Why the Fluance RT85 and Ifi Zen Phono are my New Reference - RT85 and Zen Phono Review

[@cheapaudioman]

*************What is your reference turn table and phone Amp???? Ifi Zen Phono amzn.to/3xI9tzN Fluance RT85 amzn.to/3ARvz59 Other Products Mentioned: Monolith M570 amzn.to/3xFOeig Emotiva PT1 Preamp bit.ly/3xC0u3e Project Phonobox S2 amzn.to/3Ay7RdG

[@homerjones3291]

I have a Technics SL-1200mk2 that I bought new in the early 80’s for $400, and have done a lot of KAB mods. I also have a Pro-Ject Phono Box RS which is really good.

[@michaeltuohy1249]

Umm...not cheap, but I LOVE my setup. Brinkmann Bardo Kuzma 4Point9 Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC☆ PS Audio Stellar Phono. Took all my gobs and smacked em.

[@cheapaudioman]

@@michaeltuohy1249 great podcast about the ps audio podcast with John Darko and the designer Of it

[@homerjones3291]

@@michaeltuohy1249 PS Audio just had a private sale, with discounts on some of their popular items including the Stellar Phono.

[@michaeltuohy1249]

@@homerjones3291 , I got the email, but don't need anything atm.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Randy rocks!

[@cheapaudioman]

Hey, Steve! Thanks for watching. Love these fluance turntables. Glad to see you’re slowing it down a bit. Can’t wait to see what you have. Next

[@christinearmington]

Two of my favorites together 🎉. Sweet!😎

[@R3dFiv3.]

Steve! Love your awesome shirts, brother!

[@budsmoker4201120]

Two of my fav peeps. Keep'em spinning

[@CHICO976]

I have the Rt-85 also and love it..I was using the phono stages in my several receivers and integrated amp with it but decided after some research that maybe these were not as good as separate phono amps ..so I bought a Fluance PA-10 amp ..and was blown away with the difference in sound...I am a happy 84 year old loving my system.

[@budsmoker4201120]

Awesome!!! Hope all is well. I am using the phonostage on my Sony dh190 for my rt85. It sounds amazing, but I was thinking about getting the fluance, project, or the Zen. I guess my question is what was the difference when you switched? More separation? Clarity? Less noise sound floor..etc.. any clarification would be great. Thank you for your time.

[@leostask]

Thanks!

[@davidsmithson9236]

Your most passionate review yet. That tells me that this set up is REALLY worth serious consideration. Thanks.

[@StevePilgrim2013]

You hit this one out of the park. Most relatable! With no dealers around these reviews provide the information we need to make buying decisions. Thanks.

[@marksilgalis9400]

I've got the Fluance RT85 and the Schiit Mani Phono pre-amp. I had much the same reaction you did while playing through the Mani the first time. I had come off of the Emotiva XPS-1 Phono preamp. I could say the exact same thing that you did about the PT 1. The Emotiva was more than fine, really low noise floor, good throughout. The Schiit Mani... game changer for me. It makes me prefer listening to vinyl over any other format.

[@audiorick841]

I have the same set up as you with an RT 85 and a Mani. Now I’m wondering if it’s worth trying a Zen… or is it just changing four quarters for a dollar 🤷‍♂️

[@JC-lk3oy]

I have the same combo and you are 100% right. That combo is when I finally "got" the magic of vinyl.

[@marksilgalis9400]

@@audiorick841 If I were a betting man… I would probably say between the two it would be very fine hairsplitting. That is entirely based on reviews and not personal experience. I would be shocked if there was a huge difference. I would still watch the video though!

[@josephchamberlain3681]

Also my setup. Its fantastic.

[@frederickfranchi6408]

@@audiorick841 it's not the s*** Mani is a way better phono preamp I don't know what Randy is listening to but to my ears it wasn't even close🤔

[@michaela.6698]

Just purchased the RT85/Zen combo. Thank you soooo much for this review! It helped me make my decision getting back into vinyl after a 40 year hiatus. Rock on brother!

