Fluance
Fluance RT80 Review
An excellent entry into the mid-range with premium build quality and adjustable tonearm at a budget-friendly price.
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Quick Specs
Hover over ⓘ to learn what each means
- Drive Type ⓘ Belt drive = quieter listening, great for home use. Direct drive = instant start/stop, good if you want to DJ or scratch records.
- belt
- Speeds ⓘ This tells you which records you can play. 33 RPM plays full albums, 45 RPM plays singles. If it includes 78, you can also play old vintage records from your grandparents' collection.
- 33, 45 RPM
- Built-in Preamp ⓘ Yes = plug directly into any speakers and you're ready to go. No = you'll need to buy a separate phono preamp or use a receiver with a 'phono' input.
- Yes
- USB Output ⓘ Yes = you can plug into your computer and save your vinyl as digital files to listen on your phone. No = vinyl only, no digital copies.
- No
- Cartridge ⓘ This is the part that actually touches your records. A good cartridge means better sound quality. You can always upgrade this later without buying a new turntable.
- Audio-Technica AT91
Our Take
The RT80 punches above its price class in terms of build. A solid wood plinth isn't something you typically see at this tier, and it genuinely helps — vibrations that muddy cheaper plastic-bodied decks get absorbed here instead. The adjustable counterweight also means you can set proper tracking force, which protects your records and improves sound.
It's a manual turntable, so you'll need to cue the tonearm yourself and lift it at the end of the side. That's not a hardship, but it's worth knowing going in. The included AT91 cartridge is competent without being remarkable — a cartridge upgrade down the road would noticeably improve performance.
Good fit for: someone stepping up from a beginner automatic who wants better build quality and doesn't mind a manual operation. Not ideal for: anyone who needs fully automatic operation or USB recording.
Sound Quality
The RT80 delivers noticeably cleaner playback than fully automatic entry-level decks, largely because the solid wood plinth and adjustable tracking force give it a more controlled foundation. Highs are more extended, mids are fuller, and there's better channel separation than you'd expect at this price. The AT91 cartridge is the limiting factor — it's good but not special. A cartridge swap (to something like an Ortofon 2M Red) would reveal what the deck is actually capable of. For most music it sounds warm and engaging rather than analytical.
Setup and Ease of Use
The RT80 has a built-in preamp, so you can connect it directly to powered speakers or any receiver. Initial setup involves balancing the tonearm with the counterweight — Fluance includes instructions and it takes about five minutes once. After that, it's fairly hands-off. Manual operation means you place and lift the needle yourself, which most people adapt to quickly. No significant gotchas here beyond making sure your surface is level.
What We Like
- ✓ Solid wood plinth for better resonance control
- ✓ Adjustable counterweight for proper tracking
- ✓ Built-in preamp for easy setup
- ✓ Great value at under $250
What Could Be Better
- ✗ Manual operation only
- ✗ Basic included cartridge
Best For
Upgraders from entry-level who want better build and adjustability
Sold Out on Amazon?
If this turntable isn't available, these similar options are worth considering:
- Check availability
Denon DP-300F
Fully automatic with built-in preamp from a respected hi-fi brand.
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