Fluance RT82 Turntable Review Is It The Right Choice For You

Are you in the market for a new turntable and wondering if the Fluance RT82 is the right choice for you? This comprehensive review dives deep into the RT82's features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or just beginning your vinyl journey, this article will provide you with the insights you need to determine if this turntable fits your needs and budget.

Unveiling the Fluance RT82 Turntable

The Fluance RT82 is a belt-driven turntable designed for audiophiles seeking a blend of performance and affordability. It stands out in the crowded turntable market with its focus on delivering a pure and accurate listening experience. Fluance, a Canadian audio company, has built a reputation for producing high-quality audio equipment, and the RT82 is no exception. This turntable is designed to extract the nuances and warmth from your vinyl records, allowing you to truly appreciate the analog sound.

Key Features and Specifications

Before we delve into the specifics of its performance, let's take a closer look at the key features and specifications that make the Fluance RT82 a compelling option:

• Belt-Drive Design: The RT82 utilizes a belt-drive system, which helps to isolate the platter and cartridge from motor vibrations, resulting in cleaner and more accurate sound reproduction. This is a crucial feature for any serious vinyl enthusiast.
• Ortofon OM10 Cartridge: The turntable comes equipped with an Ortofon OM10 cartridge, a reputable cartridge known for its balanced sound and excellent tracking capabilities. This cartridge is a great starting point and can be upgraded later for even better performance.
• Solid Wood Plinth: The RT82 features a solid wood plinth, which provides a stable and resonance-dampening foundation for the turntable. This helps to minimize unwanted vibrations and improve sound clarity.
• Precision Aluminum Platter: The aluminum platter is precision-machined to ensure consistent speed and smooth rotation. This is essential for accurate playback and minimizing distortion.
• S-Shaped Tonearm: The S-shaped tonearm design helps to reduce tracking errors and distortion, ensuring that the stylus stays in the groove properly. It also provides adjustable counterweight and anti-skate settings, allowing for fine-tuning of the tracking force.
• External Power Supply: The RT82 uses an external power supply to further minimize noise and interference. This helps to keep the audio signal clean and clear.

Design and Build Quality

The Fluance RT82 boasts a minimalist and elegant design that will complement any listening setup. The solid wood plinth is available in various finishes, allowing you to choose the one that best matches your aesthetic preferences. The overall build quality is impressive, with attention to detail evident in every component. The turntable feels solid and substantial, instilling confidence in its durability and longevity.

The plinth is not just aesthetically pleasing; it also serves a crucial function in dampening vibrations. This is achieved through the use of high-density engineered wood, which effectively minimizes resonance and ensures that the only sound you hear is the music from your records. The sleek and clean lines of the RT82 make it a visually appealing addition to any listening room.

The aluminum platter is another key component of the RT82's design. Its precision machining ensures consistent speed and smooth rotation, which are vital for accurate playback. The platter's weight also contributes to its stability, further minimizing vibrations and improving sound quality. The S-shaped tonearm adds to the turntable's overall aesthetic appeal while also contributing to its performance.

Setting Up the Fluance RT82

One of the great things about the Fluance RT82 is its relatively straightforward setup process. Even if you're new to turntables, you should be able to get it up and running in a matter of minutes. The included instructions are clear and easy to follow, and Fluance also provides helpful online resources, including video tutorials.

The first step is to attach the platter to the spindle. This is a simple process that involves carefully placing the platter onto the spindle and ensuring that it sits securely. Next, you'll need to install the belt. The belt connects the motor to the platter and is responsible for rotating the record. This is another straightforward step, and the instructions provide clear guidance on how to do it correctly.

Once the platter and belt are in place, you'll need to balance the tonearm and set the tracking force. This is a crucial step for ensuring optimal sound quality and preventing damage to your records. The RT82's tonearm features adjustable counterweight and anti-skate settings, allowing you to fine-tune the tracking force to match the specifications of the Ortofon OM10 cartridge. Fluance provides detailed instructions on how to perform this adjustment, and it's worth taking the time to get it right.

Finally, you'll need to connect the turntable to your amplifier or receiver. The RT82 features RCA outputs, which are the standard connection for most audio equipment. If your amplifier or receiver doesn't have a built-in phono preamp, you'll need to use an external phono preamp to boost the signal from the turntable. Fluance offers a range of phono preamps that are designed to work seamlessly with the RT82.

Sound Quality and Performance

The most important aspect of any turntable is its sound quality, and the Fluance RT82 truly shines in this area. The combination of the belt-drive design, Ortofon OM10 cartridge, and solid construction results in a listening experience that is both detailed and engaging. The RT82 delivers a warm and natural sound signature, with excellent clarity and a wide soundstage.

The belt-drive system plays a crucial role in isolating the platter and cartridge from motor vibrations. This helps to minimize noise and distortion, allowing you to hear the music as it was intended to be heard. The Ortofon OM10 cartridge is a well-regarded cartridge that is known for its balanced sound and excellent tracking capabilities. It provides a detailed and accurate representation of the music, with a smooth and natural tonality.

The solid wood plinth also contributes to the RT82's excellent sound quality. Its resonance-dampening properties help to minimize unwanted vibrations, ensuring that the only sound you hear is the music from your records. The precision aluminum platter further enhances the turntable's performance by providing consistent speed and smooth rotation.

Overall, the Fluance RT82 delivers a listening experience that is both enjoyable and rewarding. Whether you're listening to classic rock, jazz, or classical music, you'll be impressed by the RT82's ability to extract the nuances and warmth from your vinyl records.

