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 love that it is up-gradable!
I currently have a turntable that I received on my birthday a couple of months ago and it’s been one of my favourite things. It’s an older turntable and it isn’t upgradable. I think that’s why when reading and looking for information about this turntable it caught my eye. That it can be upgraded. I think that is very cool and an awesome feature. Also I like how it’s an easy set up.
I like that you can upgrade individual components.
I like the built in pre-amp and that it is upgradeable
I like that it is easy to set up and upgradeable for the future
Defiantly love the fact that this player has a MDF plinth + aluminum platter. Been learning more about these features and have been realizing my player isn’t as great as it could be. Would love to hear how an MDF plinth + aluminum platter changes the sound of music.
Price of this turntable and all the features can’t go wrong. Upgradable ease of setup love pre amp means more uses.
An easy setup is super helpful so that I can get right to enjoying my music with such a beautiful device!
I love the fact it has a built-in preamplifier. It will make it easier to hook into my audio setup.
I like that you can upgrade it so it is more likely to be around after years of use.
The ability to upgrade the turntable is a game changer. Reducing the cost of buying a new unit translate to ability to enhance the experience with the upgrades.
I really like the inclusion of the AT91 cartridge
I like that it’s an easy set up, it’s so nice when electronics are easy to set up with little hassle!
i love that it looks and sounds so easy to set up! I’ve got a box of our really old records that I would love to play!
The feature that I like the most about the Fluance RT80 turntable is that it already comes with a quality stylus.
I like that it’s upgradeable.
I like that the premium components allow this belt driven turntable to produce a pure uncompressed listening experience that recreates the performance the way the artist intended.
I like the combination of an audio-grade MDF plinth with a cast aluminum platter to provide a high quality sound compared to other entry-level turntables
I like that the turntable can be upgraded.
Love the fact that it is upgradable.
I like that it has built in pre-amp, so simple and efficient! Obviously having that high end cartridge is a huge bonus!
I love the easy set up and it’s upgradeable
I like that it’s upgradeable.
I like the expensive cartridge
I love that it is upgradable! If you want to enhance your listening experience, just buy a new stylus….simple and much more affordable.
I like the fact that there is a upgrade path such that the turntable and possibly my record collection don’t get marooned.
Putting the money where it matters. Construction and sound quality, but keeping it relatively simple.
The pre-amp included is the top choice of reasons to acquire this player with the solid build being a close second.
I am not a techie. Im a mom who grew up in the 70’s…when all you had to do with electronics was plug it in! So easy set up is number one for me! Good luck everyone!
This reminds me a bit of the Thorens TD-125 transcription turntable, of which I still own and use. I still love vinyl!
The high end cartridge is a big yes for me. Quality over everything.
My dad has one. It is beyond a doubt the best sounding and easiest to use I’ve ever seen.
This takes the turntable ot the next level without a doubt!
Definitely the built-in preamplifier. The music will sound insanely good on my loud speakers.
the Built-in preamplifier is a big one for me!
Love the feature of the built-in Texas instrument preamplifier
I like the easy setup. I’m not the most tech savvy and appreciate a straight forward – no tools no major calibration.
I like that they included a high quality cartridge for the rt80 turntable.
I think what probably sets this apart is the AT91 Cartridge. That’s a pretty big deal and a huge selling point for me.
I like the built-in preamp because it’s just way more convenient.
I have never had one of these myself, so I know absolutely nothing about them. So it’s good to know that setup is super easy so that I would have very little trouble getting it up and running so I could listen to some music =)
I like the fact that this turntable includes the AudioTechnica cartridge.
I like the fact that the included catridge of this turntable is from AudioTechnica.
I love the fact that this turntable includes the AudioTechnica catridge.
Clearly for me it’s the possibility of switching on or off the built-in Texas instrument preamplifier. Can’t wait to get my hands on one of these.
I like that it looks like the turntables I used to have in the 70’s & 80’s !!!
I like the built-in preamplifier for connecting to speakers
Built-in pre-amp with gold plated RCA connectors Is the selling point for me.
I like the included AT91 cartridge. Good on Fluance to spec the turntable with it.
I really like the ability to upgrade the turntable. I’m currently using an older turntable that my dad got in the 70’s. Although it still sounds great, its obsolete. It’s nice to know that there are products like this that can enhance your listening experience through upgrades
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