There comes a moment in every music lover’s journey when the pristine, often sterile, perfection of digital audio starts to feel… incomplete. For me, that moment arrived after years of curating flawless digital playlists. I had access to millions of songs, but I felt a growing disconnect from the music itself. The ritual was gone. I was chasing something more tangible, more intentional—a sound with texture, depth, and a character that digital streams couldn’t replicate. My old, all-in-one turntable, a hand-me-down from my college days, wasn’t cutting it. It was a novelty, not an instrument. I was looking for an upgrade that wouldn’t just play records, but would *reveal* them. The search for a turntable that could deliver true high-fidelity sound without an intimidating price tag led me to the Fluance RT85N Turntable with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge, a name that kept appearing in audiophile forums and expert roundups. The promise was simple: pure, warm, analog performance. The question was, could it deliver?
- VOTED BEST TURNTABLE BY NEW YORK TIMES WIRECUTTER - "This turntable delivers an accurate sound that works great for any type of music, and it's exceptionally well built for the price."
- PURE ANALOG PERFORMANCE - Enjoy beautifully warm and dynamic music with the Nagaoka MP-110 elliptical diamond cartridge, featuring greater balanced tonal accuracy, resolution, and bass extension.
What to Consider Before Buying a Turntable
A turntable is more than just a device for playing vinyl; it’s a key solution for anyone seeking a more immersive and authentic musical experience. It’s an electromechanical machine designed to do one thing with astonishing precision: trace a microscopic groove and translate its physical vibrations into beautiful, nuanced sound. The main benefits are a richer, warmer sound profile often lost in digital compression, a deeper connection to the music through the physical act of playing a record, and the joy of collecting and displaying tangible art. It’s about creating a dedicated listening session, not just putting on background noise.
The ideal customer for a high-quality turntable like this is someone graduating from an entry-level, all-in-one player or a music enthusiast ready to invest in their first serious analog setup. This person values sound quality, build materials, and the ability to upgrade components in the future. They understand that a great turntable requires a separate phono preamplifier and a decent set of speakers or headphones. Conversely, this type of product might not be suitable for those who prioritize portability, Bluetooth connectivity, and all-in-one simplicity above all else. If you want a simple, portable device to play records at a party with no extra gear, a suitcase-style player would be a better, though sonically inferior, choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A proper turntable needs a dedicated, stable, and level surface. The Fluance RT85N measures 13.75″ x 16.5″ x 5.5″, a substantial footprint. Ensure you have a solid piece of furniture away from floor vibrations and your speakers to prevent feedback and skipping. Measure your space carefully before committing.
- Performance & Components: Look beyond the basic specs. Key performance indicators include the cartridge, platter, and motor. The cartridge (stylus) is where the magic happens; an elliptical stylus like the Nagaoka MP-110 will retrieve far more detail than a basic conical one. A heavy, dense platter, like the acrylic one on the RT85N, provides rotational stability and dampens vibrations for a cleaner sound.
- Materials & Durability: The plinth, or base of the turntable, is critical for isolation. A high-mass MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) plinth is vastly superior to the lightweight plastic found on budget models. It provides a dead, non-resonant foundation that prevents motor and environmental noise from reaching the stylus, ensuring the only thing you hear is the music in the groove.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: This is a fully manual turntable. You will need to lift the tonearm, place it on the record, and lift it off at the end. It also requires initial setup, including balancing the tonearm and setting the tracking force. While this provides a more engaging experience and better performance, it requires a bit more effort than a fully automatic player. Long-term care involves keeping records and the stylus clean.
Making the right choice involves balancing these factors with your budget and listening habits. A turntable is an investment in your enjoyment of music, and understanding these elements ensures that investment pays off beautifully.
