Fluance RT85 High Fidelity Reference Turntable Unboxing and Review

[@matthewbuzzell8601]

Thank you for such a thorough and easy-to-follow demonstration of balancing the tone arm!

[@ReviewedByPhil]

You're welcome!

[@GeneSavage]

Nobody else has mentioned the issues at the end of a 7" record; thanks for this review!!

[@ReviewedByPhil]

You're welcome!

[@slyfox720]

So I purchased the RT-85 and it just came in the mail(9/4/2020) and finished setting it up. I am blown away by the build quality and sound quality. I guess the only negative I have is that the numbers on the counter weight are the same color as the counter weight which made it extremely difficult for me to read when I was trying to balance the tone arm. Other than that I am in heaven with music fidelity. I was coming from an older audio-technica which was actually good. But this is a huge improvement.

[@abc456f]

Mine is coming tomorrow. Been having my eye on it for a while and earlier this week, Fluance sent me an email that they were having a 15% off sale. No brainer. $500 turntable for $425. I got the walnut, think it looks classy. I recently got into listening to LP's on my old Technics SL-QD2 table. Hadn't used it in over 20 years but it's working fine after some tonearm issues I was able to resolve. I'm finding vinyl has a much richer sound than cd's. Unfortunately my old albums are in pretty rough shape, they're between 45 and 60 years old! I've bought four new albums and they sound fantastic on the old Technics. Can't wait to hear them on the RT-85.

[@davidgena2667]

I own both the RT 81 and RT 85. Both are beautiful looking and beautiful sounding turntables.

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Me too, and I completely agree!

[@19Peace69]

Hello, I've been wanting to upgrade from an LP120 I had. Any thoughts on the Rt85 vs a Rega Planar 1?

[@ReviewedByPhil]

@@19Peace69 Hi there, sorry for the delayed response. I've heard a lot about the Rega Planar TTs but actually haven't had the opportunity to listen to one in person, so I don't want to make any comparisons between the two that aren't based on real-world listening experience.

[@Miguel8131981]

Thank you for your detailed review. I waited and waited for Fluance RT85 to come back in stock. It finally did last week and I received my RT85 in the mail today. I have say I am really impressed and excited by this new turntable. The build quality and sound are excellent. I am sure I am going to love listening to all my records again. Thank you again.

[@ReviewedByPhil]

You're welcome! I'm hope you love it as much as I do!

[@joshualieder7524]

What budget bookshelf speakers should be paired with it?

[@TBNTX]

I own RT-85T equipped with an Ortophon Blue cartridge. I love mine.

[@richardmcfarland2826]

Just received myvRT-85 from FLUANCE last week, I'm very pleased.

[@jamessankey01]

Thank you. This video url should be included with the manual

[@fctryoffetsh39]

Great review for 50 extra you get the 2 blue needle,good pointing out the flaws glad you enjoy it

[@Apocryphone]

I plan on buying this record player soon as an upgrade to my ATLP60x.

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Awesome, let me know how you like it! It's interesting to hear other people's thoughts on it.

[@jimshea7052]

From junk to more junk

[@2010stoof]

Just got mine in!!! Fluance reference tables are the best for the money right now, from my research. Haven't set it up yet. Was looking at the rt82 for almost a year but when the time came to pull the trigger, all but the rt85 were out of stock. But if you think about it, if you were to get the rt82, then later get the platter, then buy the ortofon 2m blue, it costs around 700. So knowing id at least get the platter later, and a chance to get the 2m blue which I wouldn't buy alone at this point, I figured since I had the money I may as well save a little in the long run and just get the 85.

[@spb624]

Came to the same conclusion when I had the same thing happen to me. Excited to get it in the mail soon!

[@passionstrangler]

this is the best tutorial reviews so far! very clear Good job!

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Wow, thanks!

[@suasponte6230]

I'm pretty impressed with this review.

[@deepblue8143]

I own this turntable and I enjoy it a lot. I think it is currently the best value on the market, but I do not believe that the acrylic platter produces a more warm sound. I think that's pure marketing speak on their end. I also on the nearly $2000 Technics Sl-1200gr and this $500 turntable holds it's own next to the more expensive Technics. Good review!

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Haha, perhaps! Thanks for your comment and positive feedback :-)

[@erickus36]

Excellent video showing the setup! Bravo my friend and thank you! 👏👏👏

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Thanks and you're welcome!

[@erickus36]

ReviewedByPhil Seriously you did one of the greatest video that I have seen about this subject! You sir are one of the best youtuber out there! Keep up the excellent work!