[@mattkalis1567]

So happy to hear this. I have an Ortifon red and I love the clarity. But I do hear the brightness in the upper mids and lower treble. Especially through the Emotiva speakers.. now I have a path to take that brightness out without losing the clarity!

[@homerjones3291]

More than one person has suggested to get the blue after hearing both. The bronze and black styli are not compatible with the blue/red cartridge bodies.

[@musicnerd72]

I've been debating on the RT85 for weeks now. Your video has finally convinced me that it's the one I need! A white one at that! 👍

[@maddhendrix]

I've listened a lot to the red and blue on my fluance. I've kind of fallen in love with the red. The point you make in this video about swapping is spot on. If you like to tinker and try new things out, swapping headshells is such a plus! Great video

[@damianzaninovich4900]

Great to hear you’re getting into LPs. It’s hard to stop listening when you get it right. One word of advice if you’re buying old records, greatest hits compilations never sound anywhere near as good as the original releases.

[@treyhorn5645]

What a great review. I hear you loud and clear. Ok. I'm not owned a turntable yet but I have been looking and yes I have looked at fluance quite a bit so there you go now I know.

[@icecreamman1977]

Hi Randy! Thanks for the review, just ordered both pieces based on your recommendation. Looking forward to what you do next!

[@cheapaudioman]

Nice. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. They really are a special combo

[@Lfunk1983]

Getting my iZen on Sunday to go along w my Technics SL-1200GL. Ortofon 2M Blue as well! Glad to see so many enthusiastic comments here 😎

[@KenJencks]

Randy, I just ordered the ifi zen phono. I am excited to hear it. Thank you for your review.

[@iknowyounot88]

This is my new rig as of yesterday! Can't wait to get it hooked up with the balanced output to my speakers!

[@fredbrunetti7256]

This is one of the best phono pre amps I’ve ever owned I have. a few phono carts every one is a delight to listen to

[@jeffsloane8628]

This is review gold Randy. You explanation of the preamp and cartridges is some of the best I've ever heard. Own Project Debut Carbon with 2M Red, cork/rubber mat on Ikea cutting board hack.

[@takuminishijou5697]

One again you helped me to make an audio purchase. I pulled the trigger on this combo and am really looking forward to some long vinyl sessions. This along with my Emotiva receiver should be a great combo :)

[@multibeast5764]

Would love if at some point you could compare the Schiit Mani to the Zen phono. I really enjoy my Mani, but also really like iFi products and so just curious. Love the hat too!

[@dannymcneal]

Saving up for both the RT85 with Ortofon 2M Blue AND the iFi Zen phono preamp (so I can use the balanced output with my Edifier S3000 Pro powered bookshelf speakers)-I’m sold!! Thank you for another very detailed, easy-to-understand, and well-researched review.

[@chutgowdingo-loon3212]

Nice one Randy. Two thumbs up !!!

[@Mikey1962]

I have the RT 85 and absolutely love it.

[@JohnScheppler]

Great review and production. Looks like a great reference turntable setup.

[@jayorick2077]

So… we’re running the same rig. Does this make me a cheap audio bastid? I’m okay with that. My soul is now filled with happiness. Aww… the feels

[@ginom407]

Great Review!!! I need these items in my life! 👍👍👍

[@ptg01]

Great review and advice: Kicking myself for not getting RT-85 immediately... Regarding interchanging cartridges, some limitations I've been told by FLUANCE: Total height of new cartridge from top of cartridge that touches the headshell to tip of needle should be no more than 18mm and mass should be no more than 7.5 grams (although I was able to experiment with one that is 9.5 grams mass, the counterweight is really pulled way to the edge ).... Since the VTA / tonearm height is not adjustable, one can achieve similar results using more or less mats. That's where the acrylic platter can come in handy and one can use a cartridge that is 2.5mm taller than Ortofon 2M Series. If you stick with Ortofon 2M's, the swapping is super simple after using the protractor the first time as its mass and physical dimensions are identical from Red to Black... Strangely, Ortofon strongly discourages the use of 2M Black in Fluance TT's as they claim 2M Black's Shibata styli is very sensitive to correct VTA's.

