Skip to main content

Fluance wants you to #RespectTheRecord with two affordable new turntables, out now

Fluance is known mainly for speakers, but earlier this year the company decided to branch out a little with a new product category: turntables. The company took to Kickstarter to gauge interest in two new turntables — the RT80 and RT81 — and based on the campaign’s success, it was clear that listeners were indeed interested.

At the time, Fluance said it expected for models to begin shipping in May, and the company managed to meet its target, but only barely, as both turntables are shipping now. Each model uses a belt-driven design and features audio-grade MDF wood construction. The S-Type tone arm includes an anti-skating mechanism, which Fluance claims “caresses each record to conserve and protect.”

Recommended Videos

Fortunately, listeners won’t need a high-end receiver with a dedicated phono input in order to use either of these new turntables. Both are equipped with a Texas Instruments-designed preamp, allowing them to be used with a standard auxiliary input via the gold-plated RCA jacks, while a ground terminal helps keep background hum to a minimum.

Each model is available in either a minimalist black or a walnut wood finish, depending on your particular tastes. Both models come with isolation feet and feature an aluminum platter and rubber slip mat in order to cut down on vibration and resonance. An adapter allowing 7-inch records with a hole in the middle is also included with either model.

The RT80 sells for $200 and is the comparatively base model of the two. This model ships with an Audio-Technica AT91 cartridge, and features a lightweight, partially hollow cabinet design. The RT81, on the other hand, sells for $250 and features an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge. This model also boasts a full solid wood design to help reduce vibration.

Both the RT80 and RT81 are available now from the Fluance website. For those who backed the campaign, rewards are shipping now.

Kris Wouk
Former Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
Nothing Headphone 1 Review: A surprisingly good first-gen product
The ears and unique design on the Nothing Headphone 1 in white.

If you like unique technology, there’s a strong chance you’ve seen products from London-based Nothing. The company, co-founded by OnePlus co-founder Carl Pei, has built a cult-like following with striking designs that were designed to stand out from the crowd. 

Nothing has made earbuds before, but the Headphone 1 is the company’s first foray into the world of over-ear headphones that Apple, Sony, and Bose normally dominate. In typical Nothing fashion, the Headphone 1 aims to provide ample sound in a strikingly different design at a price that still offers value for money.

Read more
You Asked: Large OLED vs. Huge QLED? Biggest QD-OLED TVs?
Chris answers your questions on OLED, LG G5 vs G2, and whether 77 inches is enough
You Asked Ep 98

On today’s episode of You Asked: Is there ever a reason to not get the best OLED panel available? How much of an upgrade is the LG G5 over the G2? And is a 77-inch OLED enough, or do you need to go even bigger?

Always buy the best OLED panel tech?

Read more
The best Prime Day audio deal I found comes from an unexpected brand
It doesn't get better than this in the audio segment, and certainly not at this discounted price.
Apple AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C and MagSafe review

I test all kinds of audio gear around the year, and every time someone asks me about AirPods, I religiously suggest a few alternatives. It’s not because the AirPods are bad. Far from it, actually. It’s just that they are a little too pricey for what they offer, especially when it comes to the Pro model.

While they excel at noise cancellation and transparency, they can’t quite deliver the kind of rich audio when pitted against the likes of Sony’s WF-1000 and Sennheiser’s Momentum series earbuds. The margin, I'll add, is very small. Plus, terms like "price cut," "discounts," and "deals" don't often play well with Apple's premium reputation, so you rarely see them at a bargain point.

Read more