Fluance RT83 Turntable Review
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- čas přidán 15. 07. 2024
- A belt-drive design featuring an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, Paul Rigby reviews this budget turntable
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Low - Songs for a Dead Pilot
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Anne Shelton - My Heart Sings
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CREDITS
Old Bossa by Twin Musicom is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution
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REFERENCE
Rega RP1 turntable
Fluance RT81 turntable
Lenco L-3808 turntable
Trichord Dino phono amplifier
Rega Brio-R amplifier
Spendor S3/5R speakers
Tellurium Q cabling
Blue Horizon Professional Rack System
Harmonic Resolution Systems Noise Reduction Components
All vinyl was cleaned using an Audio Desk’s Ultrasonic Pro Vinyl Cleaner - Věda a technologie
I have a RT85 and I love how it sounds.
Very nice explanation, thank you
I was in the market for a new turntable recently. I narrowed my choices down to the Rega Planar One or the Fluance RT85. I decided on the Rega because of its superior tone arm. I ended up trading in the Rega for the Fluance because the Rega I received had terrible wow & flutter. Sustained piano chords/notes would waver to a sickening degree. It was especially noticeable when listening to jazz. The wow&flutter specs are better on the Fluance.
Thank you Paul, really good review here. Helped me in my decision to go for a Pro-Ject Debut as my entry level turntable!
I own the RT81, RT83 and RT85 and love them all. Beautiful looking and beautiful sounding to my old ears.
Why do you need all 3?
Thank You Paul. Another great review. Take care, be safe.
Thanks, you too!
Update to an earlier Post: I have the RT-83, but I’ve upgraded the platter to the Fluance acrylic platter and also upgraded the stylus to the Ortifon 2m blue. Essentially turning my RT-83 into an RT-85. I also replaced the feet to spring isolator type feet. This turntable is now absolutely, without a doubt, an Audiophile turntable! It sounds Amazing! My friend has a Rega P1. We did a side by side comparison and Both agree that my Fluance RT-83 (with the upgrades) has a slightly more beautiful and natural sound. It’s clean, but not Too clean. It sounds more like you’re standing in the studio with the band. Both turntables sound fantastic and are extremely close in sound quality. I suggest doing a side by side comparison of the RT-85 with the Rega P1. This would be a more level “playing field”. The Ortifon 2m Blue Destroys the 2m Red and with the acrylic platter, it literally takes the RT-83 to a whole new level. I can’t picture myself ever replacing this table! I just don’t see how the sound could get any better! I also do not like straight tonearms at all. I prefer the S-shaped.
Do you have a link to the replacement feet?
Also, for the US market, you will pay more for the Rega.
looking to get one of these, just curious what preamp, amp and speakers do you use?
Fluance is the MicroKorg of Turntables with its flexibility and gorgeous yet timeless aesthetics and functionality!
Excellent review Paul! Greetings from Greece.
Many thanks!
Great review, you left out the ability for quick cartidge changes for the RT83, but you did mention it had a superior aray of features.
Well said paul
I just upgraded to the RT82 from the RT81, I put my AT-VM95ML cart on it and acrylic platter mat, (Cambridge Audio amp and Elac speakers) and I feel I've hit the mark, and more importantly, hit the law of diminishing audio returns. Especially when you factor in static and dust and crappy pressings inevitably creeping into your experience anyway. My 50-year-old ears have gone far enough down the rabbit hole. Yes I've listened to the expensive stuff. You guys spending thousands on turntable gear must have bionic ears.....yes jealous and more power to ya! ;)
There's not such law. There really isn't. If you think you're hearing that then you're actually hearing a bottleneck somewhere in your system. A component or ancillary or set up process that's holding the rest of your hifi back.
I own the Fluance RT85 N with the Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge. I purchased this as a temporary option while I am researching turntables, not a long term piece. Still, I am impressed with the quality of build and the sound as it is only $499 USD.
My RT85 is arriving today!