While the Fluance RT85N Turntable with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Experience the high-fidelity audio of vinyl.Power consumption : 1.0 W, Signal-to-noise ratio > 50 dB (DIN-B)
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- Bluetooth 5.3 Record Player: Built-in Bluetooth Input 5.3, You can enjoy your vinyl record collection with the convenience of wireless technology.. This turntable with speaker can easily connect to...
First Impressions: A Statement in High-Fidelity Design
Unboxing the Fluance RT85N Turntable with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge is an experience in itself. From the moment you lift it from its secure packaging, the heft and substance are immediately apparent. Weighing nearly 17 pounds, this is no lightweight plastic affair. The Piano Black finish on our review unit was flawless, a deep, liquid gloss that looks and feels incredibly premium. It’s a piece of audio equipment that doubles as a stunning piece of modern furniture. Fluance includes a pair of white cotton gloves, a small but significant touch that encourages you to handle everything with care and signals the quality within.
Assembly was straightforward for the most part. The instructions are clear, and attaching the acrylic platter, belt, and dust cover took just a few minutes. As some users have noted, the most delicate part of the process is balancing the tonearm and setting the tracking force for the Nagaoka cartridge. While the included guide is decent, we found that a quick watch of Fluance’s official setup video online clarified the process perfectly, allowing us to dial in the recommended tracking force in under five minutes. For a first-time user of a component turntable, this might seem daunting, but the payoff in sound quality is immense. Paired with an external phono preamp, it was ready to sing. Seeing the gorgeous acrylic platter start to spin for the first time, you know you’re in for a treat.
What We Like
- Exceptional, warm, and detailed sound quality from the Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge.
- Superior vibration damping thanks to the high-mass MDF plinth and acrylic platter.
- Stunning, premium aesthetics with a flawless piano black finish.
- Excellent value, bundling high-end components at an accessible price point.
What We Didn’t Like
- Requires an external phono preamplifier (not included).
- Manual operation with no auto-return may be inconvenient for some users.
Performance Deep Dive: Where the Needle Meets the Groove
A turntable’s worth is ultimately measured in its sound, and this is where our extensive testing of the Fluance RT85N Turntable with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge truly began. We put it through its paces with a wide range of genres, from the complex jazz arrangements of Miles Davis’ “Kind of Blue” to the layered rock production of Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon” and the intimate vocals of Joni Mitchell’s “Blue.” Across the board, the results were not just good; they were transformative.
The Heart of the Sound: Nagaoka MP-110 and Acrylic Platter Synergy
The star of the show is unquestionably the pre-installed Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge. This Japanese-made cartridge is legendary in audiophile circles for its incredibly musical and balanced presentation, and it’s a component that would cost a significant portion of the RT85N’s total price if purchased alone. The sound it produces is often described as “warm,” and we wholeheartedly agree. It avoids the clinical, sometimes harsh, treble of other cartridges in this class, instead offering sweet, dreamy highs and a lush, detailed midrange. One user perfectly described hearing “individual harmonies” instead of blended sounds, and our experience confirmed this. On a track like Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams,” Stevie Nicks’ lead vocal was front and center, but we could distinctly pick out the subtle, layered backing vocals of Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie with newfound clarity.
This remarkable cartridge is paired with a high-density acrylic platter, and the synergy is palpable. Unlike standard metal platters that can ring and introduce unwanted resonance, the acrylic is acoustically inert. Its greater mass and density provide flywheel-like speed stability and dampen vibrations before they can reach the stylus. The audible result is a “blacker” background—the silence between notes is more profound, allowing musical details to emerge from the darkness. We noticed this immediately in the deep, tight bass response. The iconic bassline in Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” was punchy and articulate, without the muddiness we’ve heard on lesser turntables. It’s this combination of a world-class cartridge and a resonance-killing platter that elevates the Fluance RT85N’s performance into a class of its own.
