RT81 High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player
PURE ANALOG LISTENING EXPERIENCE
Premium components allow this high fidelity belt driven turntable to recreate the performance the way the artist intended
HIGH PERFORMANCE CARTRIDGE
The Audio Technica AT95E featuring a diamond elliptical tipped stylus is designed to track your record grooves with greater precision & accuracy for high definition audio

SUPERIOR RECORD TRACKING
Enjoy perfect playback using the balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm ensuring the stylus is rested deep in your record’s groove, producing every audio detail indistinguishable from the original recording
SOLID WOOD PLINTH
The beautiful piano black finished cabinet is crafted from solid engineered (MDF) wood, incorporates isolation feet, an aluminum platter and a rubber slip mat which results in superior isolation from unwanted vibrations
CAPTIVATING SIGNAL CLARITY
Incorporating a high quality built-in Texas Instruments preamp, ground terminal and gold plated RCA line outputs that ensures warm, true sound
Overview
UNPARALLELED VINYL MUSIC PLAYBACK
Specifications
| Cabinet Specifications | ▼ |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Material | MDF |
| Finish | High Gloss Walnut |
| Dust Cover | Yes - Tinted |
| Turntable Specifications | ▼ |
| Drive System | Belt Drive |
| Motor | DC Motor |
| Motor Isolation | Three Point Rubber Isolation |
| Speed | 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM |
| Speed Variation | +/-1.00% - Speed Adjustment Guide |
| Wow and Flutter | 0.2% |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Weighted) | 67dB or higher (A-weighted, 20kHz LPF) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Unweighted) | 60dB or higher (unweighted, 20kHz LPF) |
| Platter | Aluminum |
| Diameter of Platter | 12", 30cm |
| Weight of Platter | 1.22 lbs (553 g) |
| Height of Platter | 0.62 inches (16 mm) |
| Auto-Stop | Yes |
| Turntable Mat | Rubber |
| Tonearm Specifications | ▼ |
| Tonearm Type | Static Balanced, S-Type |
| Supported Cartridge Weight | 3.5 to 6.5g |
| Counterweight | Yes – 3.53 oz (100 g) - Adjustable |
| Anti-skating Adjustment | Yes |
| Pivot Bearing | Yes |
| Cueing Lever | Yes |
| Tonearm Material | Aluminum |
| Tonearm Wire | 36 AWG Litz Cable / 7 Strand |
| Effective Tonearm Mass | 28.2 grams |
| Overhang | 19.2mm |
| Effective Tonearm Length | 224mm |
| Headshell Mount | H-4 Bayonet Mount |
| Tonearm Height | 17mm |
| Cartridge Specifications | ▼ |
| Cartridge Type | Dual Moving Magnet (MM) |
| Cartridge Model | Audio Technica: AT95E |
| Replacement Stylus | ATN95E |
| Stylus | 0.4 × 0.7mil Bonded Elliptical (Diamond) |
| Cantilever | Aluminum |
| Mount | Half inch |
| Frequency Response | 20-20,000Hz |
| Channel Separation | 20dB at 1kHz |
| Channel Balance | 2.0dB or less at 1kHz |
| Load Impedance/Capacitance | 47k Ohms/100pF |
| Output Voltage | 2.5mV +/–3dB |
| Cartridge Weight | 5.7g (+/- 0.5g) |
| Headshell Weight | 10.7g |
| Cartridge Height | 0.67 inches (17 mm) |
| Recommended Tracking Force | 2.0g +/–0.5g |
| Vertical Tracking Angle | 20 degrees |
| Rubber Belt Specifications | ▼ |
| Rubber Belt Design | Continuous loop (joint-less) |
| Width | 4.5mm |
| Length | 534.07mm |
| Thickness | 0.6mm |
| Output Specifications | ▼ |
| Connector | RCA (Gold-plated) |
| Preamp | Yes, PHONO/LINE Switchable |
| Phono Output | 2.5mV +/–3dB |
| Phono Bypass | Yes, all electronics bypassed when using external preamp |
| Line Output | 140mV (–17dBV) |
| Ground Terminal | Yes |
| Power Specification | ▼ |
| Input | 100V - 240V AC (50/60Hz) |
| Output | 12V / 500mA |
| Consumption | 1.5W |
| General Specifications | ▼ |
| Dimensions | 16.5” x 5.5” x 13.75” |
| Certifications | FCC Certified, CE Certified, RoHS, CUL/UL |
| Unit Weight | 6.4 kg or 14.1 lbs |
| Operating Temperature | 20°C |
| Wireless Playback | No (Requires Bluetooth or WiFi transmitter connected via RCA connection to transmit audio wirelessly) |
| Fluance Speaker Size Comparison Chart | |
| UPC | 061783264362 |
| What's Included |
Pro Reviews

Slash Gear Reviews the Fluance RT81 HiFi Turntable
"Playback from the RT81 was quite good, with even the deeper bass of hip-hop and some electronic music coming through smooth and clear. "
Read the Full ReviewCNET Reviews the Fluance RT81 HiFi Turntable
"it feels like a $400-$500 turntable. I guess you can tell by now I'm impressed."
