Revealed: The Ultimate Showdown: Fluance Rt82 Vs Rt85

In the realm of vinyl playback, Fluance has established itself as a respected manufacturer, offering turntables that seamlessly blend style and performance. Two of their most popular models, the RT82 and RT85, have garnered widespread acclaim for their exceptional sound quality and user-friendly features. However, navigating the differences between these two models can be a daunting task. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the intricacies of each turntable, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for different listening preferences.

Design and Build Quality

RT82: The RT82 boasts a solid MDF plinth with a sleek black finish, exuding an understated elegance. Its 8.6-pound aluminum platter ensures stability and reduces resonance, while the adjustable feet allow for precise leveling on uneven surfaces.

RT85: The RT85 takes the design a step further with a more robust MDF plinth and a luxurious walnut veneer. Its 12-pound platter, also made of aluminum, provides even greater stability and dampening, promising an enhanced listening experience.

Cartridge and Stylus

RT82: The RT82 comes equipped with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, renowned for its detailed and balanced sound reproduction. Its elliptical stylus profile tracks grooves with precision, delivering a wide frequency response and minimal distortion.

RT85: The RT85 features an upgraded Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, which offers improved tracking ability and a more refined sound signature. Its nude elliptical stylus further enhances detail retrieval and reduces sibilance, resulting in a more immersive listening experience.

Tonearm and Tracking Force

RT82: The RT82 utilizes a statically balanced tonearm with an effective length of 8.6 inches. The tonearm’s low mass minimizes tracking errors, ensuring accurate playback. The tracking force is adjustable, allowing for precise calibration to match the cartridge’s specifications.

RT85: The RT85 employs a more advanced S-shaped tonearm with an effective length of 9 inches. This design provides greater stability and reduces resonance, contributing to the overall sonic performance. The tracking force is also adjustable, offering the flexibility to optimize playback for different records.

Speed Control and Motor

RT82: The RT82 features a belt-driven motor with three speed settings (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM). The motor is designed to minimize vibrations and ensure accurate speed stability, resulting in smooth and consistent playback.

RT85: The RT85 upgrades to a high-torque DC motor with the same speed settings as the RT82. The DC motor provides greater speed stability and reduced wow and flutter, delivering an even more precise listening experience.

Connectivity and Accessories

RT82: The RT82 comes with built-in phono preamp, making it compatible with any amplifier or receiver. It also includes a dust cover, a 45 RPM adapter, and a set of RCA cables.

RT85: The RT85 offers a more versatile connectivity setup with a built-in phono preamp that can be bypassed. This allows for direct connection to an external phono stage, providing greater flexibility in system configuration. Additionally, the RT85 includes a higher-quality dust cover and a thicker rubber mat.

Sound Quality Comparison

The RT82 and RT85 share a common sonic foundation, delivering a warm and engaging sound with excellent clarity and detail. However, the RT85 exhibits a slight edge in overall performance:

• Bass Response: The RT85’s heavier platter and more robust motor provide a deeper and more controlled bass response, adding weight and impact to the low end.
• Midrange Clarity: Both turntables offer a well-defined midrange, but the RT85’s upgraded cartridge and tonearm contribute to a greater sense of transparency and detail in the vocal and instrumental ranges.
• Treble Extension: The RT85’s nude elliptical stylus extends the treble response with greater finesse, delivering a more airy and detailed presentation of high-frequency instruments and vocals.

Suitability and Recommendations

The RT82 is an ideal choice for audio enthusiasts seeking a well-rounded turntable with excellent sound quality and user-friendly features. Its balanced performance and affordable price point make it a great value for money.

The RT85 is a better option for those who demand the highest level of sonic performance. Its upgraded cartridge, tonearm, and motor provide a noticeable improvement in sound quality, especially in the areas of bass response, midrange clarity, and treble extension. However, its premium price tag may limit its appeal to audiophiles with larger budgets.

Key Points: The Ultimate Choice

Both the Fluance RT82 and RT85 are exceptional turntables that offer a captivating vinyl listening experience. The RT82 provides a solid foundation for discerning listeners, while the RT85 elevates the performance with its superior sonic capabilities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on one’s budget and audiophile aspirations.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q1: Which turntable is better for beginners?
A: The RT82 is a great choice for beginners due to its ease of use, affordable price, and well-balanced sound quality.

Q2: Does the RT85 include a built-in phono preamp?
A: Yes, the RT85 has a built-in phono preamp that can be bypassed for use with an external phono stage.

Q3: Can I use the RT82 with a different cartridge?
A: Yes, the RT82’s tonearm allows for cartridge upgrades, providing the flexibility to customize the sound signature.

Q4: How often should I replace the stylus on the RT85?
A: The lifespan of the stylus on the RT85’s Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge is approximately 1,000-1,500 hours of playback.

Q5: Can I connect the RT82 directly to active speakers?
A: No, the RT82 requires a phono preamp or an amplifier with a phono input to connect to active speakers.