I've just purchased an RT85 to go with the NAD C885 and lovely old Dual 505-3, mainly because of the nice blue cartridge and heavyweight platter to be honest. I can't resist a bargain, and it did seem like one of those! Yes, the whole "stopping and sitting there" thing is a very weird decision by the innovative Canucks, but only a minor niggle in the grand scheme!
On a different note, could you please tell me what the interesting-looking album is behind your right shoulder? I'd probably buy that for the cover alone!
Nice review. A silver lining of the "semi automatic" operation here is really, in my opinion, one less thing to break down in the future whilst still offering the same functionality at the end of the day for most part. The stylus isn't further worn by merely sitting in the run-out groove, which is mostly all we're concerned with. I realized I don't really *need* the arm to return. Happy with this functionality, quite honestly.
That may or may not be true, the cantilever of the stylus sits on a rubber suspension, I wonder if leaving it on the record would affect it somehow. But then again, I kind of enjoy the sound of the run-out groove, it's part of the whole experience lol, also, if you don't turn the feature off you wouldn't be able to listen to the run-out groove Easter eggs like the one in The Beatles record (Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band), though it's not a popular trend anyway 😆
@@JoeOrber I replaced mine with a Technics 1500C and couldn't be happier with it.
@@therealchickentender I would love to own one of those
@@JoeOrber Def more money than I ever thought I'd want to spend on a table but it's clear now that it's the last one I'll buy. It's just awesome.
@@therealchickentender I'll try to get a hold on one of those babies, definitely worth the cost
Thanks for this video. Between this one and the one about the AT 120 I think I should upgrade from my technics-sl220 to the Fluance rt-85. Unless you disagree. I know the projects are better but I just can't live with having to remove the platter to change speeds.
Then the 85 should suit you fine, Chris.
Hi Paul, I love your channel and have over the past year, got back into playing my old vinyl. We are of a similar age I think 😄. Out of interest, I have been listening to your reviews of modern budget turntables as I have only even really been in this price bracket. I started off in the early 80's with a Dual CS 505-2, then in 2006 I replaced it with a Pro-Ject Debut Mk3 SE - this was a UK special edition and it's hard to find info online about it. It had a fair few upgrades to the standard Debut, including the mid range cone feet (3), swappable RCA cables, a better cartridge and I think was the first Debut to have the newer type motor?? Anyway, over the past year I have upgraded it somewhat to include the aluminium sub platter, acrylic platter and the Blue 2M cartridge. Love the sound now and it would be interesting to know how it would even compare to modern budget models? Don't even know what it's value would be now. Bought new back in '06 for £206 and of course the upgrades are worth even more than that. So I guess it takes it to a spend of over £500 now. Some might say I should have just gotten a better turntable but I don't like waste and wanted to keep the bare bones of the original turntable as I still love it. What are your thoughts?
Hi Sarah - from what I recall, your turntable was a good, solid design. The upgrades will only have enhanced the final sound output, of course and I'm glad you still love it. With the upgrades, I'm sure the final performance would enable your turntable to compete with newer designs. I'm with you in terms of waste. I try my best to enhance what I have rather than binning and moving on. I hope you continue to enjoy your turntable for many years to come.
I'd be interested in difference between rt83 and rt85. Perhaps a comparison with rega p2
Another turntable would be interested in your opinion of Project X1...Ta once again enjoyed review.
I wonder could you out the existing arm of the Fluance and put in a new arm ? Just curious,or would it be too much work?
I own the RT85. Wish they had sent that to you instead of the RT83. I think you would have been pleasantly surprised. Perhaps someday, they will offer a tone arm upgrade.
I have an RT85 as well. Considered all models from the RT83 onwards and decided the 85 with the acrylic platter plus the Ortofon 2M Blue at £500 was the best choice for the cost difference (exceptional value as the 2M blue is £180 alone). I think it sounds very good at that price point as well and will keep me going for many years until I catch the upgrade bug.
@ i had planar 1 which is now returned due to hum( poor ground around arm and a lot of reports of all of them up to p3 having this issue, not running separate ground not great idea) now looking for replacement.