Built to Last: The High-Mass Plinth and Vibration Isolation
Sound doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and a turntable’s greatest enemy is unwanted vibration. Fluance has engineered the RT85N from the ground up to combat this threat. The foundation is a solid, computer-numerical-control (CNC) cut MDF plinth. This engineered wood is dense and heavy, creating a stable, non-resonant base. One user, upgrading from an “Audio Technica… plastic nightmare hum monster,” celebrated that they now get “no feedback,” and our testing showed why. The solid plinth simply doesn’t vibrate or resonate like a hollow plastic body.
This robust plinth sits on three large, adjustable resonance-damping feet. These feet serve two purposes: they allow you to perfectly level the turntable (a bubble level is thoughtfully included), which is critical for proper tracking, and they isolate the plinth from surface vibrations in your room. Whether it’s footsteps on the floor or the low frequencies from your speakers, these feet absorb the energy. We placed the turntable on a cabinet near our main speakers and cranked the volume to levels that would cause feedback on many other models. The RT85N remained steadfast, tracking the groove perfectly without a hint of hum or feedback. This meticulous approach to vibration control is a core reason why the music sounds so clean, clear, and uncolored.
Precision and Control: The Isolated Motor and Speed Stability
The final piece of the performance puzzle is the drive system. The Fluance RT85N Turntable with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge uses a servo-controlled DC motor that is physically isolated from the plinth. The motor pulley drives the platter via a rubber belt. This design prevents any motor vibrations (known as “rumble”) from being transferred through the plinth to the tonearm and stylus. The result is an incredibly low signal-to-noise ratio of 75 dB, meaning the mechanical noise floor is virtually inaudible. The music emerges from a background of pure silence.
Furthermore, the motor’s speed is constantly monitored by a sensor that makes micro-adjustments to ensure rotational accuracy at both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM (selected by a simple knob). This results in a wow and flutter specification of just 0.07%, which is exceptionally low for this price class. In practical terms, this means the pitch of your music is rock-solid. Notes, especially sustained ones like piano chords or long vocal passages, don’t waver or fluctuate in pitch. This speed stability is fundamental to high-fidelity playback and contributes significantly to the turntable’s realistic and immersive soundstage. This is the kind of no-nonsense engineering that allows you to simply forget about the hardware and get lost in the music, which is the ultimate goal of any great audio component. The technical prowess is evident when you explore its full list of specifications.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, user feedback for the Fluance RT85N Turntable with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge is overwhelmingly positive, mirroring our own findings. Many reviewers are, like us, people upgrading from more basic, entry-level turntables. A common theme is pure astonishment at the jump in sound quality. One user stated, “I am hearing much more detail in the music, instead of harmonies being blended together it is easy to hear the individual…” Another proclaimed, “I can confidently say that my vinyl sounds better than the digital source now.” This sentiment, of rediscovering one’s own music collection, is a powerful and frequent refrain.
The build quality and aesthetics are also consistently praised, with words like “gorgeous,” “beautifully crafted,” and “feels really premium” appearing in many reviews. However, the feedback isn’t without its minor criticisms. A few novice users found the tonearm balancing process a bit tricky, with one mentioning, “I felt the instructions could’ve been better… however, I found a video on YouTube and that solve the problem.” This highlights a small learning curve for those new to component turntables. We also saw an isolated report of a unit arriving with a bent stylus, which appears to be a rare shipping or third-party seller issue rather than a widespread manufacturing defect, but is worth noting for potential buyers.
How the Fluance RT85N Stacks Up Against the Competition
To truly understand the value and positioning of the Fluance RT85N Turntable with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge, it’s essential to compare it to other popular options on the market. The alternatives provided are in a completely different class, which effectively highlights who the RT85N is designed for. While you can see its full feature set and user reviews online, here is how it compares to some common entry-level choices.
1. Victrola Journey Bluetooth Record Player
- THREE SPEED BELT-DRIVEN TURNTABLE - This 3-speed (33 1/3, 45, 78 rpm) suitcase record player features UPGRADED PREMIUM SOUND QUALITY and sits on sound isolating feet that prevent vibration. It is...
