Turntables are hot and it seems as though they’re getting more popular with every year. Who would have guessed that in this age of streaming music and digitally perfect audio files, vinyl records would make a comeback? Canadian audio company Fluance certainly had their finger on the pulse of record lovers, and they came out with a line of turntables that are perfect for everyone from beginners to budding audiophiles. You’ve probably heard about these, including the RT81 I reviewed a few years back (watch for a review of the all-new RT85 coming soon). If you’re into music on vinyl, today is your lucky day because Fluance is offering our readers the chance to win an RT80 belt-drive turntable!
What you need to know about the Fluance RT80
It’s worth taking a quick look at the specs for this turntable. Even though it is the company’s entry level model, I think the Fluance RT80 caught a lot of established audio brands off guard. It set a new bar for what vinyl collectors can expect from an affordable turntable and represents a real step up from the record players and beginner turntables many people start out with.
Key Specs:
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Features I like about this turntable
In April I wrote a detailed guide on how to buy a record player. If you happen to read through that post, you will immediately notice that the RT80 checks off a lot of boxes in terms of things you should be looking for. That’s a big deal, especially in an entry level turntable.
As I mentioned, I’ve spent considerable time with Fluance turntables and they all share a common design approach. So, I’m going to spike out a few features in particular that I like about the RT80.
Included cartridge is a solid choice
One of the big moves Fluance made when it began to offer turntables, was to include cartridges that are far more expensive than the ones manufacturers typically include. That’s a big win for owners, because it means their records sound much better. In the case of the RT80, Fluance includes an Audio Technica AT91 cartridge, which typically retails in the $50 range.
I’m not going to name names, but I recently reviewed a turntable from a premium audio brand with a $700 U.S. MSRP. It came equipped with a cartridge that is a step down from the AT91 found on the Fluance RT80.
MDF plinth + aluminum platter
When you pick up a Fluance turntable, you’ll immediately notice that it is heavy. The RT80 weighs 5.0 kg (11 pounds). That’s a good thing! Many entry level turntables have a hollow plastic plinth and often a plastic or thin metal platter. They’re light. All Fluance turntables are designed around an audio-grade MDF (engineered wood) plinth, and the RT80 is equipped with a cast aluminum platter. The combination of dense and heavy materials isolates the stylus from vibration for better sound, and the heavy platter also means more consistent speed.
Built-in preamplifier
Fluance includes a built-in Texas instrument preamplifier. That means you can connect the RT80 turntable to virtually any music system. Switch off the preamp and it can connect the traditional way to stereo amp or receiver with PHONO input. Or, use the RT80’s preamplifier to connect it to any mini stereo or portable speaker you wish—anything with an AUX input.
Easy setup
It’s also good to know that setting up the Fluance RT80 is relatively straightforward. You won’t need any tools, and you don’t need to do any advanced calibration like cartridge alignment—it basically amounts to putting the belt on and balancing the tonearm. And Fluance has a series of helpful videos online that can walk you through those steps in detail.
Whether you’re connecting it to an amplifier, receiver, or even a portable speaker, it shouldn’t take more than 15 or 20 minutes before you’re enjoying the analog audio of your record collection on the Fluance RT80 turntable.
Upgradable
Most entry level turntables get left behind when a record collector wants to move up to something better. Because the basics of this turntable are solid, it’s worth upgrading if you reach the point where you want to enhance your listening experience. Instead of having to shell out for a new turntable, you could significantly improve the RT80 through upgrades like a new stylus or even a new cartridge, a rubber platter mat or an acrylic platter.
HOW TO ENTER
After having tested over a dozen turntables in the past several years and spending extensive time with several Fluance models, I’ve told you why I like the Fluance RT80 turntable. For a chance to win the RT80, simply leave a comment below telling us the feature you like the most about it. It’s that easy! but remember, you can only enter once.
WHAT YOU CAN WIN
At the end of this contest we will draw one winner from all eligible entries to receive a new Fluance RT80 turntable.
This contest runs from May 31st to June 17th.
Win a Fluance Turntable Contest Rules and Regulations
Good luck!
| We frequently have many contests running at Best Buy so check out the “contests in progress” page for more great contests to enter. |
I am very happy to announce the winner of this Fluance turntable:
Michelle R. – Toronto ON.
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This contest is now closed. We will draw the winners soon in accordance with the rules. Return to the blog often to read great articles, learn about the latest technology, and to enter more contests. You never know when we’ll be doing another amazing giveaway!
I like the pre-amp
That it is upgradable, so it can grow with me
I love the easy setup and the fact that it is upgradable
Two speed, belt-drive sounds awesome! Would love to win #BestBuyCanada
The cartridge looks amazing.
It looks awesome! What a statement it would make in my living room.
The easy setup! That works for me!
For me, the easy set up is a great feature!
I like the built-in preamplifier.
I like the built-in pre-amplifier
Upgradable
I like that it’s easy set up.
I like the Two speed, belt-drive
I like the dust cover. One less thing to worry about.
The built-in preamplifier is great!
The set up would be great & it looks cool – thanks
Built-in preamp for the win!
Built-in preamplifier
I like the built-in pre-amplifier,it makes the set up a lot easier!
Built-in preamplifier for sure
The easy set up would be great!
Pre-amp. smart choice since so many pa/audio misxer don’t have a phono input anymore
The built in pre-amplifier is my fav. Thank you for the chance!
I like the easy setup! Great for a plug and play experience, I don’t need anything complicated to enjoy my vinyl!
The easy set up would be great.
I like the built-in preamplifier.
I like the simple design. Will match my decor and other stereo components.
easy set up
Built-in amp
Easy set up sounds like a dream. Not my strong suit
The ability to connect to any music system.
Easy setup for sure.
Now this is a neat set!
i cannot wait to put a record on and hit play
The one thing that stands out about this turn table is the quality, from the higher end cartridge for better sound quality to the weight of the product which denotes the quality materials used (not just cheap plastic); so that is my favourite feature. I hate cheap stuff and especially when it comes to my music!
THE PRICE IS AWESOME!
Easy Set-up
compact size
Easy set up
Sounds like there’s a lot of great features the easy set up is nice to hear
The Audio Technica AT91 cartridge so my records will sound fantastic!
Love the look of it and how easy the setup looks. Love the preamplifier as well 🙂
Built in preamplifier but the easy set up works for me as well
I love the easy set up!
Comments are closed.