Fluance RT85 Reference Turntable review | Vinyl Rewind

[@radioguy1667]

Like how you have such diverse content despite really only being about one thing

[@radioguy1667]

a.... a .... a heart FROM THE GEEK????? HOLY Shwabble dabble glibble glabble schribble shwap glab Dibble dabble shribble shrabble glibbi-glap shwap Shwabble dabble glibble glabble shwibble shwap-dap Dibble dabble shribble shrabble glibbi-shwap glab ...it

[@mercurialmagictrees]

haha yeah it's very cool. it's a unique channel because of the drink mixes that correspond to albums.

[@erotomaniac51]

phantasm1004 sorry if he is happy and you never get hearts

[@crocagator56]

how does this channel not have a million subscribers???

[@Axela05]

Your review of the RT81 is actually what turned me on to Fluance. After several months of shopping, I'm now deciding between the RT83 and the RT85. Your videos truly are excellent. They aren't too long, yet you go into through detail, even showing the setup process. Love the 70's vibe. Great job!

[@windsword007]

Nice job on the review. I bought my RT85 just about a year ago, and I love it. Your review was spot on.

[@DirectorNabeshin]

Bought the RT82 as I can later on upgrade to the TT featured in the video just by getting an Ortofon 2M BLUE and the acrylic platter once they release them. Literally the same turntable otherwise and it's only $300. Good deal for a great table for people who don't want to drop $500 right away.

[@greydogmusic]

This is a year ago. Don’t know how the market has changed. You say “once” they release Acrylic platter. How much does it sell for? Another reviews said flatters like this typically cost about $150. You mentioned getting the Ortofon 2M blue. Which is about $230 currently on Amazon. I have been told that the red is the same and all you have to do is change the stylus. That’s still $190 on Amazon. Without knowing the price of the platter I think it would behove someone to save up a little more and just spend the 500.

[@geraldcrook9504]

A very well potrayed video. I think you just about covered it all .Apart from actually playing and listening to the sound. Having said I do like your channel. Many thanks for a fantastic video . Gerald uk

[@tracylynnw]

Those white gloves are for jazz hands

[@mercurialmagictrees]

tracylynnw *Jizz Jazz (mac demarco joke) lol that's how he described his music.

[@tracylynnw]

mercurialmagictrees He’s Canadian eh :)

[@noelmurray1]

I love the uncluttered simplicity of the design of this turntable and the richness of the timber plinth. The Ortofon Blue is a great cartridge. I'll have to give the purchase of this unit serious consideration. Very stylish review with a lot of pizazz! Keep up the great work!

[@toneyisaiah408]

Those gloves serv a purpose.

[@bugdozer]

Great vid, very informative. You also dragged me back to my childhood with the Eames chair and the orange couch. Thank you!

[@ProfessorofRock]

You've got class my man! Keep the content coming

[@adamaj74]

I'm an industrial automation technician and that motor has what's called a tachometer, which is a very accurate way of controlling and measuring rpm's. It, along with the drive board, basically keeps everything rotating precisely and has built-in error checking so it never wavers. Also, the next time you put on white gloves you better stand up and moon walk across the room! haha

[@tracylynnw]

adamaj Just one glove to be authentic ;)

[@kstailey56]

Oh - so much thanks. Now can you please provide us an update on the status of the Dilithium Crystals and whether we can hit Warp ?

[@adamaj74]

@@kstailey56 That's above my pay grade.

[@kstailey56]

@@adamaj74 Excuses excuses - Lol.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Nice!

[@jakegripp7289]

Those gloves though That’s attention to detail

[@abc456f]

Mine is coming tomorrow. I've been eyeing it for a bit but was a little hesistant about spending the $500. Well, earlier this week, I got an email from Fluance sayimg they're running a 15% off sale. No brainer. $425 is a great deal on this table. Can't wait to hear it!

[@stephenwood1210]

Just ordered my RT85 this morning, very much looking forward to getting it..Thanks for the review

[@jefferyjones8399]

The prestigious 5 pompadours! What a gorgeous turntable!