Another great review 👍.
In weighing my options for a 'new' turntable, I have been looking online at regas (new and used) as well as comparable project and fluance players and a whole mess of vintage Technics and whatnots.
I am leaning towards players manufactured no more than ten years ago and no more than $300-350 price range.
I have found a few open box Rega RP1 players at an affordable price. Would you recommend something like that over the RT82 or 83?
And as far as Pro-ject, what should I look at to be comparable or better to the RT83?
I appreciate your advice.
Cheers
Here is a Rega I found:
www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa1h8c-rega-rp-1-with-performance-pack-turntables?creative=305983658573&gclid=CjwKCAjwp-X0BRAFEiwAheRui5rZ5ZOkNT1PFXJbs45jY0mZH5Cnajr6um1fk9OpfmaNntbKGjGCJRoCgc0QAvD_BwE&keyword=
Hi Jimbo - if sound quality is the only priority, then yep. Go Rega. For Pro-Ject, they produce some excellent budget and sub-budget designs but they really get going with their Debut range.
@@TheAudiophileMan thank you. I am more into sound quality, but I do appreciate the charm and looks of the Fluance.
I am thinking that I just need to be patient and eventually I'll make the right call.
I will look more into the Pro-ject tables as well.
Thanks again.
Considering the price point between RT81 and RT83, are there any pain points you can identify in the RT81 that would urge you to go for the RT83 instead?
Thanks for your question. The RT83 doesn't have a built-in phono amp to reduce noise, it also has a better quality cartridge, servo controller and more damping on the motor.
Hi Paul
I have a couple of simply questions, can the RT83 be upgraded to an RT85? I ask because Fluance does sell the extras necessary to do an upgrade, e.g the acrylic platter, a bigger/heavier tonearm counter weight and, of course, the Ortofon Blue can be purchased in any good hi-fi store or from Amazon.
Next, as anyone done a comparison with such an upgrade and a straight "out of the box" RT85?
Cheers.
I'm not sure why you would want to do that Bob. The 85 appears to be a decent turntable but, if you already have a 83, any value for money upgrade may be better targeted in other ways.
Very nice reviews you do, enjoy them a lot. After watching them I'm leaning toward the Rega Planar 1, but you mentioned it comes with a so so cartridge, so what cartridge would you recommend for the Rega? Thank you.
The Rega does better with a basic cartridge than any other design in its price point. So that cart is a good start. Even so, I'd look at Rega's elliptical model as a quick upgrade, though: the Elys 2.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks for the reply.
The Rega Planar 1 now seems to have a rival at its price point in the Project T1? Similar price, similar look. Nice one piece arm, glass platter, Ortofon OM5E and sounds superb, like the RP1. Have you heard it?
I was due to review it but it never came to pass. No-one's fault, sometimes products fall through the cracks because of, well, life. I'll have a word, hopefully I can grab one in the future.
The Audiophile Man Thanks Paul. Would be a great test of the Rega Planar 1’s supremacy in the £250 range. Hearing good things about the Project T1.
Hello Audiophile man..big fan. I have a question for your recommendation. I received the fluance rt85 and a pair of Yamaha HS7 powered speakers as a gift. I need your advice on what other components or phone pre amp to connect to this system?
Hmmm...I'll do a bit of digging and then I'll put the answer in this Friday's video - watch the skies!
Interesting and informative review. The RT85 has a better platter and Ortofon 2M Blue. How does that compare to the Rega PL1? Also, What phono preamp would you pare with the RT85? I like the Rega Fono MK3 but would you consider that overly expensive for this turntable? Would the Shiitz Mini be a better paring? Or perhaps some other Preamp? Thanks. :)
That depends where you're calling from. The RP1 is £275 in the UK but a whole lot more in the USA, for example which affects its value. To be honest, I can't give you a straight answer on this one because Ive yet to hear the 85 in any form. It took quite a while for me to grab the 81 and 83 for review because Fluance have no distributor in the UK here. I need to try again for an 85. If the earlier designs are a gauge then the 85 will be very nice indeed although I dislike the auto-off gear in the plinth which adds high-frequency noise and vibration. The arm is not as good as the Rega either. The phono amp? That depends on your budget but the Fono and Mani are both excellent. I'd lean towards the Mani in performance terms.
