There’s a moment every vinyl enthusiast hits. You’ve moved past the novelty, the crackle and pop are charming, but you start to hear something… missing. You’ve upgraded your speakers, maybe even bought a decent phono preamp, but your entry-level turntable just can’t seem to pull the full, rich sound from the grooves. It’s a frustrating plateau where you know there’s more music locked in your records, but your gear is holding it hostage. I’ve been there. For years, I listened on a perfectly serviceable starter deck, but I could sense the ceiling. The bass was a bit muddy, the cymbals lacked shimmer, and complex passages felt congested. The search for a turntable that could deliver an authentic audiophile experience without demanding a second mortgage felt like a quest for a myth. This is the precise problem the Fluance RT85 Turntable Acrylic Platter was built to solve.
- PURE ANALOG PERFORMANCE - The definitive vinyl record listening experience for beautifully warm and natural music, transporting you into the center of the performance
- SPECTACULAR MUSICAL ACCURACY - Immerse yourself in the detailed high resolution sound of the Ortofon 2M Blue elliptical cartridge delivering improved linearity, higher channel separation and reduced...
What to Consider Before Buying a High-Fidelity Turntable
A high-fidelity turntable is more than just a device to spin records; it’s a precision instrument designed to translate microscopic physical grooves into immersive, emotional sound. It’s a key solution for anyone who wants to experience their music collection with the warmth, depth, and detail that digital formats often compress away. The main benefits are a more three-dimensional soundstage, improved clarity across the frequency spectrum, and a more engaging, intentional listening experience. It’s about creating a ritual around music, not just consuming it as background noise.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who has outgrown their all-in-one or entry-level player and is ready to invest in a dedicated audio system. They’re facing the limitations of a cheap stylus, a resonant platter, and a noisy motor, and are ready for a significant sonic upgrade. This might not be suitable for those who prioritize convenience above all else—features like Bluetooth connectivity or built-in speakers are absent here in favor of pure analog performance. For casual listeners or those wanting a simple, plug-and-play solution, an all-in-one system might be a better fit.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: A quality turntable requires a stable, level surface, isolated from footfalls and speaker vibrations. The Fluance RT85 measures 16.5″W x 13.75″D x 5.5″H. Ensure you have a dedicated space on a sturdy rack or credenza, away from direct contact with your speakers to prevent feedback loops.
- Cartridge & Stylus: The cartridge is the single most important component for sound quality. The RT85 comes with an Ortofon 2M Blue, which features a nude elliptical stylus. This is a significant step up from the bonded styli found on cheaper turntables, allowing for far better tracking of the record groove and retrieval of high-frequency detail. Understanding cartridge types is key to evaluating a turntable’s performance potential.
- Platter Material & Drive System: The platter’s job is to spin at a consistent speed and dampen unwanted resonance. The RT85 uses a high-density acrylic platter, prized for its inertness and similarity in resonance to vinyl itself, which improves clarity. This is a premium feature often found on much more expensive decks, and it stands in stark contrast to the thin metal or plastic platters of entry-level models. The belt-drive system further isolates the platter from motor noise.
- Connectivity & Preamplification: The Fluance RT85 Turntable Acrylic Platter is a purist’s machine; it does not include a built-in phono preamplifier. This is a feature, not a flaw. It means you must connect it to an external phono preamp or an amplifier with a dedicated “PHONO” input. This allows you to choose a preamp that matches your system’s quality and sonic signature, offering a crucial upgrade path for the future.
This commitment to high-quality, individual components is what separates a true hi-fi turntable from a simple record player.
While the Fluance RT85 Turntable Acrylic Platter 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:
- Enhance Audio Quality: Our vinyl record weight stabilizer reduces vibrations, keeping your records flat and enhancing sound quality for a superior listening experience.
- Record Slipmat Upgrade Sound Quality: This greenlit acrylic turntable mat is precision-machined from acrylic which has similar properties to vinyl records, so this LP mat is an essential upgrade for...