[@stephenwood1210]

Have had mine now for 2 weeks,and am loving it..paired with my Pioneer SX-880 (1979). And a pair of Klipsh RP-4000F ..listening to Pink Floyd ,Another Brick in the Wall Album....Sounds Amazing

[@DBDickerson]

I recently upgraded from a stock needle to the 2m blue and it's an AMAZING CARTRIDGE! Most great sound comes from the cartridge/preamp and not the turntable itself. This table looks to be priced pretty well seeing how the cartridge itself is priced north of $200 individually. Ortofon is a great company. After hearing the blue cart, I really wanna try their black cartridge but that's a bit out of my price range. I also want to try their mono cart too.

[@twiggyzappa]

Thanks so much for the in depth review! I just bought mine and can't wait!

[@nathanday01]

Great video. I've never seen your channel until now because I've been geeking on watches, denim, architecture, and fragrances. It's time to start obsessing about sounds again!

[@Sheepmansheep]

I've searched for many months and this is best turntable for the price, if you just look at the materials, build design, and specs (not name) this is the best in this price range. Although the NAD turntables look pretty nice too, most of them are higher priced.

[@altshymertube]

Got my RT85 yesterday to be paired with NAD M33 which has an built-in preamp. This turntable with the blue ortophon cartridge is amazing - even I had to pay 100 $ more for customs. At the moment (?) it is not available from German shops, not even at AMAZON. Thank you very much for your review, which convinced me I made the right decision in ordering it from GB. 👌👌👌👍👍👍

[@sonofsandwiches6892]

What are the numbers for wow and flutter, and rumble? Probably the best way to predict how the table will behave apart from changing the cartridge. Also, buy the table with the cheapest cartridge offered. You can easily upgrade it yourself later. Fluance is really a beginner line of turntables, regardless what the review says.

[@crunch805]

Awesome review and I am jealous of the hair! Cheers! Oh and I just ordered one!

[@Charlemagne-pb1dy]

Im 18 and have loved vinyl since I founds my Mom's 45's in kindergarten, Ive had a Crosley stereo since then but my personal collection has been growing steadily since middle school. I finally decided to splurge on the RT82 and was scared I wasted my money (it has yet to come in , I ordered online) but this video made me so happy to know I made the right move. I was looking to make a serious investment in my future collecting. Thanks for a great review :)

[@CamdenBloke]

Almost any decent turntable will be much better than Crosley.

[@brooksm3552]

I love the visual presentation along with the excellent substance

[@thomaslytle5519]

Great review! I bought the RT-83 and upgraded the stylus from the 2m Red to the 2m Blue and also the platter to the fluance acrylic platter as well. Essentially making it an RT-85. The only thing I think you got wrong in your review: This IS, without a doubt and Audiophile grade turntable! Most definitely! And it is a Real turntable. From the appearance, functionality and Sound makes it better than Many of the other turntables out there for the same price and I believe it also beats out some turntables at a higher price point as well. This turntable with the previously mentioned upgrades is nearly perfect! The Only cons I would mention is that the beautiful mdf plinth attracts dust like a son of a b$@tch! Lol. And the dust cover gets scratched practically just by breathing on it! Other than that it is absolutely Amazing!

[@tommyt721]

For this reason alone I chose the bamboo finish.

[@claudec2588]

Not having a built in phono stage (preamp) for me is a positive since I already have a separate phono stage. So I'm not paying for something I don't need.

[@ironmaiden3812]

The entire tonearm mechanism feels super cheap. The tonearm lever, stand and safety latch actually feels like something you'd find on a cheapo plastic portable record player like a Crosley. Maybe I got a bad one, but that's my honest opinion. There's a lot of slack in the lever, it bounces the arm if you lift it too quickly and the tonearm safety latch feels like its going to break off every time I use it.