Read the Full Review
Tech Crunch Reviews the Fluance RT81 HiFi Turntable
"The walnut finish gives the RT81 one of the best looks of any entry-level turntable I’ve seen. It’s sturdier and heavier than some of the cheaper turntables out there from brands like Crosley and Denon. "
Read the Full Review
Digital Trends Review of the RT81
"Music played on the record player was deep and smooth with excellent clarity. In general, there was low distortion, sparkling treble, and strong bass across the records we listened to, from Broadway to Drake."
Read the Full ReviewCustomer Reviews
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Sleek design
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Very happy owner, getting into playing vinyl. I've got some older albums (the 2 speeds don't allow play of some of those) But either old albums or new reissues- this player has been singing. Good customer support, price point and performance will have me keeping tabs on some future upgrades as well.
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The RT81 Is very well made and attractive turntable. I was upgrading from a used Sony that I picked up about 8 years ago. There is no comparison to sound a build quality, the T81 blows the Sony away. I also noticed that Fluance offers a two year warranty vs the other brands that only offer a one year warranty. The built in pre-amp and auto stop where a couple of features that where a bonus on this particular model. i like the fact I can upgrade the stylus and cartridge when I get ready to move up and not buy another turntable.
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I grew up with a nice quality turntable in my house that I loved listening to. I did a lot of homework to find a high quality turntable without spending a fortune. My research kept leading back to Fluance. I ordered the RT81 with a pair of SX6 speakers. I love it. It's a nice heavy turntable that doesn't absorb external vibrations. The black looks modern with a simple nostalgic look to it and it sounds awsome. I never heard of Fluance until recently but they make great stuff for what you pay.
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I tried a Fluance turntable after reading dozens of reviews with mostly favorable opinions, but immediately the issues started.
My biggest complaint is mine doesn't work properly. It turns itself off after playing only 3/4 of the LP, no matter what LP I use.
I called tech support to report the problem, gave them the serial number and received a case number and was told they would reach back out to me and that it was under warranty.
I waited, waited and waited but no call. So I called them and was told they had a large list to work through (is that a sign) and was asked what my case number was. After being placed on hold I was asked if I could email a video of the issue, which I did. After a couple of days I email back asking if the video was received- but no reply. I emailed several more times just asking if my information was received and still no reply. So "I the customer" called them again and I reached the same support person. He again apologized for the no response and he looked up my email and confirmed it was received. He stated I would be moved to priority status and that I will be contacted- well that still hasn't happened.
So today I called THEM again and the same tech person answered. He again confirmed that after watching the video I supplied they had no reason to give for the product malfunction and that a return authorization would be issued, but now I would have to provide full original purchase details, a copy of the original receipt and order number. OK I don't mind following company return policies but to me, in my humble opinion as a customer, I have already done all the work and I did not see that requirement as part of there customer support- not saying it isn't there, I just couldn't find it.