[@erickus36]

ReviewedByPhil Seriously you did one of the greatest video that I have seen about this subject! You sir are one of the best youtuber out there! Keep up the excellent work!

[@jeffg1524]

Phil, I was really impressed with the turntable until you got to the end and had all those problems with playing 45rpm discs (I give you kudos for even "including" that in your review, something I haven't seen with ANY other turntable review). Then I said Whoa, Whoa, Whoa. I've got 100 45's and want to be able to play them, so it's not a small little problem I can dismiss. I can't believe looking through the comments that no ones else has said something about it? Does no one have any 45 singles anymore??...lol. I had already ordered the turntable yesterday from their web site so I think I'm going to cancel before they ship. Unless you want to amend your comments and let me know on further testing they play fine. Thanks again for such a detailed review.

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Hey Jeff, thanks for your feedback! I do stand by my comments in the video and at least for me, 45 playback performance has been hit or miss, though consistent depending on the record. So could it just be my collection or individual records? Perhaps, but that's still not reassuring. Keep in mind my collection is true vintage, collected and stored for decades or more. I'm not sure if new pressings would perform differently. But also, I didn't experience the same problems on the RT81 with the same records, so I'm guessing it has something to do with the new servo in the RT85.

[@jeffg1524]

@@ReviewedByPhil thanks for the quick reply, Phil. I also have vintage 45's from the 70's and 80's. I even have a few 10" EP's...lol. My main collection is 2,000+ LP's, but even if the turntable plays them, if it can't play the 45's reliably why bother. I mean, I'm shelling out over $500 (with tax) for a turntable that can't play 45rpm singles?? No way. Looks like the RT85 has already shipped so I can't cancel. When I get the turntable I'll set it up and the first thing I'm going to check is the 45's. If I have any problems at all it's going back. It's just one big hassle. I wish I would have seen your video sooner. I "thought" I did my due diligence and researched the heck out of the product. I'm certainly not an impulse buyer, but in every video I saw the reviewer just raved about the RT85, so I thought I could do no wrong. Thanks again.

[@jeffg1524]

Thought I'd give you an update, Phil. 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 you 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.

[@ReviewedByPhil]

@@jeffg1524 Thanks for sharing your experience Jeff. Glad to hear you're happy with the turntable, save for having to turn off auto-stop for 45s. But I'm glad you're enjoying it nonetheless! I hear ya on other reviewers raving about products and failing to point out any flaws, or brushing them off, for fear it might turn off some viewers from purchasing it (and thus they'd take a hit to their affiliate commissions). I'd rather have folks out there know these realities upfront, so they can make informed decisions. Most products aren't perfect, and I think reviewers have a responsibility to acknowledge that. It's the only way companies will know how to make their products better in the future!

[@bcollins8494]

I just got my RT85 and experienced the problem with end of 45's sudden speed drop outs. I have a pretty good collection too so I'm thinking it's a slight flaw with this table. A little concerned about it and will continue to evaluate before I decide in keeping it. I have not however had the auto stop cut off music.

[@angelabhoopa178]

Best step by step set up guide on KZbin! Thanks!

[@ReviewedByPhil]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@Vintageelectronics2296]

I have a Fluance RT 84 and I'm using Pioneer speakers how good is Fluance speakers and would you recommend them

[@josephlamanna7527]

I am setting up my 85. Is the cartridge suppose to align with the groove on the tone arm? TYIA

[@nicrodriguez4806]

Thanks for showing the setup, I decided to get one! Should be here next week. :)

[@ReviewedByPhil]

You're welcome, hope you enjoy it!

[@JEEDUHCHRI]

How do you like it 3 months later?

[@JakeSchoenberg]

Thank you Phil! I'm looking to get one of these in the future. Do you have any preamps you could recommend for a turntable setup?

[@OldDolio312]

I got the Cambridge audio Alva though it has yet to reach me lol. It’s a good option tho

[@Alex_Andes]

This is very informative! Thank you for the review.

[@ReviewedByPhil]

My pleasure!

[@TD402dd]

There is no question this is a fine turntable, but there are many now which meets that description. It's the 1970s all over again, but where is the AR Turntable for $100.

[@marks2254]

Great review. Did you ever get the problems you mentioned solved? What ended up being wrong. I’m considering purchasing one of these. What would your advice be now that you’ve had it for a while?

[@kkaboli]

Watched the video, it was very helpful. Thank you so much for saving me a lot of time and wondering around! Take care.