[@paulrevelli]

Great review (and great channel!). One detail I believe you could have pointed out (and not found on too many other turntables these days unless they are vintage) is the fact that you can detach the headshell from the arm. What that means for us uber geeks is that if you want to have more than one cartridge to play your records (I have a dedicated mono cartridge just for mono vinyl, for instance) the RT85 will allow you to do this by simply swapping out the headshell with a different cartridge mounted to it. Of course, you would then have to reset tracking force and anti-skate. While most may not do this too often, it's nice to have the option and it is a great selling point for me. Other than that, you made a very good case for what looks to be an outstanding turntable in this price range. I think Fluance (and you) have done an excellent job in highlighting the upgrades from the previous model. But now I have a question for you: Being that it is an acrylic platter, do you think the turntable would accommodate a super thin mat (felt, cork, or rubber-cork hybrid) without any adverse effects? Something about placing a record directly on the acrylic unnerves me a bit, especially if the record slips while passing a cleaning brush over it. Whaddya think?

[@VinylRewind]

Ha, that's funny, I mentioned the quick release headshell in my review of the RT81, so I guess I didn't feel the need to go over again but you're right. On my setup in my office I have a special setup just for my 78s so it's a breeze to switch between the two. If you wanted to have something between the record and the platter, I would just cut out a circle of plastic from an outer sleeve. That's what my brother did when he used to DJ a lot in the 90s. Honestly, it's a flat surface, I don't see how it would scratch the records, but I'll be sure to let everyone know if it ever does

[@ReasonablySane]

Removable headshell is huge. It's an absolute requirement for me.

[@jamieferguson4142]

Great great video! This turntable is definitely what I would like to upgrade to. Informative and charming as ever!

[@nicrodriguez4806]

I went with this turntable. Excited to get it in a few days and test it out.

[@darrens7040]

Another great video review cheers from Brisbane Australia

[@dbdigital57]

Thanks for the upgrade paths, really helpful!

[@richarddrolet7746]

Beautifull......elegant........and worth the price....i know.....had alot of turntables in my life.....this is close too perfection for the price......cant go wrong buying this model.......rick.

[@danootto6382]

I enjoyed your RT85 video. For the most part you did well. But....you made one large error in your Fluance RT85 video. You said that this turntable was "not" audiophile. Audiophile turntables prices start about $350 and up. An audiophile turntable must reproduce vinyl sound accurately in a way that reproduces the original artist's work faithfully. In both these areas, this "is" definitely audiophile. As nice as a player far higher in price.

[@seanmurphy7733]

Just got mine set up yesterday. I'm already in love with it! It was the right price point, with pretty much all of the options and features I was looking for (acrylic platter, Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, removable headshell, great looking wood plinth, nicely designed feet and easy to balance, S curved tonearm, adjustable speed without moving the belt, auto stop). Love at first needle drop (ok, I was in love even when I pulled the plinth out and held the acrylic platter for the first time ;)

[@omarsyed7345]

What kind of preamp/speakers did you get? I'm looking to get one and have no idea what to get

[@seanmurphy7733]

@@omarsyed7345 I'm using a Schiit Mani preamp and Klipsch RP-160M large bookshelf speakers. I love both.

[@Dipsxi]

I genuinely love this channel.

[@ronnieboggs8892]

I bought the 85 model recently and never looked back. Awesome turntable for the price!

[@jake105]

6.04 You just totally did me a solid. My Denon dp-300 was set at 50kHz so I had to tweak the rpm just like you are doing but I couldn't get the 45 rpm set correctly. Now I see I was turning my screw driver in the wrong direction!!!! A happy accident watching this review.👍

[@BarakaPDub]

With a 2M Blue, Acrylic platter, and and speed control, you're already beating a ProJect and Rega at that price point. I hope both companies are taking notice because if I were offered one of the three, the choice would be clear. ProJect typically uses the Red on it's Debut models and Rega uses a Carbon on it's P1. The later of which is a junk cartridge if you ask me. I wonder if Fluance is assembling in China or Taiwan though?

[@vinylfury]

damnit, Paul. I'm trying to find a reason not buy this turntable ...

[@TheGman858]

I was sold until I heard made in China no thanks I will stick with my vintage turntable sorry but they don't make good product yes it's easier on the wallet but quality always suffers

[@bluemoonj9350]

@@TheGman858 seems you still have old mind. If you say that 15 years ago, I don't argue with you, but today, China can make most quality products in hifi industry, such as KEF R series speakers, Elac Adante series speakers, B&W's low and mid range speakers, Rotel's amplifiers etc... some Japanese turntables such Sony, TEAC, also made in China.