@@TheAudiophileMan Does the auto off only mess with the last track in terms of noise?
Great review! In your opinion, what's the best-sounding automatic or semi-automatic turntable in the $500 range?
Its hard to beat Fluance. Thorens have some good models although they tend to be big (possibly too big) on bass. Fluance's 'automation' isn't strictly automatic or even semi-automatic but it does a sorta job. The sound quality is there, though.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks for your answer! I’m replacing a fully manual Stanton deck from the 90s, which replaced a faulty semi-automatic Dual. The switch made me realize how important auto-stop is to me. I might just go vintage again.
Great video Paul,yeah a Rega is pretty hard to beat on pure sound alone at their given price points. Funny thing is Gandy says he`s not a audiophile & isn`t really into all the hifi b/s,wonder what a Planar would look like if he was?!?!
Hi ev - what he says and the products he produces are two different things, it appears. And it also depends on his definition of 'audiophile'. I know not what that is. I do know what mine is, however - and I have a video on this channel discussing that very point.
The Planar seeks to enhance sound quality for the price. That says audiophile to me, at least.
As for 'hi-fi BS'? Well, on a general point and this has nothing to do with Mr Gandy, it's just my broad take on your point...within hi-fi there should be room for differing opinions without labelling them with derogatory terms.
This is a genre rich with contrasting and sometimes conflicting ideas and experiments and we should encourage that. Not try to stamp them out with negativity. If they work? Great. If they don't. Well, keep trying, you never know what may happen in the future. And if it's a dead end? Again, at least you tried.
Frankly, we should all be mature enough to agree or disagree and move on. There really is no excuse for childish name calling and I have zero patience for the closed minds who resort to such practices.
@@TheAudiophileMan Oh no "childish name calling" here sir,just quoting what I`ve seen in a video/'s with him in it!
I`ve had two Rega turntables & know they are "high fidelity"(unless my ears don`t work properly),like you stated if something works,it works,doesn`t matter on design basis,price,materials,etc.
What he was stating was that "he" looks at hifi equipment from a "engineers" point of view,being that he worked at Fords(I think).
My apologies if I offended,keep up the good work.
Hi ev, no I wasn't inferring you were a culprit. Please don't think that. I was thinking about certain forums on Facebook et al. Also, if anyone uses the 'BS' reference in hi-fi, as referenced above, no-matter what their standing in the industry, well...I'm not a fan of that either, to be honest.
@@TheAudiophileMan Well I don't remember if that was his "exact"(excuse the pun lol) terminology but in essence it is what he was saying, there was some reference about he doesn't do hifi/audiophile shows etc.
Like you said there's room for everyone to exist in the hifi world, his products have given me a long history of hifi happiness, so on whatever basis he designs them it's not for me to question as long as the product/s carry on making sweet music.
Anyway moving on, I was wondering if you could (kindly mention... maybe)any future cartridge videos, I've got a couple & may look for some pointers for another, your Sumiko's videos are great this hobby eh?
#hifi4ever
Hi ev - I've no future cart videos planned right now - although I'm sure some will surface in the future. If you need any specific help though, you're welcome to throw me a question.
thanks for this video! i’m looking at buying either a fluance r82 (which seems near identical to the 83 other than the cartridge), an at lp120, or an at lpw40wn- do you have any insight on this decision? for either of the audiotechnicas i’d be using the built in preamp for now but would upgrade eventually!
they would all cost virtually the same as well! ($350)
Check out my review of the 120x which also looks at the 81. The comments there can be broadly used for the 82 as well: czcams.com/video/rQS8rbjSqjU/video.html
@@TheAudiophileMan thanks!