[@dennismanning6684]

Always something... I bought a 3rd party head shell and an AT540ml cart for my RT-85. It is less than the 18mm that is the Orto blue measurement. The cue mechanism wouldn't let the stylus down enough for standard records, 180g were ok. No recommends from Fluance...I used a matt for a bit but that was too far off the VTA for the AT ML stylus. Solved to "close enough" by: no matt and remove the rubber cushion on the cue rest. Need to do more comparisons but the AT has better base and somewhat softer highs to the Blue. Except for no VTA adjustment the Fluance is great, very well made.

[@ptg01]

@@dennismanning6684 Strange... cue rest mechanism should not be touching any part of tonearm when it is released, I think. Yes, lack of VTA adjustment is a bit of a bummer but at $500 or less, it is quite the turntable... A 40+ year audiophile friend of mine mentioned that the biggest improvement in SQ on turntables would be in Cartridge and Phono PreAmp and I would tend to agree. Never quite understood spending thousands or even tens of thousands just for the turntable and tonearm. I am sure it can be better but I am always about biggest bang for the buck.

[@dennismanning6684]

@@ptg01 Yep, you are correct, shouldn't touch, the minimal adjustability was not enough...but pulling off the rubber bumper gave another 1mm, just enough to clear. The AT540ml wants a couple of degrees steeper VTA than the Blue Orto which it gets by being a little shorter than the 18mm Blue. Incidentally, sometimes I think the alignment may be off cause the center image is not centered but I think it's just old worn grooves (one reason for the super slim ml stylus) cause a brand new 180g, half speed master John Martin (Solid Air) sounds perfectly centered with dead silent background at 80-90db. Amazing compared to any, including hi-res sources. Mani, preamp.

[@timd7782]

I have the Ifi Zen pre-amp coupled to an AudioTechnica 120X USB with an Ortofon Blue cartridge, cork mat and "The Fives" powered speakers by Klipsch. I absolutely love it. Great sound, powerful but compact. Punches way above its weight. If I hadnt already invested in the Audio technica, I would have gone Fluance. Looks like they make a very good product.

[@markcarrington8565]

Hey Randy, great review and I agree completely. I was using the internal phono stage on my vintage Sansui integrated and the ifi made a huge difference. Better yet, ifi products cost sensible money in the UK instead of the usual straight $ to £ price hike.

[@sepsism138]

I have the iFi Zen Phono and it was a significant improvement over my Yamaha A-S801's internal phono stage (which by most accounts is fairly weak to begin with). Pro-ject Debut Carbon DC TT and Ortofon 2M Red.

[@Feliciano12v]

Dude! This is the turntable I have been considering. Great review! I have to try that IFI Zen to go along with it.

[@oscaromenson5079]

Do you think you could do a future comparison with the Schiit Mani? Thanks, great content!

[@mikemalone2834]

Killing me bro! Lol I'm running a Pioneer SX750 ,Klipsch RP8000 with AG Audio kit , and just ordered the RT85 in walnut. Also ordered the Ortiphone black with a second head shell for those MFSLs, New Subscriber great vid

[@johngutmanis3204]

Hi Randy, after listening to Steve Huff gush about the iFi phono I got one for budget system I was putting together for the cabin. But then I wondered how it compares to the built in phono preamp in my 2015 $7000 dollar McIntosh c50 preamp. I also ordered the balanced cable and iFi better power supply. My turntable is a VPI Prime with the 3D printed arm and an Ortofon MC Quintet Black cartridge. I did A/B listening between the Zen and McIntosh and was surprised how good the Zen was. The Zen was more dynamic and punchier while the McIntosh was smother and more musical if that makes any sense. In all honesty I kept the Zen on my McIntosh preamp because I like the punchier sound. I am sure the iFi Zen is an upgrade to many built in phono preamps that come with turntables and preamps and integrated amps.

[@supasoulproductions]

Fluance also makes an acrylic turntable mat that you can use on your aluminum platter for about 30 bucks. I have the R 83 upgraded to the Ortofon Blue cartridge and an acrylic mat. I play it through a Cambridge Works solo preamp. I love mine!

[@latheofheaven]

That was great Bro! It just so happened a few days ago I was able to snag a discontinued IFI Phono2 class 'A' phono amp, which I'm kind of guessing better the hell be at least as good as the Zen (the one they have replaced it with, the IFI Phono3 is frigg'n over **DOUBLE** the price! $1000 So, I'm glad I was able to get one of the last IFI Phono2's for about $445) I've had a fairly inexpensive British made Revolver TT for probably 30 years now with a Vintage Flagship Vector Aligned Linear Contact Audio Technica DR500LC that fancy as it sounds is just as old (It WAS considered one of the best and most detailed back then, but was only like $150 at the time) So, it sounds really nice in my system, but I've always kind of wondered if any of these not-too-terribly-expensive TT/cartridge combos might possibly sound better...? I will say that after hearing your very passionate recommendation of the Fluance & Blue Wonder (or whatever it was called, sorry : ) you kind of got me going on that. ESPECIALLY if the cartridge is already set up properly for that table because I truly don't know how to do it myself. Hmmm... you got me wondering mate I will admit... Love your reviews man, funny as hell! Audiophile glasses, Geez... Thanks for the excellent and very helpful review!

[@bwithrow011]

Randy, you're a man after my own heart. Gonna get me audiophile reading glasses 4 sure! Lol! 😆

[@davidpartlow1623]

Just ordered the ZEN Phono.. thanks C.A.M.

[@9mmmike642]

I love the look of my RT85 acrylic platter when playing translucent colored vinyl when my LED spot light is aimed at it.

[@ObsydyanInkTV]

I always stop by here before I make an audio purchase, and you never let me down. Just review everything so that I can use your channel like Google or Wikipedia. K, Thanks. 😂

[@esstee5888]

Thank you for this video, ive spent weeks trying to decide what to pick up for my first proper turntable setup. A lot of that research was done with this channel, it has helped immensely! As far as "best bang for the buck", would you recommend a power speaker set up, or passive speakers with an amplifier. My remaining budget would be around 300 usd but i could save for a few months longer if that makes more sense. Thanks, subbed and added to my favorites list!

[@sithbertram]

I've been looking at the Fluance but didn't like the pairing with their pre amp, after watcing this I went ahead and ordered both! Thanks so much for your passion and expertise.

[@S.L.1211]

I have this phono preamp and it’s very nice! Incredible clarity and super low noise floor.

[@DarylSawatzky]

You sold me, take my money. Actually I already had the RT-85. And I have a zen dac on my desktop. But I ordered a Zen phono preamp. Thanks!

[@neilfisher7999]

I just ordered the Fluance RT85 a couple days ago, should have it next week. I'm upgrading from a Denon Dp300f. So, I am happy to hear what you just said about it. I have been listening to reviews on the RT85 for a while now. Glad you agree with the consensus that it is a good value and sounds great!

[@elkvision]

Let us know how you like it!

[@vudo2555]

Preamp selections question: Should pre-amp selection be matched to the actual recommended gain to the cartridge/s you intend to use? Meaning does the Pre-amp default settings for gain effect bow the cartridge will sound in relation to other pre-amps with other default gain options and if so how might this effect sound if you can't match exact + or -. That being said, and if this is true, would it be more applicable to make decisions on what cartridges you 'might' intend to run and then select a pre-amp that is more tailored to those cartridges? Suggestion: Would really be awesome to see a full review (or review series) on the most popular cartridges (Ortofon, Nagaoka) paired to the IFI Zen and the Schiit Mani with differing pre-amp settings for comparison to best configurations (along with audio samples). One of the absolute biggest issues with the phono market is getting a thorough understanding of these 2 key paired components (Cartridge & Phono Amp) as that most of us out here would prefer to make a one time purchase with confidence on best match instead of taking the gamble and trial and error of components...where as a seasoned KZbin Influencer like yourself could be the first at approaching nailing this for all of us! 😊