- Essential Tool for Vinyl Enthusiasts: For those dedicated to the art of vinyl playback, this cartridge tracking force scale is indispensable.It ensures optimal sound quality and protects your valuable...
Unboxing a Future Classic: First Impressions and Features
From the moment the courier handed over the box, it was clear this wasn’t a lightweight, plastic affair. The weight itself is reassuring. Inside, every component of the Fluance RT85 Turntable Acrylic Platter is meticulously packed in custom foam inserts. Lifting the solid MDF plinth, finished in a gorgeous real wood Walnut veneer, feels substantial. The star of the show, the high-density acrylic platter, has a satisfying heft and crystal clarity that immediately elevates the aesthetic. Unlike the flimsy platters I was used to, this felt like a piece of precision engineering. Assembly is straightforward for anyone with a bit of patience; the included manual is clear, and Fluance provides cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints. We also found, as many users have, that watching a quick online tutorial for balancing the tonearm and setting the anti-skate is highly beneficial for first-timers to ensure the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge is perfectly dialed in. Seeing it fully assembled on our rack, it looked like a piece of equipment costing two or three times its price. You can explore the stunning design and finish options online.
Advantages
- Includes the exceptional Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, a massive value at this price point.
- High-density acrylic platter provides superior resonance damping and speed stability.
- Stunning build quality with a high-mass MDF wood plinth and adjustable isolation feet.
- Isolated motor and precise speed control (33/45 RPM) result in an incredibly low noise floor.
Drawbacks
- Requires an external phono preamplifier (not included), which is an additional expense.
- Manual setup and calibration can be intimidating for absolute beginners.
Performance Deep Dive: Where the Needle Meets the Groove
A turntable’s spec sheet can only tell you so much. The true test is in the listening. For our evaluation, we paired the Fluance RT85 Turntable Acrylic Platter with a Schiit Mani phono preamp, a Cambridge Audio integrated amplifier, and a pair of KEF Q350 bookshelf speakers. We spun everything from the delicate acoustics of Nick Drake’s “Pink Moon” to the complex, layered electronica of Daft Punk’s “Random Access Memories.” The results were, in a word, transformative.
The Heart of the Sound: Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge
Let’s be clear: the inclusion of the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge on a sub-$500 turntable is the headline feature, and for good reason. This cartridge alone often retails for nearly half the price of the entire RT85 package. This isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s a quantum leap from the entry-level cartridges most of us start with. The key is its nude elliptical diamond stylus, which traces the record groove with far greater accuracy than the more common bonded styli. The audible result is spectacular. On Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours,” Lindsey Buckingham’s intricate acoustic guitar picking on “Never Going Back Again” was rendered with a clarity and separation I had never heard from that pressing before. Each string pluck was distinct, with a tangible sense of air and decay around the notes. As one experienced user with a collection of high-end tables noted, “I’m a big fan of the Ortofon line and when I saw that the RT85 Reference came with a 2M Blue installed I had to jump at the opportunity.” We wholeheartedly agree. This cartridge excels at pulling out subtle details from the mix—the faint whisper of a backing vocal, the gentle brush on a snare drum—that lesser setups simply gloss over. It’s a remarkably musical and non-fatiguing cartridge that makes you want to revisit your entire collection to discover what you’ve been missing. This single component justifies the price of admission.
Foundation of Stability: Acrylic Platter & High Mass Plinth
Sound is vibration, and a turntable’s primary job after the cartridge is to control it. Unwanted vibrations from the motor, the shelf, or even the air can muddy the sound and obscure detail. This is where the RT85’s physical construction shines. The high-density acrylic platter is a critical piece of this puzzle. Its mass provides excellent flywheel effect, ensuring rock-solid speed stability (measured at an impressive 0.07% Wow/Flutter). More importantly, its resonant frequency is very similar to that of a vinyl record, allowing it to effectively damp vibrations without the need for a felt or rubber mat. We found this resulted in a “blacker” background—a deeper silence between notes that allows the music to emerge with greater dynamics. The bass response becomes tighter and more defined, and the midrange gains a fullness and body. As one user upgrading from a lower-end model put it, “the acrylic platter is great… the table motor is absolutely silent.” This is enhanced by the heavy, solid MDF plinth. Tapping on the plinth while a record was playing yielded only a dull, muted thud through the speakers, a testament to its excellent damping properties. The three adjustable, resonance-damping spike feet provide further isolation and make leveling the turntable a breeze, which, as a user correctly pointed out, is “very important!”
