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. |
It is easy to upgrade
Love the easy setup.
Easy setup, preamp and upgradeable
I love the built in amp :):)
Love the built in preamplifier
I love the built-in Texas instrument pre-amplifier!!
Like the fact I would only have to upgrade instead of buying a complete new system
I like the already decent cartridge that it comes with
I like the weight of it, and the built-in pre-amp is awesome.
I like that the Fluance includes a preamplifier so that it can connect the RT80 turntable to virtually any music system.
I like the pre-mp feature and easy setup.
I like that my records will sound better because of the cartridge.
No question – the preamp and upgradeability. Connect more, do more, waste less.
The easy setup is nice@!
I like anything that is easy set-up as I am not the most tech-savvy music lover.
Better sound. We did it right.
The build in preamplifier is a great feature.
Would like to spin the old records once again
We headed back to vinyl years ago
I like the advanced anti-skating system and the built-in preamplifier are great. Thanks!
I like the Fluance RT80 turntable because I can start spinning tunes immediately
I like the built-in preamplifier.
The built in pre-amp really enhances the sound production!
I like the easy set up.
NEasy setup, that sounds good to me.
Easy setup, that sounds good
Well of course I love the easy setup! I wanna get right to the music
The fancy cartridge
Easy setup – because where technology is concerned, I am totally useless.
Would have to say Built-in preamplifier
I like the built-in pre-amp.
The built in pre-amp is my favourite feature.
I like the built-in pre-amp
It comes with an Audio Technica AT91 cartridge.
I like that it’s it’s easy to set up and that it can be upgraded.
The built-in pre-amp
UPGRADABLE.
I’m trying to build a small studio corner in our apartment (he’s a musician) and I’d love to be able to incorporate that into it. (He still have the vinyl that inspired him all those years ago).
Argh. *has
The easy set up is what I like!
I like the easy set up.
The Easy setup,I didn’t think that existed in any electronics. And looking forward to playing my old LP’s
I like that it’s upgradeable and easy set up.
I like the easy set up feature because I’m an idiot when it comes to these things
The Easy setup all the way to use.
I like that it’s upgradeable
I will be enjoying my record collection on the Fluance RT80 turntable. What could be better?
I like the built-in pre-amplifier.
I like that you can add upgrades and that it is pretty straight forward to set up.
You could significantly improve the RT80 through upgrades.
Makes it never obsolete.
I like that the high quality cartridge is included.
the built-in preamplifier
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