- TAKE YOUR TUNES ANYWHERE - Housed in a vintage suitcase with an easy carry handle, Victrola's blend of retro and contemporary design give you the ultimate flexibility to listen to music where you want...
The Victrola Journey is an all-in-one “suitcase” record player that prioritizes portability, retro aesthetics, and convenience above all else. With built-in speakers, Bluetooth capability, and a low price point, it’s designed for casual listeners or those just dipping their toes into vinyl for novelty’s sake. However, it cannot compete with the Fluance RT85N on any performance metric. Its lightweight plastic construction, basic ceramic cartridge, and lack of adjustability are detrimental to sound quality and can cause premature wear on records. Someone might prefer the Victrola if their primary goals are portability and having a single, simple device with no external components needed for a very low cost.
2. Audio-Technica AT-LP60X Turntable Bundle
- Bundle Includes: Audio-Technica AT-LP60X Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable (Gunmetal), 2-Way 3.5-inch Near Field Studio Monitor (PAIR) and Vinyl Record Care System Package
- AT-LP60X Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Stereo Turntable: Whether you've never heard the true quality sound of a vinyl record or you're an audiophile looking for your new favorite system, the AT-LP60X...
The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X represents a significant step up from the Victrola and is a perennial favorite for beginners. Its key advantage is that it’s fully automatic, meaning the tonearm will lift, place itself on the record, and return to its rest at the end, all with the push of a button. It also includes a built-in, switchable phono preamp, making it easy to connect to any amplifier or powered speakers. While it’s a fantastic, reliable entry point into the hobby, the Fluance RT85N is in a different league. The RT85N’s superior MDF plinth, acrylic platter, and high-end Nagaoka cartridge deliver a far more detailed, dynamic, and nuanced sound. A user should choose the AT-LP60X if absolute convenience and automatic operation are their top priorities and they are on a tighter budget.
3. Mersoco Belt-Drive Turntable 3-Speed
- 3 Speed Belt Recorder Player ---- Support 33-1/3 rpm, 45 rpm, 78 rpm.TIPS:When placing a 12-inch vinyl record on the turntable, gently tilt it toward the tonearm to ensure proper playback.
- Fantastic Bluetooth Turntable ---- Connect to your Bluetooth-enabled device to enjoy your favorite music.
Similar to the Victrola, the Mersoco turntable is a lifestyle-focused, all-in-one product with built-in speakers and Bluetooth functionality. It aims to provide the experience of playing vinyl in a simple, aesthetically pleasing package without the need for any additional audio gear. Its performance characteristics are typical of this category, with a focus on convenience over audiophile-grade sound reproduction. The Fluance RT85N, by contrast, is a dedicated high-fidelity component built for a component audio system. The Mersoco is for someone who loves the look of a record player and wants a simple, single-box solution for casual listening in a living room or bedroom.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Fluance RT85N Turntable Worth It?
After extensive listening sessions and careful evaluation, we can unequivocally say that the Fluance RT85N Turntable with Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge is a phenomenal product that redefines the level of performance possible at this price point. It represents a perfect sweet spot for the aspiring audiophile—someone ready to move beyond basic players and experience what their vinyl collection truly has to offer. The combination of the wonderfully musical Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge, the dead-silent acrylic platter, and the rock-solid MDF plinth creates a listening experience that is immersive, detailed, and deeply satisfying.
While it requires an external phono preamp and a bit of hands-on setup, these are not drawbacks but rather hallmarks of a true high-fidelity turntable. This is a product for those who want to be involved in the ritual of playing music. If you are looking to make a meaningful, long-term investment in your analog journey and desire a turntable that not only sounds incredible but also looks like a work of art, the Fluance RT85N is, in our expert opinion, one of the best values in audio today. We cannot recommend it highly enough. If you’re ready to hear your records like never before, you can check the latest price and secure your own Fluance RT85N right now.
Last update on 2025-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API