 and 1000 are cosmetic and not function.
@@keithparkhill8546 That's kind of the journey of a the audiophile. We'll break the bank to get that extra 1% of diminishing return :)
I got the 85 the one with the blue cart omg it’s amazing
The reference aspect is a cartridge direct to the RCA outputs, no circuitry to add noise. Even the OFF position still has to pass through electronics. Buy the RT81 if you want pre-amp built in.
If designed properly, switching the turntables preamp into the "off" position, the signal should bypass all added circuitry from the preamp and directly goes into the rca jacks. Also when the built in preamp is off, its not adding any extra noise to the signal, cause, preferably it should be off, not just in stanby, still being powered. But yeah, why pay for a preamp if you don't want one, cause you got something most likely better already. Added cost.
My collection runs from 1964 I purchased the RT-85 which replaced my Dual turntable with various cartridges, I feel that my collection is brand new vinyl.The sound is unbeatable set up was a breeze it was worth the cost !!
Im super stoked they DID NOT put a built in Pre-amp. I want a clean electronic path from the needle to MY Preamp. If they had included a pre in this table most users would bypass it and go straight to their amp. But doing so would force the signal through a bunch of electronics that add noise. I DONT WANT THAT. Thank you Fluance for doing it right.
Yes, exactly. And while we're at it, the removable head shell. I love having a separate cart for mono records.
Nice video. Nice turntable. Thanks.
Right when you pulled out the Jamiroquai album, I gave the video a thumbs up!
"1 year ago"
I love ur vids! Keep it up 👍
Good review
Anyone in vinyl territory should own a protractor and scale in my opinion
Very smart to omit the pre-amp. More quality goes to the other parts plus my NAD amp already has a phono input.
People say the same about amps though ;)
@@Baerchenization yea but i already paid for the one in my amp, no point in having to pay for another integrated phono preamp
@@Sheepmansheep That's what people say about TTs with built in preamp... :) Joking. I just Ebay'd myself a vintage preamp with phono stage, which is great, because I was already mentally prepared to start looking for a standalone phone stage... I might still do that one day, but I have only pieced together have of the crap I need for my new-old stereo, so a dedicated phono stage will be pretty much the last thing. Not saying it doesn't matter, just my personal priority.
Gorgeous video
The Ortofon 2M Blue is a Very Good Cartridge.
Well shot video. I miss my Dual 505. (I think that was the model). I would think any descent amp would have a phono stage. My technics turntable is okay and my AT440MLa cartridge keeps going up in value ;).
Consider this - The 2m Red runs about 100 bucks for the Cartridge (87 for just the Stylus), the 2M Blue runs 235.00 - Do the Math, the RT85 costs 50.00 more than the RT84 and has the 2M Blue !? - Seems like a no-brainer to spend 50.00 more and get the 235.00 Cartridge. Not to mention, let's get away from the economics, the 2M Blue is miles ahead of the 2M Red (Which itself is a great Stylus), but really when compared to the Blue, you are getting probably the best TT IMO that money can buy at even price-points hundreds of dollars more. Just Sayin.
Yea but if you get the 2M Red and just listen until the stylus is out, you can just replace the stylus with the blue stylus on the 2M Red body. The cartridges are the same. So its like $20-30 more in the long run
@@adelhijazi9091 the cartridge is what matters I wouldn't be surprised if the blue and red stylus are 100% the same except a different color...
The rt84 now comes with the blue. Mine is on its way.
That table looks amazing. I'm a table builder myself and would have loved to do my own review on the table but I'm too small of a channel right now to be considered. 😟Oh well
Might be worth mentioning that the music hall mini phono preamp is simply a Rolls VP29 that's be rebranded. Same exact thing for almost half the price.
Wonderful, detailed review. I don't care about this built-in preamplifier thing! I am getting tired about hearing about any turntable that does not include a pre-amp. I have an external phono pre-amp, and that works very well.
What were the flaws and missed opportunities? You didn’t cite any in the review aside from indicating you’d like an internal preamp you could switch off, and i don’t view that as neither a flaw nor a missed opportunity. Their lower priced units have an internal preamp. I’d say they’re going for best audio output here over convenience. Very nicely done review though - I’ll be looking into more of your posts. Cheers!
The 82 is a great way to start, it's identical to the 85 except for having an Aluminum platter and a lower end Ortofon stylus (but still way better than most of the junk out there).
You can always upgrade the cartridge later but of course will pay more overall than buying the Blue cartridge included (RT85). Also they are purported to be selling the acrylic platter separate soon to upgrade the RT82-84.
When you look at it that way you're getting at least $300 of upgrades for $200 more (RT85 vs RT 82).
Though, I'm most likely going to go with the RT82 as it's leagues above anything else I'd likely buy or have ever owned.