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Glad it helped and you're welcome!

[@jaymanuel3396]

Great review! Do any of these have it, where the tone arm returns to the holder, after the record is done? Is a belt operated turntable better than an automatic one? And do they no longer make turntables, where you can can stack two or more records, to auto play after the first is done?

[@langston1aladdin]

These do not return. That feature is hard to get these days in a quality turntable. Think there are 1 or 2 expensive ones that have it, Thrones? But they are to rich for my blood. I ended up getting this one, RT 85. You can also look at vintage TT that are fully automatic.

[@len9518]

Non of these have a true auto return. The very best belt and direct drives are equivalent in quality. As for stacking, the answer is no.

[@rileycraft4656]

the rt 84 doesn't include the acrylic platter anymore :/

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Oh man, that stinks! Downgrading to save on costs no doubt.

[@jeranjed]

@@ReviewedByPhil but they upgraded the cartridge

[@kiamarsh76]

I love your video I cant wait to get my hands on the 85. What was the name of the vinyl you first played? I love jazz and was curious what artist/album that is. Thanks

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Hey thanks. The first song used in this video is a royalty-free track produced by Jingle Punks called Darling Ranch.

[@2010stoof]

Do you know why the motor pulley housing isn't installed prior to them shipping it? Doesn't make sense. Unless they thought it would come loose in shipping and Marr the finish...?

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Hm, not sure what the thinking was here either, but it's probably something practical along those lines.

[@cristianmicu]

what about vta in Fluance RT series? and if i dont have any means to raise or lower the back of the tonearm, does have factory built to get the tonearm parallel to the record being played. ty

[@tommybrennan4362]

Hi..great review. I am thinking about getting the RT85.. would it please be possible to advise on installing the belt and balancing the arm ? Also do you have a preference of phono preamps.. between 100 and 200 dollars or is that not enough? Thank you.. Thomas

[@geneobrien8907]

Installing the belt and balancing the arm? Did you not watch the whole video, he covers both of those operations.

[@Zhorellski]

Does the speed knob feels flimsy? it doesn't look sturdy enough and may loosen up in time?

[@ReviewedByPhil]

No, I don't think they feel flimsy. They have a nice solid click to them without being overly stiff.

[@donker19]

What’s the first song you tested?

[@Trojan0304]

Just got mine, vlog useful. Thanks

[@IREMEMBERNOW]

Hello. Great review. I also have been eyeing this table. I currently have an lp120 turntable. Can anyone comment and let me know if this is in fact a huge upgrade from the lp120? I’m a little hesitant switching from a direct drive to a belt,as I’ve heard mixed reviews on a belt. Thank you in advance to anyone who helps me out! Joe

[@eisaacs]

Yes. I had a LP-120X and returned it in favour of the Fluance. The Lp120 has preamp issues (not the X) but you would notice a difference for sure with the 2M Blue and Platter. As far as speed goes, I wouldnt fret about it - I'm particular as well and consistantly getting 33.2-33.4 on my speed tests. Read about Fluance optical sensor that keeps speed in check.

[@jasonlin7288]

Hi! newbie here, do you need to buy speakers for RT85 if you already have the Fluance PA10 phono preamp?

[@jasonlin7288]

If it needs one, what speakers do you recommend? :)

[@olorin1710]

I am enjoying my T85. The auto stop feature seems to not work with a lot of my pressings of 33's prior to 1980. Do you know if The Q Up device is something that would be compatible with this model?

[@ReviewedByPhil]

I haven't used the Q Up myself, but given its size and the position of the tonearm when it reaches the runout groove, I would say it would probably work with the RT85. It'd have to be adhered just behind the cue lever, but it looks there's there's enough space there for it to be effective.

[@OnTheBrightSideTV]

If I have powered speakers can I just connect the RCA cables and be all set or would I still need to connect the ground wires from the turntable or prepamp to the powered speakers?

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Hi, most powered speakers still require a re-amp as a bridge between the turntable and the speakers; since the RT85 doesn't have an internal pre-amp you're free the choose one of your liking. You might be able to get away with connecting just the phono ground to the pre-amp. The second ground is only necessary if you hear a "ground hum" distortion. If your speakers don't have a ground post, you can connect one end of the ground wire to the pre-amp and the other end to a screw on the back panel of the speaker.

[@OnTheBrightSideTV]

ReviewedByPhil ok thank you, great vid bro!

