Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Review: The New Gold Standard for Aspiring Audiophiles?

There’s a moment in every budding vinyl collector’s journey that I remember well. It’s the moment you graduate from casual curiosity to a genuine passion. For me, it happened while listening to a battered copy of Miles Davis’s “Kind of Blue” on a cheap, all-in-one suitcase player. I could hear the music, but I knew I was missing something profound. The sound was thin, the bass was muddy, and there was a nagging sense that the very soul of the recording was being left behind in the grooves. This is the great predicament for so many of us: we fall in love with the ritual and tangible nature of vinyl, but our entry-level equipment holds us back from the rich, warm, and detailed sound we crave. Moving beyond these starter players into the world of “hi-fi” can feel daunting and prohibitively expensive. The challenge is finding that perfect sweet spot—a turntable that delivers true high-fidelity performance without requiring a second mortgage. That’s precisely the gap the Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable aims to fill.

What to Consider Before Buying a High-Fidelity Turntable

A high-fidelity turntable is more than just a device to spin records; it’s a precision instrument designed to translate the microscopic information carved into a vinyl groove into a rich, immersive soundscape. It’s a key solution for anyone who feels their current setup lacks detail, depth, and dynamic range. The main benefit is a night-and-day improvement in audio quality, allowing you to hear your favourite albums as the artists and engineers intended. It elevates listening from a background activity to an engaging, primary experience.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who has outgrown their first record player—be it a portable suitcase model or a basic automatic deck—and is ready to take the next step. They are looking for manual controls like an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate to fine-tune performance and protect their records. They value build quality and understand that a solid, heavy plinth and quality components are essential for good sound. Conversely, this type of turntable might not be suitable for those who prioritise absolute convenience, portability, or all-in-one features like built-in speakers and Bluetooth streaming above all else. For them, a simpler, more integrated system might be a better fit.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A proper hi-fi turntable requires a dedicated, stable, and level surface. The Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable, measuring 41.9 cm wide by 34.9 cm deep, needs a solid footing away from your speakers to prevent vibrations from feeding back through the stylus. Always measure your intended space, accounting for the dust cover opening and clearance for cables at the back.
• Performance & Components: The heart of a turntable’s performance lies in its core components. Look for a quality cartridge and stylus (the part that reads the groove), a heavy platter to ensure stable rotational speed, and an effective tonearm. The RT81+ excels here, featuring the acclaimed Audio Technica VM95E cartridge with an elliptical stylus, which traces the groove more accurately than the conical styli found on cheaper players, resulting in superior detail and less distortion.
• Materials & Durability: The materials used in a turntable’s construction directly impact its ability to combat unwanted vibrations. Cheap plastic plinths can resonate and colour the sound negatively. The RT81+ uses a high-mass, engineered MDF wood plinth, which is excellent for damping vibrations. Combined with an anti-resonant aluminum platter and adjustable isolation feet, it creates a stable, inert platform for your records.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: While not a fully automatic player, the RT81+ is designed to be user-friendly for those new to manual turntables. Initial setup involves balancing the tonearm and setting the tracking force, which is a straightforward process with clear instructions. It also features an auto-stop function, which is a convenient touch. Long-term care involves keeping records clean and eventually replacing the stylus, a simple task thanks to the removable headshell.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable stands out as a thoughtfully engineered package. You can explore its detailed specifications and features here.

While the Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable is an excellent choice for stepping into the world of true hi-fi, it’s wise to understand the full spectrum of options available. For those who might prefer an all-in-one solution, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Fluance RT81+: First Impressions and Premium Feel

From the moment the courier delivered the box, it was clear that Fluance takes presentation and protection seriously. The turntable was securely packed, with each component nestled in its own protective cutout. Pulling the main unit from the box, the first thing I noticed was its substantial weight. At over 14 pounds, the engineered wood plinth, finished in a gorgeous Natural Walnut, feels incredibly solid and premium. This isn’t the lightweight plastic feel of entry-level decks; this is a serious piece of audio equipment that looks like it costs twice as much. One user aptly described it as feeling “like you made a good investment,” and I couldn’t agree more.

Assembly was a breeze, taking me about 15 minutes, which aligns perfectly with user reports. The instructions are clear, guiding you through installing the platter and belt, attaching the headshell, and the crucial step of balancing the tonearm and setting the tracking force for the cartridge. Fluance even includes a bubble level to help you perfectly adjust the new spring-loaded isolation feet, a fantastic upgrade over the previous RT81 model. The inclusion of a sleek acrylic mat, rather than a standard felt or rubber one, was another immediate highlight, adding to the modern, audiophile aesthetic and promising better resonance control.

In-Depth Performance Analysis: How Does the RT81+ Sound and Feel?