If I really get that serious about records I can always upgrade, though I doubt I would need anything more.
Also unlike in this video, the RT84 does NOT come with an acrylic platter. This is either an RT85 or he got a bonus.
Is there a record collection video?
Colin? A record player video? Im watching!
Could you make a video about your cleaning process?
I don't see any flaws with this turntable! Not for the price Fluance is offering it for! Best bang for your buck on the market period!
I love vinyl but don't want to spend a fortune. I'm really considering this turntable!
Have you ever tried a Thorens TD160 MK I ?
you should check the review from VinylTV
Definitely want this! Unfortunately they’re out of stock right now :(
Kevin Contreras ...😳
Oooooo.....new intro!
Anyone know how it compares to a technics mk or atlp12x?
My Rt 85 black came with Scratches I want them to replace but they said it is normal. Very upset about their answer that it is normal and they would not do a replacement. That is what Sean said last week Friday Feb.8 ,2019. What would you do?
I spoke with Sean in Oct. about an rt81 problem. He seemed reasonable. If he will not do a replacement, return for a refund. I suspect he told you this because these new models are in such short supply.
While unpacking a Fluance turntable I paused when I pulled the hinges out of the box. 'That looks familiar' I thought. Well a lot of the Fluance turntable looked familiar when I set it up because it is remarkably similar, or maybe I should say exactly like the 1978 Realistic (Radio Shack) Lab 400. The turntable drive is different but the tonearm mechanisms look interchangeable. This is not a bad thing. Both turntables were probably sourced from the same company. Poking around on the internet tells me that company might be C.E.C. out of Germany.
Christopher Schafer They are made in China
Okay, Love the Protractor, where do I get one like that ? Though I do take Issue with any Turntable having a built-in Pre-amp, they generate heat, and are not really that good. Any Serious Vinyl Enthusiast would much rather buy a separate unit, or, as in my case, have a High Quality Receiver that has a dedicated Phono Connection which of course runs through the Receivers Pre-amp which, if you do your research on the Receiver, are very, very good.
Analog world_eu on ebay have mirrored protractors, with my already failing eyesight focus, I find the Ortofon white protractor easiest to use
If I get a turntable with a preamp, would I still be able to be an external amp later on? Or would the sound quality change?
If the turntable you buy has a switch to select between phono and line out, then yes you can use an external phono pre amp later on.
For a $50.00 upgrade the 2M Blue option is a no-brainer.
Overall decent review, but it’s a good sign that there is no built-in phono stage, as that is something which is included on lower end turntables. Fluance is trying to dabble with a bit higher end products with their reference series. Cheers
If it would be in glossy white, I would buy it instantly.
Good job
Wait… the RT84 comes with the acrylic platter???
And some Dan Mason bro I love your music tastes
What you talking about flaws and missed opportunities... what flaws and missed opportunities would that be don't think there's any
Agreed think he just needed to add a negative comment for his review.Fluance gives you a choice if you want a phono preamp look at RT 80 or 81. I am seriously considering the RT85 minus the preamp.😁
I went with the RT85, it’s a better value on cartridge alone.
Where can we get that protractor you show?
I picked mine up from Amazon, there are quite a few options there. Some are the small ones like I used, and others are shaped like a record (which are a little easier to use).
Thanks. I have a paper one from LP Gear and no adjustments on both my AT-LP120 and Pioneer PLX-1000 (both fitted with Ortofon Black cartridge) will reach both zero points.
Internal pre amp are available with the basic models from fluence. This is there top of the line and the market there targeting rightly dont want an internal pre amp as weather on or not it degrades the sound quality .
I got the Fluance Rt82 turntable in the brown color from a chick on the swap page. Still inside the box. 50$. She had it in her garage for a little while and it was unused. It sounds great and for 50$ honestly I scammed an awesome turntable. When this lady literally spent 100s on it!!
Did Fluance let you keep it?
Yes. Typically that's the way review samples are handled, though sometimes they're loaners (which I mention when that's the case).
Hey Colin it's Maywither how's it goin?
3:44 dan mason - summer love :3
Not having an internal preamp is a positive not a negative. Buy a cheaper model if that’s what you want.
will s yes, I agree with you 100%, Will 👍
Dan Mason record....nice!
Built in phono preamps increase cost and the user may not even like it so it's best to leave it out.
The platter on the 84 isn't acrylic
if I was to spend that kind of money I'd get a garrard zero-100
To be honest the "new servo motor" is not much of a progress against the older one in the RT81.
W&F is still near 0,1%,which is embarrassingly high even for a open loop servo.
However the acryl platter certainly adds some mass - and looks nice.