Precision Engineering: The Drive for Purity
Fluance’s design philosophy prioritizes signal purity, and this is evident in the motor and drive system. The AC motor is physically isolated from the plinth, housed in its own cutout to prevent any motor vibrations from reaching the platter and, ultimately, the stylus. The belt-drive mechanism provides a final layer of decoupling. The result is an impressively low signal-to-noise ratio of 60 dB. In practice, this means that even with the amplifier cranked to high volume during a quiet passage, there is no audible hum or motor noise. As one reviewer who was having issues with a competitor’s model exclaimed, “Day 1 – there is NO motor noise even at full volume… It doesn’t pick up vibrations from touching my receiver.” This silence is the canvas upon which the music is painted. The speed control is a simple knob, allowing for easy switching between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM without ever having to touch the belt. It’s a small but significant quality-of-life feature that makes daily use a pleasure. The S-shaped tonearm is well-made and provides all the necessary adjustments—tracking force, anti-skate, and azimuth—allowing you to perfectly dial in the cartridge or even upgrade it further down the line.
Setup, Aesthetics, and Long-Term Livability
While the initial setup requires care, it’s a rewarding process that connects you with the instrument. We recommend, as do several users, buying a simple digital stylus force gauge. While you can balance the tonearm by hand using the included instructions, a digital gauge removes all guesswork and ensures you’re applying the recommended 1.8g tracking force for the 2M Blue, protecting both your stylus and your records. One user wisely noted, “Doing this wrong WILL absolutely damage or DESTROY your beautiful 2M Blue cartridge’s stylus.” Once set up, the table is a joy to use. The cueing lever is smooth and well-damped, gently lowering and raising the tonearm. The auto-stop feature, which stops the platter from spinning at the end of a record, is a welcome convenience that prevents unnecessary stylus wear if you get distracted. Aesthetically, the Fluance RT85 Turntable Acrylic Platter is a showpiece. The combination of the warm Walnut wood grain and the modern, crystal-clear platter is visually stunning and drew comments from everyone who saw it. It’s a piece of audio gear that you’ll be proud to display prominently in your living space.
What Other Users Are Saying
The sentiment surrounding the Fluance RT85 Turntable Acrylic Platter is overwhelmingly positive, particularly among those upgrading from entry-level players. One user who moved from the Fluance RT81 called the upgrade “100% worth it,” a common refrain we saw. The value proposition is a consistent theme, with one seasoned collector stating it’s “Absolutely one of the best HiFi deals around,” putting its playback on par with turntables deep into the audiophile category. Many, like us, were drawn in by the combination of the acrylic platter and the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, with one buyer calling it the “absolute best overall package for the money!”
However, the experience isn’t flawless for everyone. A few users pointed out that the initial setup can be a “bit of a struggle” for complete novices, emphasizing the need to watch videos and take your time with calibration. We also saw an isolated but notable report of a user receiving a unit with a cracked dust cover due to inadequate shipping protection, which is a frustrating experience. Another user mentioned issues with static, though this can often be related to environmental factors and other system components. Overall, though, the feedback confirms our findings: this is a turntable that performs far above its price point, delivering audiophile-grade sound and build quality that consistently impresses its owners. Even when minor issues like missing parts occurred, users praised Fluance’s customer service for being responsive and helpful.
How Does the Fluance RT85 Compare to the Alternatives?
The Fluance RT85 Turntable Acrylic Platter occupies a specific niche focused on pure audio performance. The alternatives often cater to a different set of priorities, emphasizing convenience and all-in-one functionality.