A turntable’s spec sheet can only tell you so much. The real test is in the listening. After setting up the Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable and connecting it to our reference system (initially using its internal preamp), we spent weeks putting it through its paces with a wide variety of music, from the delicate acoustics of Nick Drake to the complex, layered electronica of Boards of Canada and the raw power of Led Zeppelin. The results were consistently impressive, revealing a turntable that punches far above its weight class.

The Foundation of Sound: Plinth, Platter, and Isolation

The secret to great vinyl playback is stability. Any unwanted vibration, whether from footsteps on the floor or the sound from your speakers, can be picked up by the sensitive stylus and muddy the audio signal. This is where the RT81+’s design truly shines. The high-mass MDF plinth provides an incredibly inert base. Tapping on the plinth while a record was playing resulted in a dull, muted thud with almost no transference through the stylus—a clear sign of excellent damping. This foundation is critical and, as one user noted, “Ont sens que c’est du solide!” (You can feel that it’s solid!).

This stability is enhanced by two key upgrades on the ‘+’ model. First, the three adjustable, spring-loaded isolation feet. These conical feet do a remarkable job of decoupling the turntable from the surface it sits on, and the ability to level them perfectly (with the included bubble level) is a feature usually reserved for more expensive decks. Second is the pairing of the dampened aluminum platter with the included acrylic mat. Acrylic has a resonant frequency very similar to vinyl itself, which helps to damp unwanted vibrations coming from the record during playback, resulting in a cleaner sound with a “blacker” background. The difference between this and a standard felt mat (which can attract dust and create static) is immediately audible in the clarity of the music.

The Heart of the Groove: Tonearm, Cartridge, and Tracking

If the plinth is the foundation, the tonearm and cartridge are the heart of the operation. The RT81+ features a well-engineered, static-balanced S-type aluminum tonearm. Setting it up was a satisfyingly tactile experience. Balancing the arm until it floats, then dialing in the 2.0 grams of tracking force recommended for the cartridge using the adjustable counterweight, felt precise and reassuring. The anti-skate dial, which prevents the tonearm from being pulled towards the centre of the record, was equally easy to set and effective in practice, ensuring even stylus wear and preventing distortion in the right audio channel.

The star of the show, however, is the pre-mounted Audio Technica AT-VM95E cartridge. This is a legendary “giant killer” in the audiophile world, and its inclusion here is a masterstroke by Fluance. The diamond elliptical stylus fits more precisely into the record groove than the basic conical styli found on entry-level players like the AT-LP60. This superior tracking ability translates directly into better high-frequency detail, improved stereo imaging, and significantly less inner-groove distortion. One user who accidentally purchased the RT81+ instead of the RT82 (which comes with an Ortofon cartridge) was initially disappointed but was quickly won over, stating, “once I heard the AudioTechnica 95e stylus it comes with I was fine with the product.” Furthermore, the VM95E stylus is part of a series, meaning you can easily upgrade to a MicroLine or Shibata stylus in the future simply by swapping the stylus, without needing to change the whole cartridge—a fantastic upgrade path.

The Listening Experience: Soundstage, Clarity, and Musicality

This is where all the engineering pays off. The sound of the Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable is simply fantastic for its price. The first track I played was Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” Stevie Nicks’s vocals were rendered with a clarity and presence that my old player could never manage. The rhythm section was tight and defined; the bass line was articulate and tuneful, not the one-note boom that plagues lesser turntables. The stereo separation was excellent, creating a wide and immersive soundstage that made the speakers seem to disappear.

This experience was confirmed by a user who remarked, “I left my apartment for a minute, and for a quick second, I thought someone had set up a drum set, this player is the real deal.” This speaks to the dynamic range the RT81+ is capable of reproducing. On more complex tracks, the turntable’s ability to resolve detail was evident. Cymbals shimmered without sounding harsh, and subtle instrumental lines that were previously buried in the mix became clear. The overall character is balanced and engaging—not artificially warm, but full-bodied and musical. It’s a sound that encourages you to listen through entire albums, rediscovering old favourites. For anyone coming from an all-in-one player, the difference is, as one user put it, a “Night and Day difference in sound.” The sonic performance at this price is nothing short of remarkable, making it a compelling choice for anyone serious about their vinyl. You can find this exceptional turntable available online.

User-Friendliness and Convenience Features

Fluance clearly designed the RT81+ for the user who wants an authentic analog experience without unnecessary complexity. The built-in Texas Instruments phono preamplifier is a huge plus. It sounds clean and has plenty of gain, meaning you can connect the turntable directly to any powered speakers or any standard AUX input on an amplifier, without needing a separate phono stage. For those who already own a high-quality external phono preamp, a simple switch on the back of the turntable allows you to bypass the internal one, providing yet another avenue for future upgrades.