[@AVillaBeats]

I purchased the Fluance rt85 and connected it to a Schiit Mini preamp & active Yamaha H8 monitor speakers. When I played a brand new 33 1/3 record, the sound was distorted. I have a ground wire going from the turntable to the preamp and everything else connect via RCA cables. What am I doing wrong? Does the Gain settings have to be adjusted on the Schiit Mini preamp? Do I need a second ground wire from the preamp to a screw in the speaker? Is the 1.8g tracking force and tone arm balancing not correct or should I reinstall & rebalance? I’m confused and stuck with no answer. Any suggestions would be most welcomed. Gratitude!

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Hm, what kind of distortion are you experiencing? Uneven play speed? Pitch fluctuation? Line noise? Clipping? Depending on what you're hearing the cause could be different with specific remedies or things to look for. If you're hearing "ground hum" (a buzz or hum coming from the speakers while using the turntable), use the second ground wire from the pre-amp to the speakers or amplifier (screw on the speaker housing is fine). The RT85 is shipped with moving magnet cartridges such as the Ortofon 2M Red or 2M Blue so the settings on the Schitt Mani should be 47K load and 48db gain (Gain 1 = H, Gain 2 = L). If you still can't figure out, the good folks over at Fluance have some sound experts that might be able to offer you some assistance. You may have to send them a sound sample of what you're hearing.

[@PerfectPlex090]

What record did you test this turntable with? I like it and am very interested it getting it myself!

[@IREMEMBERNOW]

Hey everyone! So I have went out and bought the rt85. It is a beautiful turntable. I am on the fence about what preamp matches up the best with this table and the 2m blue. I have it down to the Cambridge duo or the phono box DS2. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[@slyfox720]

I am on a budget but I actually went with an eMotiva A-300 power amp and the eMotiva PT-100 pre-amp and I have been extremely pleased.

[@junelance6241]

9

[@mizaelhernandez471]

Currently working on setting up a rt85N, would the same steps apply? Seeing as it comes with phono preamp

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Yes, I believe the steps are the same for that model.

[@mizaelhernandez471]

@@ReviewedByPhil nice, can I use a 90w class d amplifier as my receiver or would I have to get a certain receiver?

[@Chaoitcme]

That is one sexy turntable.

[@alpha8299]

Is there a place on the turntable to store the 45 adapter?

[@ReviewedByPhil]

No, unfortunately there isn't. I keep it in a drawer on the table that it sits on. You could store it on the spindle, but you'd have to remove it when you want to play a 33.

[@alpha8299]

Planning on keeping the box when I get it for storage if/when move again I’ll just leave the adapter in the foam thanks

[@ilpadrino9473]

Dose RT82 work without stero ( sound comes out from the recorder)??

[@ReviewedByPhil]

No. There are no speakers built-into the turntable and it will only function properly when attached to external speakers or a receiver with wired speakers.

[@KARLOS121]

Am I missing something as you get the odd few saying they got a lemon with this table and the rest saying its great? how can fluance not be consistent with build quality? Or is the people complaining not setting them up right??

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Hard to say without knowing what folks individual complaints are. From the ones I've seen, it's various things and those who have pointed out issues with theirs rarely have exactly the same problem. This likely indicates that it's not something that's baked into the manufacturing process. I also think it depends on the end user's tastes, experience with turntables, and of course luck of the draw.

[@len9518]

I'm guessing Fluance paid for this review.

[@2010stoof]

Have you tried other cartridges with it? I'm curious if shorter carts will cause the tonearm to not be horizontal when playing (vertical tracking angle)

[@ReviewedByPhil]

I haven't no. When the cartridge wears out I'll have to try out some other options to compare the differences!

[@len9518]

Not a problem. You can still balance, and cartridge is adjustable in headshell, but no vta adjustment.

[@showkatkhan8461]

hi can connect it to my marantz av receiver and how? thank you.

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Yes, you should be able to as most Marantz receivers have RCA inputs with a phono option. You'll use the included RCA audio cable that comes with the Fluance turntable and connect to the audio input of your receiver that is marked phono (typically red and white connectors).

[@showkatkhan8461]

thank you for quick reply I will probably buy denon dp 400 for 370 pounds fluance is 500 pounds,thank you again

[@cheesetoes5032]

Wondering what speakers are best for this speaker , any suggestions ... ?

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Best is... subjective. Since I got mine as a set with the Fluance bookshelf speakers and haven't used the turntable with any other speakers, I guess I don't really have a good recommendation. Sorry, I just don't have any experience comparing the sound from it against another speaker set.

[@ulisesgutierrez8737]

Could you turn off the auto stop?