[@TheGman858]

@@bluemoonj9350 tell me that in 20 years I'm willing to bet you will have had to replace your chinese products before then my 50+ year old equipment still works and quite well

[@bannsidereddie]

@@TheGman858 Mine says made in Taiwan and from my experience growin' up in the UK they always made quality products

[@tomeisenmenger7048]

I've owned the RT85N for months now and love it - at least when I'm playing 12" LPs. If there's anything I would caution potential buyers about, it is that the acrylic platter does not provide much friction to hold a record in place. All too frequently, when cleaning a record, the platter will turn underneath the record itself. Furthermore, just recently discovered, when playing 7" 45s, the slick surface of the platter can result in the record "dragging" on the surface when playing the inner grooves. I'll probably be buying a record mat to put on top of the acrylic platter, but am disappointed that that will obscure the cool look of the acrylic.

[@jaywill530]

I have one and it is simply fantastic ... audiphile be damned, this thing is as good as anything I have ever heard with the ortofon blue.

[@bomis181094]

Such a great review. Will look into this turntable. Thanks :)

[@likesnoozn]

Got mine last week. Setup was a breeze. Playing my 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s vinyl, and loving it!

[@JessHull]

I think I'm going to get this

[@Celestialrob]

Love your review. I have the rega 1 and love it. Spending my extra cash on records.

[@RussTCB1]

Found your channel through this video. Great review. Confirms my choice that this is going to be my next deck.

[@NerdyFrames2000]

Normally I dont like belt Driven....cause I used to DJ and Direct was ingrained in me since learning to mix and scratch. But...this turntable wins me over for the simple fact that it looks wonderful. That chestnut looking wood, the finish of it. I want one :)

[@CastironWhisky]

It looks amazing! Whenever I upgrade from the RT81 there is a good chance this or the RT84 will top the list.

[@JamesGowan]

I have no intention of getting into vinyl but you’re fascinating in your explanations. far out!

[@MacVeneti]

I was aiming for RT85 but fluance did not ship out of US or Canada and couldn't help with my request..... Likely I bought it through Amazon but they only had up to RT84 which now has aluminium platter but ortofon 2M blue. Will upgrade by purchasing acrylic platter. It's fantastic turntable ..... Really love it

[@inspector4133]

Great review. Your RT81 review made me a Fluance fan. I love it, it's great for the money. Easy upgrade to a better cartridge and pre-amp. It'll be with me a long time before I feel the need to upgrade. When I do, it's probably going to be to another Fluance.

[@eddybresnitz967]

Nice review: very helpful in making a decision as what to but to replace my old Denon DP23F

[@N7_Maric]

You sold me on this. First record player in 30 years (?). Can't wait.

[@idkproductions01]

I know it’s been a hot minute since you posted the comment, but if you bought it, how is it?

[@djduke316]

I think you just sold me on this turntable :)

[@scharkalvin]

The RT82 through RT85 are very similar and share most of the same spec's. They differ mostly in different cartridges, the RT85 has a heavier platter which results in less rumble and more constant speed, but it shares the same cartridge as the RT84. The RT80 and RT81 lack the servo motor and use AT cartridges. So the RT82 or RT83 are the sweet spot, and you can always upgrade the cartridge on the RT82 to get to the RT83 or RT84 level. Don't know if you can upgrade to the heavier platter though.

[@cpainyourass]

scharkalvin yup just upgraded my platter today. They sell them on their website. So you can turn an 82 into and 85 just by buying a new platter and cartridge. Haven’t upgraded my cartridge yet. But will eventually buy the blue.

[@kaminokai]

Awesome tie. And an excellent review.

[@dixielandfarm]

It's a lovely new table - probably one I would be looking at over the U-Turn (which I currently have).

[@thenow5559]

Its made in China, i don't think motor will last long, also tonearm is pretty heavy, not sure its good fit if you play new & expensive records.

[@mazoku6793]

God damn I love this channel

[@MissouriMatt54]

Thank you for the video.