[@josephanthony2865]

I need help! First question… Do you ever take on clients for 1 on 1 consultation? Here’s my deal, I use a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo, the IotaVx stack (my PA3 just arrived a few days ago but I’ve had the SA3 for about 9 months), the ifi Zen Phono Preamp, and Q acoustics 3050i speakers…. But I’m as green as spring grass. Oi! When I bought my Debut CE it plugged in to the Phono input on the SA3 w/ the ground secured to the post. After hooking up the PA3 to The SA3 there’s some fuzz coming from the speakers that ought not be there. I’m not sure how to connect the IZ now that all that energy is running through the stack. It’s worth mentioning that when I use the remote to switch from phono to Bluetooth dongle the speakers are unaffected and pin-drop silent. The fuzz is only when I’m on the phono setting. My question is, with the addition of the PA3 should I unplug the Debut CE from the SA3 and plug it into the IZ, securing the grounding wire to the back of the post on the IZ… ?? And then, choose a new line from the back of the SA3 to plug back in w/ the IZ and use that line when I’m spinning records? Does that sound about right? I am hesitant because I don’t know exactly what I’m doing and don’t want to damage my gear! All the while, the configuration of wires between the PA3 & SA3 are good to go (as it sounds really good and pin-drop silent). Penny.. or dollars… for your thoughts?

[@yutopia7]

I have rt85 paired with….. Rotel A12mkII. It sounds great and I have no complaints. So my question is, should I even try if Zen phono preamp? Should I try Schiit Mani 2? Are they better than my rotel a12? Are they waste of my time? I’m asking because I know you have a lot experience with all of these products and I love hearing your opinions.

[@kguy2know]

this would have been very helpful if you would have shown us how to set this preamp up to the fluance rt-85. I am getting both of these and already have the preamp. Heres my questions. What gain channel switch am I suppose to select?Do I need to have the subsonic filter on or off if i am not playing warped records? The MMinput LED, what is this and the MC high, low, and v-low; which one do i need? I am using the optophone blue cartridge? There really were not good instructions with this wifi zen phono. Can you help, please?? My fluance turntable should be coming in a few days ( I also got the speakers from fluance-i-41 i think)

[@raycimbalnik5159]

I've had the RT-85 for over a year and not a single problem, well worth the money

[@valgallant5167]

Hi Randy, I have the Kantu y6 speakers. Today my FluanceRT83 arrived. I love it and thank you for reviewing it. My question is would the ifi zen boost the performance of those speakers?

[@bradleymay5678]

Great reviews and channel as always! I have just ordered the RT85N with MP-110 and the iFI Zen phono based on your reccomendations. I was just wondering what gain setting you used on the IFi for this cartridge. I believe the reccomended setting for the MP-110 is 40dB. The iFi has 36dB and 48dB options. Some have reported that 36 is too quiet and 48 is too bright. Just looking for some input before I do my setup. I can't wait to get this thing in the mail! Thanks in advance.

[@vudo2555]

I see this never got answered so now that you have had this setup for 6m or so can you comment on what your findings were for the best gain setting on the iFI for the MP-110? I am considering the exact same setup but am also pondering if the Schiit Mani 2 (with a gain setting of 42dB) might be a better match. Regardless your feedback (in detail if at all possible) on the MP-110 matched to the iFI Zen would be very helpful and appreciated. Thanks kindly in advance. 😊

[@markmasters8226]

Love the cinder block shelves. The only thing that would make it better is to staple some shag carpet on the board shelving!

[@Mike_Jones68]

You know i wld have prob not noticed that unless i read this comment. Irony is im building almost the same thing with some heavier shelving surfaces from used office furn store. My thoughts were to fill with sand to dampen the "feet" and between the 2 levels to help achiev some diy isolation dampening. We shall see

[@AndyP126]

I would love for you to try the ART DJ PRE II Phon Preamp. I can send you one to review if you want.

[@opalgarcliff470]

I hear wonderful things about this phono preamp and WAY more budget friendly. like 3x cheaper than the IFI.