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Yes, there is a switch on the back for that, see 6:29.

[@IREMEMBERNOW]

Hey, maybe someone can help. Just received my rt85 yesterday. Set it up and I think something is wrong with my tone arm release lever. When I go to drop the needle on a record, well it doesn’t reach the platter.the lever releases down very slowly and I honestly don’t think it lowers enough. Which also gave me problems while trying to balance it. Even with the lever down the needle is no where near touching the platter, making it hard for an accurate balance. Am I missing something or is it in fact damaged? Thanks so much, trying to avoid a return and an exchange if possible. Joe

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Hm. Is your unit level? I keep the included little bubble weight handy, so I can check it easily (see 4:40). The other thing to check is that the counterweight is seated all the way on the back of the tone arm; just in case I'd say remove it and re-seat it to be sure. If it doesn't click into place push it in a little more until it does. Then you'll have to run through the balancing steps again (see 4:58). Remember to balance the arm with the needle protector cap removed. The queuing lever is hydraulic and has a slow descend, so that's normal. If you're still having trouble after running through all the steps again, try reaching out to Fluance for support. They're pretty good at trying to help you out and can determine if, in fact, there's a manufacturing issue with you unit.

[@len9518]

You are either balancing incorrectly, or the table is defective. Call Fluance for help. They will respond.

[@jimshea7052]

Junk

[@IREMEMBERNOW]

@@jimshea7052 awesome advice. Thanks!!🙄🙄🙄

[@Toogoodtobetrue458]

can the auto stop be disabled?

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Yes, there is a switch on the back to disable auto-stop (see 6:30).

[@obtainiumgaming4472]

Did you test the cartridge alignment out of the box, or did you just trust it?

[@ReviewedByPhil]

I did not test the alignment. As a casual consumer of vinyl and audiophile equipment, it's simply not something that's on my radar to do. Generally, I think that's the target audience for Fluance, though that doesn't mean that true audiophiles wouldn't be able to improve their experience with the turntable by tweaking and adjusting things to their liking. For example you could use a stylus force gauge to set your tracking force. Again, not something that I own, but certainly would be more accurate than following the "ballpark" setup process described in the instructions.

[@len9518]

Cartridge alignment is important. I read at least 20 reviews of Fluance tables. The cartridge comes preinstalled in the headshell, and in every review I've seen the factory preset alignment, was perfect.

[@Baerchenization]

Why are you surprised that a a belt drive is as good or better than DD? I cannot think of a single high-end plinth that is DD.

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Specifically, the observation was that I was impressed with the low amount of wow and flutter for a belt driven unit when compared with DD, and not a more generalized conclusion that DD outperforms belt drive in all measures. True, there are relatively few direct drive high-end turntables like the Cambridge Alva TT or Technics SL-1210GR but remember, the Fluance RTs aren't really priced as high-end units either, so my comparative observation was geared more towards competitors in its class.

[@len9518]

Some of the new Technics direct drives, go for over $2000. Their SL-1000R goes for 20 THOUSAND dollars

[@JumbleTasteSpinning]

See the Technics GR models - takes all belt-driven TT to dust. Never go back to belt-driven again.

[@TheCujo1956]

I think that the two issues are a deal breaker. At $500 you should expect that the auto shutoff works correctly. Further, you should expect that it tracks your records correctly. Before recommending a turntable with these problems I would have at least reached out to Fluance to see how they respond to these significant problems.

[@-__-____-hdjakla]

For the amount of quality this offers, that’s just ridiculous. Should not be a deal breaker when they aren’t any worthy competitors at that price

[@gblan]

...even plays 45s, sorta

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Yeah, it's hit or miss. Some play fine, others have alignment issues to the adapter or the auto-stop cuts out too soon (though this can be mitigated by simply turning that feature off).

[@FromTheRoomOfLittleEase]

@@ReviewedByPhil Couldn't you also just buy a pioneer etc or aftermarket 45 adapter and slap it on there, or a "spinner" for instance? I just wish these Fluances were a LITTLE bit better, I love the look and would love to have one of the ones that look like a dark Maroon kinda wood plinth Pioneer pl1200a or I saw one with a lighter wood edge with black surface that resembles a Linn Sondek LP12 It would be a cool second table as a modern contrast to my Pioneer, but there are some small details that I'd really like to see ironed out, especially for the price. Otherwise this is definitely THE modern turntable I'm interested in, maybe even slick black...wish they had a white option, that would be a great modern contrast to my vintage Pioneer. Good deck, but currently my only incentive to buy a modern phonograph is that it would be slightly novel, my specs sheet already looks quite nice. Ehhh...who am I kidding...I'll probably just get one! For the bed room or dining room...that would feel very clean and cozy I think...