Heard you can't adjust anti-skating on the Rega if you swap the cartridge. That makes the Rega, in my view, a joke.
Mine doesn't turn off at the end record just keeps going. I have the switch on.
An unbiased and pragmatic review that’s rooted in real-life economics - nice.
Well,imho saying that the RT83 is just a livestyle gadget while the RP1 is a audiophile beginners deck is a bit hyperbolical.
Also saying that if you want a semiautomatic you have to put stuff into the deck that resonates ( oh my god,evil resonances)
and uglyfies the sound is utter nonsense. However,the RT83 is NOT a semiautomatic,it even doesnt have a proper end off without
lifting the arm out of the grove. So yes that feature is pretty nonsensical implemented.
The arm of the RP1 is not better per se than that of the RT83,but it is optimised for the cartridge used - which is btw not as good
as the 2M Red under optimal circumstances - which means its better mounted on a more lightweight arm. The RT83`s arm is medium
mass and better suited for a AT VM95ML for example.
Anyway,given how long ,or better how short, Fluance is in the buisness they upgraded the quality of their initial model quite a bit.
And yes,the new RT´s are eyecandy with their vintagy leaning look apart from the usual board design.
The drive even has a rudimentary closed loop servo for its still rather cheap low-q motor that pushes wow & flutter under the 0,1% mark
that makes it for most ppl a non issue. However,it still doesnt have a strobe and pitch controls,which is a necessity for non q-locked or
mass-drive concepts to compensate for slow developing speed deviations coming from environmental changes like temperature and humidity.
But i guess implementing that cuts to deep into the profit margin for the suits. Anyway,i bet the whole drive system in the RT`s comes from
the same chinese source where that for the big Teac models comes from. Sadly Fluance didnt order those tonearm versions too,because
they have better slightly better bearings and come also with a basic VTA adjustment.
But well,the RP1 also lacks proper speed controls - which is a bit tricky to implement for a ac-sync motor - and even doesnt have adjustable
antiskating. It is a closed system concept with very limited upgrade ability and i bet the enjoyment with the Carbon will be rather short lived
depending on your musical preferences and then what ?
The more open concept of the RT is at least to me more sympathetic.
Just curious Paul what first model turntable you would not consider a "budget" turntable?
Depends :) Depends if you're talking audiophile or lifestyle. Also, if audiophile? Anything over £1,000. Budget can, in itself, be ranked into low, middle and high so, around £0-350, £350-£700, £700-£1,000. It also depends on your point of view and bank balance. Some people think budget is only £200 and below, for example. Others under £500. What I try to do is look at all turntables on the market and group them together in broad terms.
@@TheAudiophileMan
Hi Paul
Just a small observation, it seems to me that some CZcams reviewers see lifestyle and audiophile equipment as one and the same thing, i.e. if a piece of equipment does not reach a certain price point, no matter how good, it's not hi-fi. Whereas I believe that if I like the sound I am hearing, i.e. smooth, detailed and non-fatiguing then that's hi-fi enough for me and the point is reached where I stop spending my money.
isn't the RP1 limited with additional cartridges given there's no adjustable counter weight? 🤔
…and no VTA, hence shims required. Yes. But it still performs well ‘as is’.
How does this compare to the Audio-Technica LPW40WN that is the same price?
Absolutely no idea - which is why I need to talk to Audio-Technica and try to get one in for a review. Thanks for the nudge.
Do the rt85 next please.
If I can get a review sample, I will. Took all my time to get the RT81 and 83 :)
Yes a newb question... If I have powered speakers do I need a preamp?
It depends. The powered speakers may feature a built-in phono amp (some do, some don't). Or...your turntable might include a built-in phono amp. Either way, an external version will enhance sound quality. It also depends on your budget, though and it you can afford one.
I realize this is a two-year-old post, but I didn't see anyone else mention this in the comments---it hardly seems fair to compare RT83 to a Planar costing almost TWICE AS MUCH! I would have loved to see you compare RT83 to something closer to the same price point.