To place the motor outside the platter is also not realy something better,but more in line with usual
"high end" belt drive designs nowadays. Well,the new RTs certainly looking good,but imho they are not
a noticable step up in quality regarding drive and tonearm. The cueing lever is ergonomical better
and the interconnects they are coming with are of higher quality,but still they forgot a lift up function
for the tonearm that is synchronised with the motor stop...... Probably they should study some old
Denon servicemanuals to enlighten themselves.
Anyway,imho the RT85 is the model of choice here - if you want a new Fluance "Reference",because
its the only model that offers a upper middle class cartridge out of the box. However the 2MBlue is
known to work best with lighter medium mass arms (~10-12gr). And who knows the effective mass
of the Fluance`s tonearm unless you measure and calculate it yourself ?
PS: Personaly my first turntable was also belt driven with a servo controlled motor (Pioneer PL-516).
But its w&f was less than 0,05% . Nevertheless it had pitch controls and a stroboscope. And of course
it had the tonearm autoreturn to its rest position and motor off function at the end of play.
Back in the day,around 1980,it was a pretty basic deck and very affordable (~ 100 USD).
So i just wonder where the technological advancements and the better comfort is in the new Fluance.
What would you recommend in the 500 dollar range?
@@TheCrito1 Nothing new. The real bang for the buck in the entry level class is still firmly in
the grip of vintage turntables. And it dont mean top models,but old middle class. The overall
quality and ease of use is simply unmatched so far. And most of them also offer at least
semi automatic as a comfort function. But that is a consideration based on technical facts
and listening experience. Things like eyecandy /productdesign play no role,but probably are
rather dominant for others.
@@Zockopa No, it's not 0.1%.
@@len9518 Didnt say that,did i ? Anyway,in this day and age anything above 0,05%
for a servo´ed drive with a dc motor should be not accepted. At least modern products
could be offering the same basic specs as late seventies entry level gear.
If not its more a fashion gadget than a seriously meant piece of equipment.
sonic mania for the win!
Has anyone ever said that you sound like Ross from Friends? Seriously, when they reboot it they should just hire you, you’re already 80% Ross :P
Looks nice but I’ll just stick to my old Technics.
My Philips 212 electronic, with low mass tonearm I designed myself. Will be buried with me...🙄🙄🙄🖖
Dan Mason and Sonic the Hedgehog!?
Uau!!♥️👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
It’s cool to see what’s on the market these days keeping the vinyl community alive , but I didn’t pay even close to that on two amazing vintage technics direct drive machines that would blow this thing out of the water , if you can find cheap vintage buy it before they all Disappear! Great review by the way
5:35 it’s not centred. The arm is scathing
I prefer not to have a built-in preamp. Even when it is turned off, it steals some sound quality.
You NEED a mat. You DON'T need a built in phono stage, which usually colors the sound regardless of weather or not you use it
Dude it's okay to be off a bit.
Looks expensive to me, it is very possible to make a portable vinyl player for like $100 the size of a laptop and has a cover and you can play any records on it and has headphone jack. This one is just expensive unless you are those people who would consider it.
hbarudi it’s for those that have hifi systems. It’s not for convenience
Ok
Are you serious?
Some of the records shown are either eccentric or warped -- problems that plagued the LP from the beginning. None of that with a CD -- perfect speed accuracy and no noise.
You lost me at belt driven
Why? If you look at all the higher end turntables, you'll find they're overwhelmingly belt driven.
Kinda pricey. For that money you can buy a gently used sl-1200 which is a superior turntable in every way.
Just get a CD player. It’s the future don’t ya know
Stephen Eddy or both?
Just watch a different video. You dont have to make idiotic comments "dont ya know".
@@bkkersey93 I prefer sharp hi-res sounds than the sound of dust and crackles
The future is non of the formats, HD music files is
CD sux!
lol my $70 Sony player has a built in pre-amp
Exactly why it does - built-in preamps are for people who don’t know any better and are rarely any good compared to a proper standalone unit. You’ll be hard pressed to find any over $300 that actually include one
@MinoTheShow I was always wondering why. I kind of like the idea of a good turntable with a decent built-in preamp. Pro-Ject made some Debut models with preamps for a while, I don't know if they still do. But I always disliked the idea of having to take the platter off to change the speed, and the necessity of shelling out even more extra money for something as simple as a speed box is a no-go for me personally - so no Pro-Ject for me. I admit, though, that many of those who buy above the 300 or 400 -price bracket are also tinkerers and enthusiasts who actually want to choose their own preamp.
That’s not particularly a good thing.
And a Honda Civic comes with a spare tire in the trunk while high end sports cars don't. There's a reason.
@@nate6862 Because most people with high end sports cars buy them purely to flaunt their wealth and barely even drive them?
first
LOL. Project Carbon Debut is significantly better and priced the same sans the acrylic platter.
Cheap and crap compared to my 70s deck