[@joshhandcock3184]

I got American Pyscho vibes when he put the gloves on

[@koprcord5338]

Just rewatched the other night, so true.

[@stumptownwoodworks]

Looks like there are a ton of cartridges available that would fit the fluance RT line which is great. I've been considering U-Turn but this seems like a better player overall. How do you find out what cartridges will fit this arm? Obviously the 2m res and blue fit, but what about the Grado that U-Turn offers or maybe a ton of other good options I don't even know of? Looking to get rid of my $100 AT turn table and could spend 500 or so, will likely be the last one I get for a long time

[@patinaz6758]

Just ordered mine today!

[@toneyisaiah408]

My Audio Technica USB turntable didn't have white gloves.

[@corkscrew4585]

I love the 1970s motif!

[@neutral_fox_hotel]

I'm actually just getting out of a non-vinyl phase. Thought I could stand to go digital only...I can't. Lmao. Back to records and tapes I guess

[@De_La_Soto]

Awesome review! I currently use an RT81 and was thinking of dropping some extra cash to upgrade the stylus, but it looks like I'm better off using that money towards upgrading to a RT85 instead!

[@davidgena2667]

Fluance tables are all gorgeous and sound great. Unfortunately, the company has been unable to keep up with the demand for the RT 84 and RT 85. I have two RT 81’s and hope to upgrade to the RT 84 when it becomes available.

[@davidgena2667]

northlander Very satisfied with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge.

[@TheBjjninja]

Just ordered my rt85

[@davidgena2667]

northlander Update......in the end, I ordered the RT 85 and I’m glad I did. The 2M Blue cartridge is magnificent! Got the piano black high gloss model and it’s beautiful.

[@larrywarren8853]

Got one in early january...beautiful but something wrong with motor or that new pcb board. Had real bad wow issue. Sent back and got a proven project espirit..love it.

[@cmjb1986]

Is the project esprit much better? I'm thinking of buying my first turntable and I'm considering one of those. Any issues with the speed or motor hum?

[@elech77]

First of all I gotta say I discovered this channel about 2 weeks ago and have been binge watching all your videos. Second are you a Nine Inch Nails fan? Their records never disappoint.

[@2010stoof]

Now the 84 has the aluminum platter but comes with the blue cartridge 85 only one with that platter being acrylic

[@Rajivrocks-Ltd.]

I've been looking for I think 2-3 weeks now and I keep getting back to the RT 85. Sucks that it doesn't have a build in Phono pre-amp and that I have to import it from the US. Taxes are gonna basically add half or 2 thirds the cost on top of the 488 euro price tag x(

[@inghramjay1795]

Thumbs up for the great review. And also the Weezer Blue Album!

[@scottcarlon6318]

Are you saying that you could tell the audio output difference between this table and an “audiophile” table ? Be honest.

[@iluvringo7]

This is such a cool set I love it. Is it a house or just a set?

[@justinparkman3585]

un boxing new hifi is like being a child all over again on Christmas day .

[@MKEvinyl]

Well, that clinches it. I'm buying one.

[@moonzero3]

I gotta get me one!!! Thanks!!!

[@TheAccusationNetwork]

Great video and really helped me solidify my future purchase. Quick question... what make and model is your lavalier mic? It sounds fantastic! Thanks.

[@TheHammerofDissidence]

Fluance killed it with this line of TT. Better speed stability than the Rega Planar 1 (they run just a tad fast), removable head shell (unlike Rega and Pro-ject), adjustable feet, and better anti skate (can't adjust anti skate on the rega planar 1). The only downside is the most likely the tone arm, which isn't as nice as the Debut Carbon arm. Even so, it's nice to see more competition in the

[@willalfano8]

not sure if i should get white or walnut in color

[@tinicum54]

Back in the 60's my older brother had a Bogen TT, I forget the model #, It tracked at 1.25 grams, a Shure Cartridge, What I do remember was the platter weighed 7.5 lbs. Completely manual, not even a cue control.