Upgradability

One of the great things about the Fluance RT82 is its upgradability. While the included Ortofon OM10 cartridge is a great starting point, you can easily upgrade to a higher-performance cartridge to further improve the sound quality. The RT82's tonearm is compatible with a wide range of cartridges, giving you plenty of options to choose from.

Upgrading the cartridge is one of the most effective ways to improve the sound quality of your turntable. A higher-performance cartridge can provide greater detail, improved tracking, and a more refined overall sound. There are many different cartridges available on the market, ranging in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. When choosing a cartridge, it's important to consider your budget, listening preferences, and the capabilities of your system.

Another potential upgrade for the RT82 is the phono preamp. While the RT82 doesn't include a built-in phono preamp, Fluance offers a range of external phono preamps that are designed to work seamlessly with the turntable. An external phono preamp can provide a cleaner and more powerful signal, resulting in improved sound quality. If you're looking to get the most out of your RT82, upgrading the phono preamp is definitely worth considering.

Pros and Cons of the Fluance RT82

To provide a balanced perspective, let's summarize the pros and cons of the Fluance RT82:

Pros:

• Excellent sound quality
• Solid build quality
• Elegant design
• Easy to set up
• Upgradable
• Affordable price

Cons:

• No built-in phono preamp
• No automatic features

Who is the Fluance RT82 For?

The Fluance RT82 is an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced vinyl enthusiasts. Its combination of sound quality, build quality, and affordability make it a standout option in its price range. If you're looking for a turntable that will deliver a warm, detailed, and engaging listening experience, the RT82 is definitely worth considering.

This turntable is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a minimalist design and a focus on sound quality. The RT82 doesn't have any unnecessary bells and whistles; it's all about delivering the best possible listening experience. If you're someone who enjoys the ritual of playing vinyl and appreciates the nuances of analog sound, the RT82 will be a great fit.

Alternatives to the Fluance RT82

While the Fluance RT82 is an excellent turntable, it's always a good idea to consider other options before making a purchase. Here are a few alternatives that you might want to consider:

• Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB: This turntable is a popular choice for beginners, as it offers a built-in phono preamp and USB connectivity. However, its sound quality is not quite as refined as the RT82.
• Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO: This turntable is a step up in terms of performance and features, but it also comes with a higher price tag. It offers excellent sound quality and a sleek design.
• Rega Planar 1: This turntable is known for its simplicity and excellent sound quality. It's a great option for those who prioritize performance over features.

Final Verdict: Is the Fluance RT82 the Right Turntable for You?

In conclusion, the Fluance RT82 is a superb turntable that offers an exceptional listening experience at an affordable price. Its combination of sound quality, build quality, and elegant design make it a standout option in the crowded turntable market. Whether you're a seasoned audiophile or just starting your vinyl journey, the RT82 is definitely worth considering.

If you value sound quality above all else and appreciate a minimalist design, the Fluance RT82 is likely the perfect turntable for you. Its upgradability also means that it can grow with your evolving audio needs. While it lacks some of the automatic features found on other turntables, its focus on delivering a pure and accurate listening experience makes it a winner in our book.

FAQ About Fluance RT82 Turntable

To further assist you in making an informed decision, here are some frequently asked questions about the Fluance RT82:

Does the Fluance RT82 have a built-in preamp?

No, the Fluance RT82 does not have a built-in phono preamp. This means you'll need to connect it to an external phono preamp or an amplifier/receiver with a built-in phono preamp to amplify the signal from the turntable. This design choice allows Fluance to focus on delivering the best possible sound quality, as a separate phono preamp can often outperform a built-in one. If you don't already have a phono preamp, you'll need to factor in the cost of one when considering the RT82.

What cartridge does the Fluance RT82 come with?

The Fluance RT82 comes equipped with the Ortofon OM10 cartridge. This is a highly regarded cartridge known for its balanced sound and excellent tracking capabilities. The Ortofon OM10 is a great starting point for vinyl enthusiasts and delivers a detailed and accurate representation of the music. However, as mentioned earlier, the RT82's tonearm is compatible with a wide range of cartridges, so you can always upgrade to a higher-performance cartridge in the future if you desire.

Is the Fluance RT82 easy to set up?

Yes, the Fluance RT82 is known for its relatively straightforward setup process. Even if you're new to turntables, you should be able to get it up and running in a matter of minutes. Fluance provides clear and easy-to-follow instructions, and they also offer helpful online resources, including video tutorials. The main steps involved in setting up the RT82 include attaching the platter, installing the belt, balancing the tonearm, setting the tracking force, and connecting the turntable to your amplifier or receiver.

Can I upgrade the Fluance RT82?

Yes, the Fluance RT82 is designed with upgradability in mind. One of the most common upgrades is the cartridge. The RT82's tonearm is compatible with a wide range of cartridges, allowing you to choose one that suits your listening preferences and budget. Another potential upgrade is the phono preamp. While the RT82 doesn't include a built-in phono preamp, using an external phono preamp can further enhance the sound quality. This upgradability makes the RT82 a turntable that can grow with your evolving audio needs.

What are the dimensions of the Fluance RT82?

The dimensions of the Fluance RT82 are approximately 16.5 x 13.75 x 4.9 inches (42 x 35 x 12.5 cm). It's a relatively compact turntable that should fit comfortably on most shelves or audio racks. Be sure to measure your available space before purchasing to ensure that the RT82 will fit properly.