[@brunohebert1351]

@@opalgarcliff470 it is the budget phono pre-amp to get for sure. I recently upgraded to a Fosi Tube phono pre-amp and it was way better. But the ART is good, as good as any decent vintage amp phono preamp I'd say. So if you're amp doesn't have a phono input then it's the best place to start. The only issue I had with it is that it doesn't have an on/off switch so either you let it on all the time our you need to plug/unplug the power (BTW, getting a better power supply also helps a lot without spending too much)

[@AaronMal1978]

I also have the RT-85 and absolutely love it. I don't have a separate phono preamp. I just use the built-in one on my receiver. I'm considering a separate pre amp, but I'm not certain what level of performance would be a noticeable difference.

[@rlwings]

Schiit Mani. It's fantastic. $129 USD

[@lpspinners8736]

@@rlwings I have the Schiit Mani also in a $15k system and I don't feel a need to change.

[@mden2490]

I am a bit late to the game as they say..Just watched the video. How are you enjoying the RT85 now that some time has passed? Is there anything that you dislike? Why did you buy this over Audio- Technica, Techniques etc..and the rest of the TT's?

[@yutopia7]

@@lpspinners8736Does your Schiit Mani sound better than the preamp in your integrated amplifier? I have rotel A12mkII and I’m wondering if it’s a waste to even consider buying external phono preamp. I have no complaints with the sound rotel is sending.

[@rosswellman7224]

Just bought one and using Douk T3 Pro with modified tubes into bridged IOTA pre and power amp. Speakers are LSA Signature 50. Sounds pretty good notwithstanding my records are over 30 years old!! Still a little bass light maybe but running everything in.

[@Trollonyou23]

I just was wondering how it held up over the years

[@stonefree1911]

Hey Cheapo, been waiting on pulling the trigger on a RT-85, so good timing. I own nary an lp, so I am starting from scratch on it and don't want to spend too much, but also want decent sound. Think I'll go for it. How does that iFi compare to a Schiit Mani?

[@wayneg1197]

Used to watch the Bend Rockies (Bend Oregon) before they moved. Oh and just ordered the Double D (DO1) to go with my Aiyima 07. Thanks Randy!

[@DJMikeron]

I agree totally with you combination especially the ifi Phono stage,the secret weapon,:)

[@One_Mile_Up]

@cheapaudioman -- would getting the RT85N + Ifi Zen + Klipsch "The Fives" make sense? Looking to get into HiFi and these are the components I'm eye-balling! Thank you in advance! 🤘🏻😎

[@gavinwhittle7152]

Worth getting the Ifi Zen Phono to replace my Artcessories DJpre2? Or...check this thing out...it does what the Pre2 does, but also allows you to transfer the vinyl inbound signal to digital in order to record on your computer (ART USB Phono Plus-Preamp & Audio Interface). They make some ultimate cheapaudioman stuff.

[@inevitablejad]

I just recently bought this set up, i had the preamp on the mm setting and then changed it to Mc high setting and felt it sounded better. It’s using the ortofon blue on the mc high setting suppose to sound better than mm or maybe I need to listen again.

[@wilbertbrewton3572]

The CheapAudioMan rocks. His stance is more practical than cheap. Perfect! But I must expose him for the thief he is. If you aren’t 60 years old, you won’t remember the first season of Saturday Night live, 1975. Randy’s sponsor schtick is identical to the SNL’s commercial schtick. Flipping the audiophile purist attitude on ridiculous props, is genius. The beauty come in the delivery. I was disoriented the first time, confused the second video and stomped the brakes by the third video. SNL’s fake commercial ads were originally subtle and were presented directly behind the real sponsor ad. Thanks for the 45 year flash back humor and thanks for the channel. Gotta go, my coffee needs warming!

[@robertm8518]

You can make a big improvement by mounting a shelf to the wall specifically for the turntable.

[@ferminmoreno5449]

Great review, thank you so much Randy. New in the vinyl world, double checking, Does the ifi Zen works as a preamp for the RT85? All the best.

