Analog Gear News

We get a lot of queries from audiophile newbies asking us how they should start on their turntable journey, so we’re going to address that all-important Q today by focusing on the Fluance RT81+, a new entry-point ’table from the notable Canadian manufacturer. (We also know a number of the AP faithful often get similar Qs asking about where to get started in the wide world of turntables, so feel free to share and share alike.)

First, a word or two about Fluance’s background. The company’s name is a combination of the prefix “Flu,” which is Latin for “flowing” or “wave,” and the suffix, “ance,” which is Latin for “a state of being.” The brand was established in 1999 by founder Deepak Jain in Niagara Falls, Ontario, who has a lifelong passion for reproducing the “feeling” of live concert sound — first with speakers, then with turntables.

To better understand, Fluance’s overall turntable philosophy, the following YouTube clip fills in the blanks quite nicely.

And now, back to the latest Fluance turntable offering. An upgrade on one of their other entry-point turntables, the main goals for the Elite series RT81+, according to Fluance, was for it to be “focused on two critical factors: enhanced resonance isolation and exceptional upgradability.”

With the RT81+, Fluance continues, “we have utilized premium components to isolate the music signal from disruptive vibrations.” This is said to be achieved by way of adjustable, spring-loaded isolation feet and a dampened aluminum anti-resonant PM50 acrylic platter, both of which “work in concert to improve frequency response and enhance signal clarity.” An acrylic mat with a resonant frequency “akin to vinyl” has also been incorporated into the RT81+ design spec.

The RT81+ is equipped with an Audio-Technica VM95E moving magnet (MM) cartridge, which enables further A-T VM series upgradability and is mounted on a removable headshell for, quote, “easy swapping.”

Crafted from “solid engineered” wood, the RT81+ turntable comes in finish options of natural walnut, piano black, piano white, and matte white. Other RT81+ features include an S-type tonearm, Texas Instruments phono preamp, auto stop, gold-plated RCA connections, dust cover with two hinges, counterweight (PFHTCW), rubber belt, 45rpm adapter, bubble level, 3ft RCA cable with ground wire (PFHTCA), and a 5ft power adapter (100V-240V, 50/60Hz AC).

Fluance also has another step-up ’table of note — the RT85N, as seen directly above. The RT85N comes equipped with a polished elliptical diamond Nagaoka MP-110 MM cartridge, servo-controlled belt-drive motor with speed regulating optical sensor, mass-loaded multi-layered wood chassis, and three rubber, spike-type adjustable isolation feet.

Finally, the Fluance RT81+ turntable has an SRP of $299.99, while the RT85N has an SRP of $499.99.

For more about Fluance, go here.
To find out how to purchase Fluance gear, go here.

FLUANCE RT81+ TURNTABLE
($299.99)

Features & Specs
Playback speeds: 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
Playback speed variation: ±1%
Wow and flutter: 0.2%
S/N ratio: weighted: 67dB or higher (A-weighted, 20kHz LPF); unweighted: 60dB or higher (A-weighted, 20kHz LPF)
Platter dimensions: 12in / 30cm (diameter); 0.52in / 15mm (height)
Platter weight: 1.25lb (566g)
Effective tonearm mass: 0.99oz (28.2g)
Overhang: 0.76in (19.2mm)
Line output: 140mV (–17dBV)
Input: 100-240 V AC (50/60 Hz)
Output: 12V / 500mA
Consumption: 1.5W
Phono output: 4.0mV (±3dB)
Unit dimensions: 16.5 x 5.75 x 14/25in / 41.9 x 14.6 x 36.2cd (w/h/d)
Unit weight: 14.1lb (6/4kg)