Otherwise, a well presented, informative piece of audio journalism. Thanks.
It depends where you shop but, in the UK where I am based, the RT83 is currently £50 more than the Planar 1. When I originally reviewed the two, they were closer still in price.
Are you based in the USA? If so, that is another story of course because you pay Rega's shipping costs over there. Hence, the Planar 1 offers inflated prices in the States.
Hence, when my American friends request buying advice, I tend to tailor that advice accordingly.
@@TheAudiophileMan Yup. I am in the States. Price differential with cross-shipping factored in and fluctuating currency valuations makes sense. Thanks for the speedy reply. Happy New Year!
Maybe someone can help me out, trying to decide between three TT's.
Rega Planar 1
Fluance Rt83/Rt84
Pro-ject Debut Carbon Evo
I recently read the Planar 1 is actually very cheaply made.
Other than that, I'm not sure which one to actually get. I'm in the US so the Carbon Evo would come with the Simuko (spelled wrong?) cartridge.
Help! Thank you.
It depends. The Rega presents a basic design for a very good reason. It happens to hold the best tonearm in its category. Every turntable is a compromise, budget designs more so. It sounds better than the 83 and 84 but both Fluances offer an easier to use interface and lifestyle additions like a built in phono amp and semi automatic play. The Rega does not. The Rega is a purist design aiming at sound quality only.
The EVO is the best sounding of the bunch but also the most expensive - so it should be. It also has an easy to use interface. If you have the cash? The EVO. the Sumiko is fine but I would look to upgrade when you're able. The Sumiko will be fine to get you going.
@@TheAudiophileMan thanks so much! So the Evo is even better sounding than the Rega? Even though Rega's goal is purely sound quality?
Thank you for that review. What should I look for for an entry level one....rega p1? Carbon debut ? Fluance rr## ? Not sure ..my 30 years technics sl-220 need to retire..tks. great to watch you clear and very detail explination
Thanks for your kind words. For a new model? It depends on your own requirements. The Rega is the best in sonics terms but the Fluance adds extra features and facilities that the Rega doesn't have. The Carbon is an excellent performer but is a bit pricier but is aesthetically pleasing. You would need to whittle down your requirements a bit for me to help.
@@TheAudiophileMan i wish to upgrade it, if it's a basic startup model, so as i undestand, p1 is not upgradable, but Pro-ject is, and Fluance is more a ready to go, only actridge could be upgrade.
The latest Pro-Ject Carbon EVO might be the one for you, then. Not sure where you're based but £449 is the price I think in the UK. Check out this Buyer's Guide [link below]. It uses a different turntable, I know, but the video gives you a rough idea of just how upgradable are Pro-Ject decks. May of the included parts here will be applicable to the EVO in some form: czcams.com/video/xnnUG66sZEg/video.html
Thank you, very kind from you! You got me into vinyl again with your channel. regards
Why spend the extra money on an RT83 when you can buy the RT82 as I did..not a big fan of the 2M series cartridges. I just bought an RT82 a few weeks ago and my plans are to switch out the OM 10 stylus to either a 20 or 30 for impoved quality..same body style as the OM10.
Great review. I love Rega but a tone arm with absolutely no anti skate adjustment? Give me a break. Not much point on adding a better cartridge to the Planar1 or Planar2. You need to go all the way up the line to a Planar3 to get a nice Rega. Fluance is trying to make it look pretty and should concentrate a little more on the sound of the gear . Seems to me Fluance is leaning towards the lifestyle consumers. The Fluance RT83 up against the NAD C558? the price points are closer 350 vs 400 .
Yes, the anti-skate was a little polarising, that's true :) That said, the arm was the star here. Especially for £249. And yes, Fluance is distinctly lifestyle.
I see you like the AT 5x a little better. Decisions decisions. Why can't they make a high end budget fully automatic turntable?!!!
What if you put the 2 m red on the rt81 do you have a rt 83
Thebasic issues remain but yes, the addition of a 2M Red would enhance the sound quality, absolutely. But then you're spending £100 on this and I would recommend that you put that towards a turntable upgrade. I'd limit the cart upgrade to a VM95.