1. 1byone Belt Drive Turntable with Built-in Speakers
- [Exquisite Appearance] Built from wood and metal materials with a unique sense of layering; The streamlined corner design is truly atmospheric and stylish(Note: long hold the start button to turn the...
- [All in 1] This turntable spins at both 33 and 45 RPM speeds, the turntable’s speaker can play other devices’ music wirelessly by Bluetooth or using the Aux-in port, and the built-in amplifier...
The 1byone turntable is designed for simplicity and casual listening. Its primary advantages are the built-in speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a much lower price point, making it a true plug-and-play solution. However, it cannot compete with the RT85 on sonic grounds. Its magnetic cartridge is a step down from the Ortofon 2M Blue, and the built-in speakers and plastic construction are not conducive to high-fidelity sound. This is an excellent choice for someone just starting their vinyl journey who wants an all-in-one system for a bedroom or office, but anyone serious about audio quality would find the 1byone’s performance limitations frustrating in the long run.
2. MUSITREND 10 in 1 Record Player Bluetooth USB
- 【10 in 1 Record Player】This 9-in-1 record player combines a turntable, AM/FM radio, CD player, cassette player, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB/SD playback, giving you a wide range of listening...
- 【3-Speed Vinyl Records】The turntable supports three speeds (33, 45, and 78 RPM), allowing you to play a wide variety of vinyl records and enjoy your favorite albums with ease.
The MUSITREND system is the Swiss Army knife of audio, packing a turntable, CD player, cassette deck, AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, and USB playback into a single unit. Its appeal lies in its incredible versatility, allowing you to play music from nearly any physical format. This is perfect for someone looking to consolidate a varied media collection into one device. However, this jack-of-all-trades approach means it’s a master of none. The turntable components are very basic, and the sound quality from the included external speakers will be vastly inferior to the detailed, expansive sound produced by the Fluance RT85 Turntable Acrylic Platter when paired with a proper hi-fi system.
3. WOCKODER Vintage Record Player 3-Speed
- Two Dual Separable Speakers - Equipped with a separable pair of speakers, let you enjoy the full, real and live vinyl audio in dual speakers easily. Allow connection to the set of included speakers or...
- BT Wireless Input Streaming - Record player built-in BT receiver which can connect to your mobile phone wireless through sensitive and fast Bluetooth pairing and play music from all your favorite...
The WOCKODER record player focuses on vintage aesthetics and portability. Like the other alternatives, it includes speakers and Bluetooth input, offering a self-contained listening experience. It’s a great option for those who value style and convenience for casual listening, and its ability to play 7″, 10″, and 12″ records at 33, 45, and 78 RPM (with an appropriate stylus) adds flexibility. In contrast, the Fluance RT85 is a dedicated, high-performance instrument. The WOCKODER’s build quality, tonearm, and cartridge are designed for accessibility, not for extracting the maximum amount of musical information from a record’s grooves. It’s a fun lifestyle product, whereas the RT85 is a serious piece of audio equipment.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Fluance RT85 Turntable Acrylic Platter Worth It?
After extensive testing and poring over user feedback, our conclusion is unequivocal: The Fluance RT85 Turntable Acrylic Platter is the undisputed champion of its price category and represents a phenomenal value for any aspiring audiophile. It masterfully bundles components—specifically the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge and the acrylic platter—that are typically reserved for turntables costing hundreds more. The result is a sound that is clear, detailed, dynamic, and deeply engaging. It bridges the gap between entry-level convenience and esoteric high-end audio, providing a legitimate taste of the audiophile experience without the intimidating price tag.
While it requires an external phono preamp and a patient, careful setup, these are not drawbacks but rather hallmarks of a genuine hi-fi component. This turntable is for the listener who is ready to take the next step, to build a system, and to truly connect with their music collection. If you’ve hit a sonic wall with your current setup and are craving more detail, clarity, and life from your vinyl, the Fluance RT85 is not just a good choice; it’s the right choice. We can’t recommend it highly enough. Check the latest price and see for yourself why it’s the new benchmark for affordable high-fidelity.
Last update on 2025-11-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API