[@artiehall7708]

Nice video. I see an RT-82 in my future. But at the risk of sounding really, really anal, your balancing act isn't quite right. You should set "zero" such that if you sight across the platter, the needle is at the same level it would be if on the records' surface. Look at where you have it and imagine the tiny amount of weight you'd put on the headshell to bring it down. That's how far off your weight would be. Then again, decent stylus weight gauges are dirt cheap. I still "liked" your video. ;)

[@ReviewedByPhil]

Thanks for the tip! I basically followed the instructions in the manual, so folks could get a visual sense of the steps there, which aren't as specific as what you described. I suppose that's because they have to be simple enough for most consumers to understand and follow, including those who are setting up a turntable for the first time. But for those who are interested in getting a weight gauge and doing it the "right" way, I'm all for that too! They are relatively inexpensive at Amazon: geni.us/PiQSWYL [Amazon Affiliate Product Link]

[@artiehall7708]

@@ReviewedByPhil Yup. You're right. Sometimes I get caught up too much in this hobby. :)

[@len9518]

no. Zero with arm parallel to record surface.

[@joshualieder7524]

The automatic cut off towards the end of the record was shocking and I'm considering canceling my order.

[@raygu1818]

Love the sound but for 500 dollars i would be completely pissed if the system stopped playing my album before the last song finished. Just no! I wouldn't worry too much about the way the stylus tracks 45's. These type of stylus with the removable headshell just don't track some 45's as well as they do albums. The previous issue is a problem for me also the 45 holder being too small to hold 45's which in this case seems to be mainly due to the 45 holder being too small to fit 45's. Again that's a no for me.

[@len9518]

Wow and flutter of less than .1 5% is not impressive. This is obviously a paid promotion, which you should admit, but in spite of that, these are really very fine turntables.

[@progressiveguy9959]

Fluance has proven themselves to be a slimey organization.They have obviously been holding the RT84 & RT85 off the market until their 20% off sale ends at midnight August 13th. These two turntables will be available on August 14th.I have been waiting for months like everyone else for the RT85 but because of their slime behavior,I will not be purchasing it.I have never and will never reward people for their slimey behaviors. I know most people will snatch them up and my one refusal to purchase will not hurt the corporation.I am hoping others will also refuse to reward their slimey behavior.For me after waiting months,it's now onto Rega.

[@neilcaffrey3061]

Dude, why on earth would a company hold off selling a product for months that has been in super high demand. They would be losing thousands of dollars of sales. Also they don't have to put anything on sale. How many companies do you know that discount their flagship products? They could have had it in stock and easily excluded it from their sale. You have obviously been waiting like others because you know you get a lot of turntable for $500. The cartridge itself is $200! Your whiny comments aren't going to hurt them. Enjoy your Rega. I'll be buying my RT85 tomorrow because it has wicked features/specs/reviews for only $500.

[@progressiveguy9959]

@@neilcaffrey3061 you are so triggered, snowflake. They depend on people like you who will allow them to screw you and you beg for more. BTW, holding it off market but giving them to the reviewers builds up an artificial demand. Enjoy

[@neilcaffrey3061]

@@progressiveguy9959 I'm the one that is triggered? BahahaahHAHA. You're the sensitive one who is whining about a sale. A company that is trying to make money doesn't owe you anything. The market dictates demand. They obviously put out an attractive product. A product you apparently wanted. You are free to buy it or not.

[@progressiveguy9959]

@@neilcaffrey3061 And you are free to give a company money who screwed you.To each their own.

[@jrose5080]

My situation was that I wanted the RT85 but had given up hope of it ever coming back in stock so I bought an RT82 when the 20% sale was going on and then after that I got an email saying the RT85 was going to be in stock. I was very frustrated by this but after contacting them they have agreed to pay for return shipping on the RT82 and I ordered the RT85 so in the end they did what I felt was the right thing and I am pleased, but I can understand peoples frustration over some bad decisions made by them like for example why not just tell people "sale today RT85 tomorrow" wow mind blown right.

[@Ididntaskforahandleyoutube]

The one thing that bothers me about this table, and I know it's not a huge thing, is the Fluance brand stamp on the front of the base. It looks so cheap it's unreal, like it was made in the 80's.

[@KARLOS121]

Its meant to look retro is it not?