@@TheAudiophileMan Thanks for your answer
To my knowledge, the answer is no. The RT80-RT81 have some key differences from the RT82-85. The RT80-81 do not have a sensor that monitors the motor speed, so if there are speed issues, they must be adjusted manually from underneath the unit. The 80-81 also have a built-in preamp, while the 82-85 require an external preamp.
Gd day sir, is the turntable assembled in Canada? Thank you for the info
Hi Felipe - check the link for the full story: support.fluance.com/s/article/Where-are-Fluance-Turntables-made
My own experience with a Ortofon 2M Silver is that it needs umpteen hours of break-in after which it really rocks...
Yes, hi-fi does need to be run in before it performa properly. For the record, I always test run-in components.
Rt 83 with a phone amp?
Hi Bo - I realise you're making a bid to Guinness for 'The Shortest Sentence' world record bid but could you elaborate a little on that question please? :)
@@TheAudiophileMan I cant see a built-in phono amp on a fluance rt 83 on their website
You (and your regular audience) are probably not the customer Fluance is aiming at. I really think you should review the RT85 with the Ortofon 2M Blue. This is where they do start to show how far they can stretch a dollar and that's where it might get interesting to see what somebody with your depth of experience and expertise thinks.
I have the RT85 with blue and acrylic platter. I love this turntable. $500 was the max I wanted to spend. You can’t beat it for the money. It tracks anything and will reveal a bad pressing quickly. It performs like a $1200 table for sure. Buy it.
I do not regard the RT 83 as a "budget" turntable. This beautiful and terrific sounding piece of audio equipment deserves a more respectful description than that. Crosley = budget. Fluance = a beautiful turntable with terrific sounding audio at an affordable price. It's called top value for the bucks spent.
I have a RT85 and agree with you. This review is not on target.
Thanks for this,I just started watching this review and I'm thinking how in the world is this a budget turntable when you can get an actual budget one for $40 at Walmart. This seems to have a lot more features than a basic crosley and to hear this reviewer say THIS is budget is hilarious.
I just saw another review and the reviewer had terrible problems playing 45rpm singles. He said (and gave video proof) that the 45 adapter was too small for the 45 record hole, there was distortion on some of his 45's as they played down towards the end, and sometimes the tonearm picked up early before the song ended(!) Here's his video (skip to the last quarter of the video) czcams.com/video/AIaCqiprRSc/video.html. Have you had any problems playing them? (assuming you have some to play) I just bought the RT85 on Fluance's web site yesterday but going to cancel before they ship. I've got 2000 LP records, but also have 100+ 45rpm singles I'd like to be able to play, too!...lol. I'm not going to spend $500 on a turntable that only plays LP's. Thanks.
Hi Jeff - that was a RT85 was it? Not the RT83 I looked at here. No matter though, be happy to help. The speed issues appear to emanate from the ill-fitting 45 adaptor. I'm guessing but I reckon the company must have paid all of £0.01 for that thing. There are better engineered adaptors out there, give me a shout if you need help on that. I would also turn off the semi-automatic 'auto stop' function so that it doesn't interfere with varying run out groove lengths.
@@TheAudiophileMan correct, I ordered the RT85 yesterday and it looks like it already shipped so I can't cancel. The reviewer that did the video I included in my last comment that flagged the issue said he never had any problems playing 45rpm 7" discs with an earlier version (I think he listed the RT81). He thinks it may have something to do with a new servo motor in the RT85. Either way, I just shelled out more than $500 (if you include tax) and expect the dang turntable to play all the records I have in my collection..lol. If it can't play 45 singles reliably why bother? When I get it the first thing I'm going to check after set up is if it plays 45's. If I have "any" problems at all it's going back. It's just a colossal hassle.
When you get it, Jeff, give it a test and let me know how you get on. If there's any issues, give me a shout first and let's chat about it. Saying that, if the adaptor is poorly fitting, it's going to cause problems all on its own so hopefully it's a simple problem, easily fixed. Also, your upcoming, new adaptor might be spot on.
