RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
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RT85 Reference High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
PURE ANALOG PERFORMANCE
The definitive vinyl record listening experience for beautifully warm and natural music, transporting you into the center of the performance
EXCEPTIONAL MUSICAL ACCURACY
Immerse yourself in the detailed high resolution sound of the Ortofon 2M Blue elliptical cartridge delivering improved linearity, higher channel separation and reduced distortion
HIGH DENSITY ACRYLIC PLATTER
The greater mass of the acrylic platter damps unwanted vibrations resulting in a more 3-dimentional sound with tighter bass, a fuller midrange, and overall improved clarity
SPEED CONTROL FOR PRECISION PLAYBACK
The isolated motor prevents unwanted vibrations and noise while the speed control mechanism ensures consistent platter velocity (0.07% Wow/Flutter)
HIGH MASS MDF WOOD PLINTH
Revel in the gorgeously crafted cabinet with real wood finish and a highly precise metal platter with adjustable resonance damping feet, ensuring superior isolation from unwanted micro-vibrations (Note: phono preamp not included)
Overview
UNPARALLELED VINYL MUSIC PLAYBACK
Specifications
| Cabinet Specifications | ▼ |
|---|---|
| Cabinet Material | MDF |
| Finish | High Gloss Piano White |
| Dust Cover | Yes - Tinted |
| Turntable Specifications | ▼ |
| Drive System | Belt Drive |
| Motor | DC Motor with Servo Controller Analyzes motor speed 500 times/sec |
| Motor Isolation | Under-mounted 7-point silicone isolation with decoupling isolation ring |
| Speed | 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM (78 RPM - No) |
| Speed Variation | 0.10% |
| Wow and Flutter | 0.07% |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Weighted) | 76 dB |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Unweighted) | 65 dB |
| Platter | Acrylic |
| Diameter of Platter | 12 inches (30 cm) |
| Weight of Platter | 3 lbs (1.5 kg) |
| Height of Platter | 0.62 inches (16 mm) |
| Auto-Stop | Yes |
| Turntable Mat | Not Required |
| Tonearm Specifications | ▼ |
| Tonearm Type | Static Balanced, S-Type |
| Supported Cartridge Weight | 0.18 – 0.25 oz (5.0 – 7.5 g) |
| Counterweight | Yes – 3.60 oz (102 g) - Adjustable |
| Anti-skating Adjustment | Yes – Adjustable |
| Pivot Bearing | Yes |
| Cueing Lever | Yes |
| Tonearm Material | Aluminum |
| Tonearm Wire | 36 AWG Litz Cable / 7 Strand |
| Effective Tonearm Mass | 0.97 oz (27.5 g) |
| Overhang | 0.76 inches (19.2 mm) |
| Effective Tonearm Length | 8.82 inches (224 mm) |
| Headshell Mount | H-4 Bayonet Mount |
| Cartridge Specifications | ▼ |
| Cartridge Type | Moving Magnet (MM) |
| Cartridge Model | Ortofon: 2M Blue |
| Replacement Stylus | 2M Blue |
| Stylus | 0.3 x 0.7 mil |
| Cantilever | Aluminum |
| Mount | Half-inch |
| Frequency Response | 20 - 20,000 Hz (+2/-1 dB) |
| Frequency Range | 20 - 25,000 Hz (-3 dB) |
| Channel Separation | 25 dB at 1 kHz |
| Channel Balance | < 1.5 dB @ 1 kHz |
| Load Impedance/Capacitance | 47k Ohms/150 - 300 pF |
| Output Voltage | 5.5 mV |
| Cartridge Weight | 0.25 oz (7.2g) |
| Headshell Weight | 0.35 oz (9g) |
| Cartridge Height | 0.71 inches (18 mm) |
| Recommended Tracking Force | 0.06 - 0.07 oz (1.6 - 2.0 g) |
| Vertical Tracking Angle | 20° (Non-Adjustable) |
| Rubber Belt Specifications | ▼ |
| Rubber Belt Design | Continuous loop (joint-less) |
| Width | 0.17 inches (4.5 mm) |
| Length | 36.02 inches (915 mm) |
| Thickness | 0.02 inches (0.6 mm) |
| Output Specifications | ▼ |
| Connector | RCA (Gold-plated) |
| Preamp | No - Separate Phono Preamp Required |
| Phono Output | 5.5 mV |
| Ground Terminal | Yes |
| Power Specification | ▼ |
| Input | 100 – 240 V AC (50/60 Hz) |
| Output | 12 V / 500 mA |
| Consumption | 1.5 W |
| General Specifications | ▼ |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 16.5 x 13.75 inches / 14.0 x 41.9 x 34.9 cm (HxWxD) |
| Certifications | FCC Certified, RoHS, CUL/UL |
| Unit Weight | 16.76 lb (7.6 kg) |
| Operating Temperature | 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C) |
| Wireless Playback | No (Requires Bluetooth or WiFi transmitter connected via RCA connection to transmit audio wirelessly) |
| Fluance Speaker Size Comparison Chart |
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| UPC | 061783273517 |
| What's Included | RT85 Reference Turntable Line OutClick to Expand |
Press
Ty Pendlebury of CNET Reviews the RT82
The Fluance RT82 "is the best overall turntable under $300... offers everything you could want"
Read Full Review
Vinyl Rewind Reviews the RT85
"I give this my highest rating of 5 pompadours out of 5"
Joe N Tell Reviews the RT82
Follow along as Joe Mariano unboxes and sets up his new RT82
Customer Reviews
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I have been hanging on to 300-400 LP's for 20years without having a system to play them on any more. Decided to rejoin the 2 channel stereo club and purchased a receiver, speakers and the Fluance RT85. Now I'm happier than a pig in mud. Finally being able to listen to real sound has truly raised my quality of life. Kudos Fluance!!
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Great quality, sounds amazing
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After several months of searching and reading my decition to purchase this model RT85 and I am very satisfied, the only problem was to register the table no serial number could be found to list in the registration form. I am in the process to replace the existing stylus with the Quintet black to obtain maximum performance with several of my collection of London Decca 4 phase Sterio, I hope I made the right good choice.
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I really put in the time to research my new turn table. The value and performance for money is exceptional. The sound is incredible through an all tube Harmon Kardon TA-5000X and Vandersteen model 1 speakers. I've never been more satisfied with a turn table than the new Fluance RT85. An amazing machine that I hope to get many years of enjoyment from.
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Great sounding turntable.
Super easy set up -
In my opinion there isn’t a better turntable on the market at this price point. The Acrylic platter and Ortofon Blue stylus with the solid wood plinth offer clean, pure, and true sound. I will never order from another company other than Fluance.
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The RT85 is without question the best turntable on the market at this price point. Paired w/ the Ai81and 10” sub provides the most amazing listening experience I have ever had. Brent (Fluance Rep) answered all my questions and walked me through some of the setup over the phone. Fluance is a great company with great staff and great product! I am a lifetime buyer from this point forward!
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Very happy with the RT85 in bamboo. The blue Orofon needle has great clarity. Plexiglass platter doesn't collect dust like the regular rubber ones so less cleaning of records is required when flipping sides. The basic assembly was quick and kinda fun in a nerdy way. I really like the auto-stop feature when the needle gets to the middle and you're not in the room (or fall asleep!). It's nice to know the needle isn't wearing out, grinding against the paper endlessly making a crackling sound. I compared the Rega P1 but the extra features at a similar price point sold me on the Fluance. And it's designed in Canada. Bonus. I use it with the Fluance pre-amp, and 3ft cable, then run a long 25ft RCA cable out of that, across the room to the A/V receiver. Works great!
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The Fluance Rt85 is an exceptional turntable. Very impressed with the sound quality. Looks are stunning and clearly the best turntable on the market at this price!
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I love this turntable! The styling and finish are outstanding and I have received numerous compliments about it. Initially I connected the RT-85 to the internal phono pre amp of my Marantz SR6012 and it sounded fantastic playing through my Klipsch speakers. Then I connected it to a Schitt Mani 2 preamp and I believe I have achieved the next level in what is sure to be a lifelong addiction to vinyl records.
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Easy to setup. Smooth to use. Terrific looks. Great sound. Even better value.