[@ka9faxqrp208]

Great video as always! Two questions. First I have a Integra 3.4 with a VPI scout turntable. Do you think I would benefit from the Zen? Also coming out of the Zen where do my cables go to on the receiver? I’m guessing not back into the outputs of the phono preamp? Thank you for your help.

[@MrIcecapone]

correct you shouldn't plug in the phono. Any other input should work like cd, game etc

[@ala068]

Dear Chief Audio Man (CAM), I trust this was inspired by the comment I recently left on your earlier RT81/83 review. Yes, spot on CAM, for a few more $, you get a superb TT and value for you $. As always, great and entertaining review... Now I have to try the iFI Zen... Not a cheap hobby, is it CAM?

[@bobroberts3968]

Love Fluance. Careful plucking your record off the platter. I pulled the belt off accidentally while lifting off an LP.

[@BrianWilcher]

That looks like a vintage Yamaha receiver in the background. Which model is it? I have a CR-800 that I absolutely love.

[@JotaBee2]

Great video as always. Looking for suggestions on a $100-150 speakers that could pair well with the RT85.

[@baronofgreymatter14]

Hey Randy have you tried the Schiit Mani 2? Would be great to see a comparison with the IfI zen

[@alferro3149]

Wow! It starts the platter when you move the tonearm!!! A friend of mine dislocated hi shoulder trying to do that manually...if had the Fluance it wouldn't happened 😂🤣

[@sherlockholmes2010]

Dual 1219, Ortofon 2m blue, ifi zen Phono, highend tube amp, spendors.. ;)

[@martinmerino3272]

What’d you think about the Nagaoka MP110?! Or compared to the Ortofon blue?Absolutely love mine and curious how it matches up against the blue.

[@phen277]

Can I use any acrylic platter on any turntable, or does a Fluance RT83 require a Fluance acrylic platter?

[@harackmw]

best ads on any channel!

[@RedSinter]

Oh, by the way Rockoctopus Tee is on my list of must haves though l was hoping for Octo and Squid Tamagotchi's sniff sniff... Thanks for the earlier reply on GR Research Speakers. And yeah the Zen is at the top of my list should I tempt Viynal again. But I do hear the documentation is a tad weak and the one color option for LED discriptors for functional info against a polished alumium faceplate is dicey. Maybe suggestions from quality reviewers such as you and your brethren to up size the Doc's and Color Phase shifting LED's would greatly upscale consumer appreciation and sales of an excellent product.

[@deadandburied7626]

Got an 85, but Ifi or Schiit Mani 2 preamp still to choose.

[@lbk9989]

Just got into this website, I could click on these videos all day !! Any feedback on the Fluance pa 10 phono preamp? I see one subscriber likes it. Not looking to have top of the line, already am very please with my Yamaha C-45 pre amp on my main system. Need extra one to add to my Adcom preamp, Dynaco Stereo 70 and Technics turntable set-up.

[@billyfinn]

Hello Sir, I love.yoyr channel and content. Thanks for all your time and work. My question is, I have a Pioneer reciever from 1973. It's a SX 828. I got a ifi and hooked up my fluance RT85 and try to find a difference between the 2 different set ups. Would you say the pioneer or the ifi would.aound better? And what about that reciever you have behind you? Does that sound better than the ifi ?

[@MedalionDS9]

ah here's the relevant video. Nice one

[@denniswade4998]

So, does Sith Audio have audiophile toilet paper? . . . . just wondering. :) I just recently purchased both the RT85 turntable and the ifi Zen Phono, so this review caught my attention. I agree that buying the RT85 right from the start makes the most sense financially in the long run, unless you already own a different Fluance turntable. The turntable and phono amp combo is still too new to me to really exclaim its virtues, but I sure do like what I hear so far! I, too, am amazed at the silence of the phono amp. It needs to be heard (or NOT heard!) to be believed.

[@hagbard72]

Is that a Yamaha CR2020 behind you? I have that, but its been in a locker 3000kms away for the past 15 years.

