Fluance RT81+ Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player, Audio Technica VM95E Cartridge, Anti-Resonant Platter, Acrylic Mat, Phono Preamp Wood Plinth Adjustable Isolation Feet - Natural Walnut

DarkbloomUnited Kingdom

Quality turntable at a good price

I bought the Fluance RT81+ Elite as an upgrade to my existing turntable. After much research and comparing this model, to other turntables around this price point, I pulled the trigger; and I'm really glad I did. Firstly, I managed to purchase this new when it was on offer, so if you're able to wait until Amazon has a limited time deal then you can make a good saving on the full price. Although, even at full price it is worth it. Setting it up was really easy as I had previously watched YouTube videos explaining the set up on this model. With that said there are very clear step by step instructions on setting up the turntable included in the box. I also purchased the Edifier R1280DBs active speakers to go with my new turntable (these were new and also on offer). so overall I feel I've managed to get an excellent set up for the money I paid. The turntable has a timeless, sleek design that looks modern, weighty and solid. The tonearm and head shell are made from aluminium and have a quality feel to them. I was pleasantly surprised at the increased clarity, separation and depth of sound with the fluance turntable together with the Edifier speakers. Connecting them together was very easy and straightforward. There is no Bluetooth built into the turntable, however if you wish to stream music or podcasts the Edifier R1280DBs speakers do support Bluetooth. This edition of the turntable has 3 adjustable feet that allow you to get the turntable completely level, and they even included a small circular spirit level so you can get it bang on. I have found the Fluance RT81+ Elite turntable to be really great right from the start. I play tested it with albums I am very familiar with that have good dynamic range (Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, Genesis Nursery Crime, and Foxtrot, Pink Floyd's Meddle. The Fluance revealed much more detail, balance, warmth and bass to the recordings than my previous set up. It really is a pleasure to listen to. The only thing that might improve the Fluance RT81+ Elite would be metal hinges for the dust cover. Having experienced similar plastic hinges on my previous turntable they tend not to be particularly robust. The automatic stop would benefit from stopping sooner than 30 seconds after the record has finished. Also the tonearm lever might benefit from being slightly further away from the tone arm locking mechanism. These are small negatives and certainly not deal breakers for me as everything else is so spot on. MY FINAL VERDICT: sleek, stylish, cool, great build, great sound at a reasonable price, with the ability upgrade components and accessories along the way if you require it. Although for me I'm very happy with all the components as they are at present. 10/10

atlantanoleUnited States

Excellent intermediate turntable.

Had been looking at these turntables for quite some time to upgrade from my very serviceable u-dreamer I bought during COVID. Saw the rt-81+ as a new product (was looking at rt-81) and in a rare occurrence, it was on sale which made it lower in price than the "regular" rt81. Some things to know. 1) These turntables are not exactly plug and play. You have to put the belt on, put on and adjust the counterweight, set the anti-skid and screw in the stylus cartridge. All very easy, probably takes 15 minutes of set up. Take your time, and read directions 2) This turntable feels and looks like high quality. This will be a definite upgrade if you are using a suitcase model or similar. 3) You need to have your own speakers. Spend a couple extra dollars, you will not be sorry. Hooking up speakers is super easy. 4) You will notice a definite high sound quality, even on older albums. (a note however, the stylus will pick up imperfections on older albums or albums pressed poorly) I have some albums over 50 years old and they sound great. 5) This turntable comes with an auto stop spinning when an album is over. Use this feature to pro-long the life of your stylus. It is not an automatic turntable however, you do have to move the tone arm manually. 6) Is it worth the extra $50 you will pay (normally) over the rt-81? I dont know. Looks like the upgrades on this plus model is the better stylus, a better sound dampening slip for the platter and adjustable feet in case what it sits on is not totally level. (even comes with a tiny bubble level) I have only had the turntable a week, so far am very happy with it. The sound quality and just the look of it is great. Hopefully it will be good for the long haul, as I don't see myself needing any higher quality, (although you can purchase an even better stylus when the time comes, this turntable is completely upgradeable.) For someone who just enjoys some quiet time listening to albums on the weekend, this is the perfect turntable. Fits very well in my office just looks and sounds classy.

CAUnited States

Very good record player.

This player is a nice sweet spot between the cheaper and lesser quality “suitcase” or combo record players and something more legitimate like a technics sl-1200. Now, the 1200 is another league than this unit in virtually every way but if you’re looking for a player with a “hi fi” sound output and good overall build quality to pair with some decent book shelf or home speakers then look no further. This player will get the job done admirably. Now, if you’re in a studio or have a high fidelity sound system then look for a used technics 1200 and a good phono preamp as it will certainly be better. For the price, I think it’s fair. It would be a steal if it were $50 cheaper but even at $299 it’s reasonably priced. Highlights: the cartridge is good, much better than anything you’ll find on a suitcase or combo record player. The cartridge is also upgradable should you desire. The tone arm is metal. The feet do a decent job at isolating noise. Controls are not over designed. Set up was simple. Counter weight and anti skate options help dial in a consistent experience. It’s pleasing to look at with a clean, smooth, and shiny finish. Very good sound quality. What could be better: it’s belt driven instead of direct driven, which can be expected at this price point given the other features. The 45 adapter is a simple plastic piece, it’d be nice if it were metal and/or the player had a recess to store it in. The rca cord in the box is maybe 6 ft which is okay but also limiting at the same time. A track light would really set it apart for use in a dim room. Things to know: it needs to be grounded, unlike the budget players you’ll find. This improves sound quality but it is something to be prepared for. Speeds are 33/45, no 78 option while although uncommon it’s something to keep in mind based on your collection. Overall it’s a quality player and a healthy step up over the entry level players. Would recommend.

mattUnited States

Top Quality for the money

The Fluance RT81+ plus is an absolutely Amazing turntable for the money, it comes with the AT-VMN95E stylus which sounds fantastic for your average vinyl listener and the Audio-Technica VM95 upgrade path is perfect for a step up in stylus qualty down the road, and this is the only reason I went with the RT81+ over the Fluance RT82 with the Ortofon OM10. The OM10 is a good quality stylus, but I much prefer the VM95E for clarity. That said, I have had 2nd thoughts about not getting the RT82 for a few reasons, but they're personal and nit picky reasons. Either way, you wont find a better value for the money in any turntable in the Fluance turntable line. Excellent counter balance and anti-skate tracking, solid wood body and a beautiful finish, durable and well made.I studied and scoured the internet for a sub $350 turntable and nothing even comes close in that price range. Satisfied and happy. If you're in that price range dint buy anything else!