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RT85 is my first turntable and Fluance did not disappoint. In fact, the bar is now set extremely high. From the packaging, to the impeccable product itself, I am beyond impressed! Also bought the pre-amp, bookshelf speakers, and stand, and I am in love with all of it! Records sound amazing!!!! Cannot recommend Fluance enough!
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Purchased the RT85 w/ the pre-amp & absolutely love it. Sounds amazing. Easy installation. As others mentioned, hard to read the #'s on the weight. Outside of that, absolutely wonderful sleek-looking turntable. I have mine going to Sonos speakers. I have listened every single night & day since it arrived. Can't get enough & already had a noise complaint against me :)
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High quality and finishes, superb sound
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Replaced my 42 year old Technics with the RT85. I am totally delighted with improvements in sound quality. Highly recommended turntable.
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FAQs
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 your preamp, then to the speakers and you’re ready to listen to the music the way it was meant to be heard.
If you intend to use your Reference series turntable with powered bookshelf speakers such as our Ai40 model, a preamp will be required.
The preamp will boost the signal to line level (similar to a headphone jack) so you can play it on speakers with RCA or AUX inputs.
If you have a home theater or stereo receiver/amplifier, you will need a preamp if the amplifier does not have a PHONO input. If you have a PHONO input, you may have a preamp already built in. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications or manual for confirmation!
This design choice was made with a number of factors in mind. The main reason was to separate electronics from the turntable’s signal path to maintain the purity of the analog signal. Many listeners also like to customize their listening experience and choose specific components such as preamps based on unique sonic qualities. Using separate components also allows for optimization of cartridge and phono stage compatibility. If you upgrade your cartridge in the future, you can pair with an optimal phono preamp to maximize performance and achieve the sound profile you desire. !
| What's new! | What does it mean? |
| The motor is located away from the platter | Allows the use of an acrylic platter, reduced rumble at the stylus. |
| 90pF RCA cables | Upgraded RCA cables with higher capacitance to protect and maintain the purest signal path. |
| No internal preamp | Provides a clean signal, with no electronics in the path for increased audio quality. |
| Spring loaded adjustable feet with built-in isolation | Allows the turntable to be leveled on any surface, bubble level included. Spike-shaped feet prevent outside vibrations from affecting audio quality. |
| Servo controlled motor | Improves speed consistency and reduces wow and flutter by checking the speed up to 500 times per second! |
| Ortofon Stylus | All Reference turntables are compatible with Ortofon OM10, Blue and Red Cartridges. |
| 102g Counterweight | Heavier counterweight to accommodate the Ortofon stylus. More diverse upgrade options. |
| Compatible with an acrylic platter (included with RT85) | Heavier, denser material reduces resonance and improves speed consistency, not to mention great looks! |
| Customizable | All Reference turntable components are compatible with each other giving you a clear upgrade path! |
These new turntables include a servo belt drive motor.
What does this mean for you?
This means that you have a sensor checking and adjusting the speed of the motor up to 500 times a second to make sure the speed of your turntable is consistent with no manual adjustments, bringing wow and flutter under 0.07%!
Reference turntables are compatible and shipped with moving magnet cartridges such as the Ortofon OM10, 2M Red and 2M Blue, giving you the ability to customize your system for top tier performance.
Cartridges must be between 3.5 to 7.5 grams to be balanced correctly.
Acrylic is an extremely stable and dense material. This greatly reduces resonance that can be picked up by the cartridge from the environment such as people walking by, large vehicles passing or other sounds that create a lot of vibration.
This also gives it considerably more weight compared to an aluminum platter of the same size. The extra weight of the platter during rotation helps the platter to spin flatter and at a more consistent speed, reducing wow & flutter.
There is no need to use a platter with the acrylic platter!
If a platter mat is used, it may interfere with the vertical tracking angle of the stylus.
Additionally, the resonance of acrylic is very close to vinyl so a mat is not needed.
As an added bonus, the acrylic looks fantastic!
All Fluance Reference turntables are sold with an Orotfon cartridge included.
We do know that our users love to customize their decks and there are many options out there, so we designed our Reference series to have extensive upgrade potential!.