[@mercurialmagictrees]

TSM huh that's cool

[@timw.9466]

I currently have a kab modded technics sl1200, but I've already signed up on the Fluance website for the piano black rb85,as they're currently out. I've got two tubed phonostages a Jolida jd9 and a very much liked Bellari vp129, that will mate with the Fluance quite well. Then best of both worlds a direct drive as well as a belt drive, all terrific quality without breaking the bank! High end, you don't wanna know what I've got in my system, names like Plinius, Conrad Johnson, Kora, Magnum Dynalab, Epson, DNP screen, Transparent and Siltech cabling etc. So what's high end?

[@meleciachristhea]

Good review

[@MrAMF50]

I'm sold, now what color to get?

[@ReasonablySane]

Audiophile turntable? HA! I have three TT's. I sold hi-fi back in the 70's and early 80's. I bought, in 1977, a Kenwood KD-500 with ADC LMF II tonearm and two headshells. The cartridges were an ADC ZLM and an Audio Technica AT 155 LC. My second one is a Yamaha PF 50 with a sigma cartridge. Picked up at an estate sale about ten years ago. My third is the famous (or infamous, depending on your politics) Audio Technica AT LP120 USB with the factory AT 95e on one headshell and an old Audio Technica AT 15 SA quad cartridge from 1975. They are all Direct drive. They all sound amazing and I consider them all to be audiophile turntables What they are not is "rich guy" turntables. I hear the clear differences in all three setups with the various cartridges, and enjoy them all. The one that gets the most use right now is the LP120. It's plugged directly into my computer via USB and I listen on high quality headphones. I'm listening to it as I type this. I enjoy all three tables and have no need to improve any of them. Well, if I win the lotto I'll get a $50,000 clearaudio TT to impress my friends. :) And I love your reviews and still can't get over your room setup. I've been a mid-century nut since before it was cool. :)

[@Artcore103]

Thoughts or experience with the Pro-Ject Debut Recordmaster USB turntable? The newer one with the 2M Red. I intend to listen in real-time via USB through my HTPC going straight through my Khadas Tone Board, this way I can use a high quality digital EQ (my custom speakers absolutely require the use of an EQ to boost bass).

[@johnsweda2999]

Yes it doesn't come with a turntable mat but that doesn't mean you shouldn't use one. They are sight arm's on those tables. And that motor cover leave it off causes more problems than it's worth It is audio quality what you talking about... the only thing let's it down is the arm and you can buy an Origin live silver arm for about £650 what will compete with any £5,000 turntable upgrading the bearing would help as well

[@CKLewis]

Sold!

[@deplorable_dave]

Back in the day, we used to call turntables 'turntables'.....now everyone is calling them 'reference turntables'....what does 'reference' mean in this context? What exactly is being referenced?

[@tbrown6559]

Thanks for the great review! I’m wondering how the deck is getting on after a 1-2 years. Do you still use it? Any troubles?

[@alexvincent4465]

Those gloves really tie your outfit together

[@ejshelby5460]

it has auto stop but does not lift up the arm and return

[@thevinyltruffle]

So much nicer than my rt81

[@EddieJazzFan]

I just realized you look a lot like trumpeter Chet Baker.

[@owenhu9465]

very 60's facial structure eh? chet baker, bill evans-esque

[@popcornsamurai]

You are so right ha ha

[@teslaxzdimmu1803]

No phono preamp is huge positive for me! Negative is that the company has been unable to keep demand on rt84 and rt85, shame on you :-(

[@aaronz9687]

I like that this model has no built in pre amp. I have a PYLE pre amp , it is super small and was 12 dollars.

[@doodlewop]

Great review! Does the cartridge come pre-aligned from the factory?

[@MrMotown100]

i was wondering about that too ?

[@koprcord5338]

Yes, but wise to double check

[@stevemarriott76]

Hello great chanel enjoy watching these. Will these new ones be coming out in the UK. Thank you for any help.

[@VinylRewind]

I have to imagine since their RT81 is available on the UK Amazon site but keep in mind, they are in the process of restocking and I'm sure when they will be available again

[@TheBjjninja]

his vacuum tube amp is right behind the turntable. So I think he keeps talking about his vacuum tubes.