[@kyleeasley92]

Hey, Randy. Got a question for you, good sir. Do you think the Zen Phono will pair well with my setup or based on my listening preference would I be better off with a Schiit Mani? I have the Klipsch RP600M, The Denon PMA-600NE, and the DROP + AUDIO-TECHNICA CARBON VTA TURNTABLE(comparable to the LPW40WN) with the AT-VM95E. Based on your shoot off with Denon and the Emotiva TA-100, I tried both amps myself. Decided on the Denon because the warmth of the Denon with the clarity of the Klipsch seemed to be a nice balance for me when listening to vinyl. Really love the channel, man. You’ve been the direct influence to the majority of my beginner audiophile purchases. Thank you.

[@josexavierjr.5633]

Nice review, Randy. Did you use the balanced output, or RCA, on the iFi? My reference (and only) turntable is a Dual 622 Direct Drive Automatic from 1981; still sounds great and works like a charm..........except for the arm return, it only lifts at the end. BTW.........are the Sith Audio readers in STEREOSCOPE?

[@kennethdorn6393]

Hi Randy, I love your video content! What powered speakers do you recommend with the Fluance RT85 and the Zen HiFi phono preamp? Thanks!!

[@kevinperry368]

Great info! Exactly what I've been looking for after researching equipment for over a year. Just getting back into vinyl since the 70's. So, if I'm running a Fluance RT85 w/2m blue cartridge to Ifi Zen preamp to Emotiva TA1, what speakers (bookshelf or towers) will sound the best with this setup? Looking for a slightly more warm sound but having clarity with a bigger soundstage. Will be playing everything from jazz to country to classic rock. My budget is around $1500 for the pair. Thinking seriously about the Wharfdale Linton Heritages. Does all this pair together ok? Any suggestions for a better speaker to match with the setup listed above?

[@brodjo]

Hi Randy, love your channel and would appreciate a piece of advice. So I finally decided to buy myself a turntable setup and managed to grab Project Debut Carbon EVO at a 35% discount, the 2M red one since I'm in Europe. I plan to pair it with Elac Debut B5.2, Ifi Zen Phono and I'm wondering which amplifier should I add to complete the setup. Based on your reviews I was considering S.M.S.L SA300 but it does not have a balanced input. Should this be a dealbreaker? Should I try to get something like S.M.S.L DA-9 to utilize the balanced input or should I stick to RCA? Thanks! Cheers!

[@Michael-bj4sz]

The Rega P1 has a lot better tone arm and plater for about the same price. What features makes the Fluance better?

[@daryn1231]

The Ortofon 2M Blue and the acrylic platter makes it sound hands down better than the Rega P1.

[@joemartin6439]

Look up the Six Acoustic Audio “York phono stage for less than $500 right here in Toronto area. What amp are you using.

[@francescotenti193]

What about "vision transport" for those audiophile glasses?

[@mikelafleur]

I have the same setup and get the chills during Battle of Evermore. That said, keeping my records clean are the bane of my existence! Can't wait to here your impressions on that vintage Yamaha.

[@miata1492]

*hear

[@DavidUKesb]

I know you liked the inbuilt phono in the Rotel A11 Tribute. Would you say a IFI Zen would be an improvement or not? Thanks

[@sonnyhenriksen9398]

Another "source" review! Love it!

[@cabronesse386]

So glaad that the commercial-intro is back! LMAO

[@GladsondosSantosValente-nw1rx]

what is the diference between the red and the blue one cartridge?

[@shackinup]

Nice review! How was the nagaoka Mp-110 in comparison with the ortofons? You mentioned it but did not say something about it...

[@robmills537]

Hi Randy a really good video buddy, I have the ifi phono amp it cost £150 in the UK you are spot on about how good it sounds. I love the Fluance Rt85 but when I looked into bringing one into the uk it was far too expensive which is a real shame as I think it's a great turntable.

[@wayno5851]

Picked up a RT85 on Amazon this week in the U.K. £504 With free delivery, arrived in a couple of days. Sounds awesome! I feel that they missed a trick by not fitting an LED under the platter, it looks pretty sleek with the backlit clear acrylic! Hope this helps!