@@TheAudiophileMan thanks for the quick replies. I was already going to use the 45 adapter on my present turntable since I know that "should" work (thankfully I still have it). Still, the problems with distortion at the end of some 45's and the turntable stopping early the other reviewer demonstrated are still concerns. Personally, I shouldn't have to turn off the auto stop and use my own 45 adapter as back door fixes, not for a $500 turntable (I know a turntable costing that much may sound cheap to audiophiles but, sorry, that's real money to the rest of us...lol). I still can't believe there's an issue with "any" of this since Fluance has such a reputation for technical prowess and quality. Goes to show even the best companies can have issues.
@@TheAudiophileMan Ok, recd my Fluance RT85 last Friday afternoon. Set it up after work and have spent the better part of the past two days playing the crap out of it. I played at least 30 7" records (they were assorted 45 and 33 1/3 rpm's) and DID run into the problem of the auto-stop shutting down too soon, so I have to leave it off every time I play those types (which still kinda irks me). The 45 adapter fits fine, not too small like the other reviewer found. I didn't run into any problems with platter speed or distortion (sometimes records did seem out of tune, but then again, like most, the quality of my collection runs the gamut from great to lousy...we all can't have Japanese audiophile pressings, right?...lol). I did a turntable speed test using an app on my phone and the speeds look correct, with only a minor variance. Regular 12" LP's play fine, too. So far, so good. I'm planning on keeping the turntable.
Felt over rubber...interesting.
I am always amazed by British people raving about gear when it happens to be...British. I have owned both a P2 and even a P6 (latest series. Both showed the exact same problems. Motor noise brand new out of the box and considerable amounts of hum because of Rega’s awkward way of applying grounding principles. Thought I was having bad luck with one deck. But two and especially one that’s 4x the price. That’s no coincidence anymore. And yet all people are going crazy about these Planar’s. But be it that those are mostly British reviewers... hmm 🤔
I really don't care if a turntable or any hi-fi component, has reached me from the Outer Nebula, is shaped like a balloon or smells like a cheese sandwich. It's the sound that I care about. And the last time I 'raved' I almost gave myself a hernia, so I'm not sure I'd go that far. I've used Regas for many years and have never had the hum issue (not once) but have advised a few people who have, sure. If you have problems with Regas then...buy something else. Others have done just that, often with my guidance. No turntable is perfect, every turntable has its pros and cons, every hifi user is different and looking for something specific and part of my job is to match you with your ideal turntable, depending upon your needs and requirements. The RT83 also has its pros and cons and is ideal for this but not so great for that (see the video for details)
The Audiophile Man Oh but I did buy other stuff in the meantime. And no it is not a Fluance 😉. I just can’t understand why so many people are so enthusiastic about a product that basically seems so-so to me. Even going that far as referencing it as the go-to turntable in a budget category. I am not the only one having experienced problems. Unless you’re telling that all those online testimonials of rumbling motors on CZcams are bad luck too. There just seems to be a bit too much issues going around to be that positive about a Rega turntable. Yes the arm is great, but on almost everything else, Rega seems to have cheapened out big time. But that is according to me. Opinions can differ. 👍
Hi Michael; - I didn't say that they were bad luck. I did say that *I* had never experienced any issues. There are also lots of people who don't write on social media who are also not having issues. That said, there is more to this world than Rega. There's plenty of turntable choice out there. Many fine designs that I also heartily recommend.
@@TheAudiophileMan I bought a Rega P1 the other day as an upgrade from a Project E primary. As soon as I plugged in the Rega I had a terrible ground hum. I did not have this with the Project as it had a grounding wire. I'm very disappointed as the Rega looks fantastic and sounds great, but I cannot forgive the hum. I've since returned it and am now looking into the RT83 for quality control.
Lifestyle choice, "a fool and his money is easily parted" if you're not buying vinyl for sound quality then stream.