While it is a fully manual turntable—requiring you to lift the tonearm on and off the record yourself—it does include a helpful auto-stop feature. When the record finishes, the platter stops spinning, which prevents unnecessary stylus wear if you get distracted. It’s a thoughtful compromise between full manual control and convenience. The setup, as mentioned, is straightforward, with many owners reporting they were “spinning in 15 mins.” The damped cueing lever lowers the needle onto the record with a smooth, controlled motion, eliminating the fear of accidentally scratching your precious vinyl. It strikes a perfect balance, making it an ideal first “real” turntable for those ready to learn the ropes of manual operation.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from other owners, a clear and overwhelmingly positive consensus emerges. The Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable is widely praised as a “sweet spot” product, perfectly positioned between cheap, low-quality players and intimidatingly expensive high-end audio gear. Many, like one reviewer who upgraded from an Audio-Technica LP60 and a Sony PS-LX310BT, identify it as their first “real” turntable, lauding its manual controls like the counterweight and anti-skate that give them more control and better performance.

The sentiment about its build quality and aesthetics is universal; phrases like “looks like a million bucks,” “it’s solid,” and “beautiful to look at” are common. The ease of setup is another frequently cited positive, with one user enjoying the process so much they compared it to “legos with really nice pieces.” The sound quality is, of course, the main attraction. One owner summed it up perfectly: “I bought this deck because I wanted something simple to play my vinyl on, I’m very happy with it… the sound is amazing.”

Criticism is sparse and generally relates to features it was never designed to have. The lack of a tonearm auto-return is a minor inconvenience for some, and the absence of Bluetooth will deter those looking for wireless convenience. However, these omissions are conscious design choices that allow Fluance to invest more in the core components that directly impact sound quality, a trade-off that nearly every owner seems to agree is well worth it.

How the Fluance RT81+ Compares to the Competition

In the crowded turntable market, the Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable carves out a distinct niche. While it excels in its category, understanding how it stacks up against different types of players can help clarify if it’s the right choice for you.

1. Shuman Retro 8-in-1 Music Centre

The Shuman Retro 8-in-1 is a completely different beast, prioritising versatility and nostalgia over pure audio fidelity. It’s an all-in-one entertainment hub that can play vinyl, CDs, cassettes, AM/FM radio, and digital files via USB, all packaged in a vintage-inspired wooden cabinet. While it offers immense functionality, it cannot compete with the Fluance RT81+ on sound quality. The Shuman uses a much simpler tonearm and ceramic cartridge, and its construction is not focused on vibration isolation. This is the ideal choice for a casual listener who wants a single device to play their entire media collection and values retro aesthetics and convenience over the nuances of high-fidelity vinyl playback.

2. ANGELS HORN Bluetooth Vinyl Record Player Hi-Fi Turntable

The ANGELS HORN system presents a more direct, yet distinct, competitor. It positions itself as a complete hi-fi package, bundling a turntable with matching stereo bookshelf speakers. This is an excellent option for someone who wants a simple, plug-and-play solution without having to research and purchase separate components. It features an adjustable counterweight and a respectable AT-3600L cartridge. However, the Fluance RT81+ has the edge in audiophile-grade components, boasting the superior AT-VM95E cartridge and more robust vibration-damping features like the acrylic mat and isolation feet. The ANGELS HORN is for the user seeking ultimate convenience and a guaranteed system match, while the Fluance RT81+ is for the user who wants a superior turntable foundation to build their own custom audio system around.

3. 1 BY ONE Belt-Drive 3-Speed Bluetooth Record Player

The 1 BY ONE record player represents the “suitcase” or portable category that many RT81+ owners are upgrading from. Its primary advantages are its low cost, compact size, built-in speakers, and Bluetooth output, making it highly portable and convenient for casual listening anywhere. However, these conveniences come at the cost of audio performance and record care. It lacks an adjustable counterweight, and its basic components cannot extract the same level of detail or provide the same durability as the Fluance. The 1 BY ONE is a great entry point for the absolute beginner or someone who needs a portable option, but the Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable is a massive, tangible leap forward in every aspect of sound quality and build.

Final Verdict: Is the Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable the Right Choice For You?

After extensive testing and careful consideration, our conclusion is unequivocally clear: the Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable is a triumph. It represents a new benchmark for what is possible in a budget-friendly, audiophile-grade turntable. Fluance has masterfully balanced cost with performance, making intelligent sacrifices (like Bluetooth and auto-return) to invest in the components that matter most for sound: a solid plinth, a superior cartridge, and effective isolation.

This is the perfect turntable for the “sophomore” vinyl enthusiast who is ready to experience their record collection with newfound depth, clarity, and excitement. It offers a genuine high-fidelity experience that is both accessible to newcomers and satisfying for seasoned listeners, all while providing a clear and easy path for future upgrades. It looks beautiful, it’s built to last, and most importantly, it sounds absolutely fantastic. For those ready to take their vinyl journey seriously, the Fluance RT81+ is not just a great choice; it might just be the best choice on the market today.

If you’ve decided the Fluance RT81+ High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable is the right fit for your audio aspirations, you can check its current price and purchase it here.