Lesson learned, maybe. I am still trying to decide if i should just move on and purchase another trusted brand or not. -
I research relentlessly before committing to a purchase like this. While I was pretty confident that I was making the right decision, I was absolutely thrilled with the quality of this very affordable instrument. It’s very well constructed with a classic inspiration that doesn’t offend contemporary sensibility. The quality of the internal preamp is excellent, and the ability to bypass if you desire an upgrade is wonderful. There’s a lot of room for expansion, which only optimizes an already tremendous value. RPM after burn-in was spot on and the cartridge was perfectly aligned out of the box. The silly plastic 45 adapter with no home is a little odd, but in no way detracts from this excellent product.
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The Fluance RT81 is an awesome product with a great sound. I would 100% recommend purchasing this item.
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Amazing for the price. It looks beautiful. Solid plinth provides excellent bass and mids, solid stylus. I have zero complaints with this record player. It is perfect for someone looking to go above an introductory player but has budget considerations. It was an excellent investment and I would gladly do business with Fluance again.
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Our RT81 arrived in a damaged box from shipping and showed cracks in the turntable body as well as cover when we opened it. While we recognize this is no fault of Fluance, we filed a claim immediately and took pictures of the damage for a replacement. After two weeks of calls, emails, and a lack of responses from their customer service we are leaving a review in order to get their attention. All we need is a return shipping label from them and despite multiple emails and voice messages we have not heard back. I’m sure the product will sound great when we can use it but unfortunately the customer service has proved lacking.
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Sounds great and easy to use. I had some issues with wow/flutter but I rebalanced the tonearm and that seems to have fixed it.
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33 and 45 play at same speed. Customer service is terrible.
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As a relative newbie to vinyl/turntables/sound equipment, but a lifelong music lover and musician, I wanted to replace an old AT-LP50 with something with a little more quality. I could tell immediately from how the RT81 was shipped that it would be well worth the price tag. Out of the box, the fit and finish is beautiful and the plinth is solid and looks great. As a rookie, i was a bit concerned with setting up a new TT. It took less than 10 mins and was super easy. Upon first listen, the first thing i noticed was the volume difference. The player attains insane levels of volume while remaining crisp and un-muddled. I then began to pay attention to the highs, mids, lows of the records i put on. I was extremely impressed with the detail heard in every instrument and how well the stylus tracked the record compared to my cheapie I was used to. All in all, for what I was trying to accomplish, this when well beyond my expectations and the quality at the price point. I am a Fluance man for life.
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I am pleased to the point of tears! Listening to my old LPs (heavy on the 60s and 70s) I am amazed at what a quality turntable and matching speakers can do. The artists I heard on my low dollar phono and computer speakers are still recognizable. But what else I hear! Its's as if I was only listening to half the rerecording. Bravo Fluance!
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This thing sounds as good as it looks. It is extremely easy to set up and use. I’m really new to vinyl but have had an extremely positive experience so far!
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Great sound, easy set up. Remarkably different than
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Resources
Manual
Guides
Video
FAQs
Fluance turntables do not include built in speakers.
To use a Fluance turntable, connect it to a home theater receiver or amplifier for use with passive speakers, or connect it to a set of powered speakers such as the Ai40 Powered Bookshelf Speakers.
If your receiver or speakers do not have a specific PHONO input or integrated preamp, RT80 and RT81 both include an internal preamp for quick and easy setup.
An amplifier is only needed if you’re connecting the turntable to passive speakers such as the Signature Series Bookshelf Surround Speakers.
If you’re looking for an option without a separate amplifier, the Ai40 Powered Bookshelf speakers fit the bill.
With the Ai40, all you need to do is connect the included RCA cables to the speakers, turn on the internal pre-amp and you’re ready to listen to the music the way it was meant to be heard.
If you’re using an amplifier without a phono input, or some powered speakers such as our Ai40 model, you will need to use the preamp by sliding the switch to the “LINE” position.
The tonearm of the RT80 and RT81 model turntables is compatible with cartridges from 3.5 grams to 6.5 grams in weight.
For full instructions on this process, see our video below:





