What To Know
- The PS-LX310BT exudes a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, featuring a black plinth with a brushed aluminum finish on the tonearm.
- The RT82 boasts a more traditional turntable design with a solid wood plinth and a matte black finish.
- The RT82 provides exceptional performance for a competitive price, offering a superior cartridge, adjustable tonearm, and a more versatile wired connection.
The world of vinyl resurgence continues to captivate audio enthusiasts, and discerning listeners seek turntables that deliver exceptional sound and functionality. Two contenders in this realm are the Sony PS-LX310BT and the Fluance RT82. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these turntables to determine which offers the ultimate vinyl experience.
Design and Build Quality
Sony PS-LX310BT: The PS-LX310BT exudes a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, featuring a black plinth with a brushed aluminum finish on the tonearm. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller spaces.
Fluance RT82: The RT82 boasts a more traditional turntable design with a solid wood plinth and a matte black finish. Its heavier construction provides enhanced stability and isolation from vibrations.
Tonearm and Cartridge
Sony PS-LX310BT: The PS-LX310BT employs a straight tonearm with a magnetic anti-skating system. It comes pre-installed with an Audio-Technica AT-VM95E cartridge, known for its balanced sound and excellent tracking ability.
Fluance RT82: The RT82 features an S-shaped tonearm with an adjustable counterweight and anti-skating mechanism. It is equipped with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, renowned for its clarity, detail, and dynamic range.
Connectivity and Features
Sony PS-LX310BT: The PS-LX310BT stands out with its Bluetooth connectivity, allowing seamless wireless playback to compatible speakers or headphones. It also includes a built-in phono preamplifier, making it convenient for use with systems that lack a dedicated phono input.
Fluance RT82: While the RT82 lacks Bluetooth connectivity, it offers a more versatile wired connection via RCA outputs. It also has a built-in phono preamplifier with switchable gain settings, accommodating a wider range of systems and cartridges.
Performance
Speed Accuracy: Both turntables maintain accurate speed, with the PS-LX310BT utilizing a quartz-locked system and the RT82 employing a DC motor with speed fine-tuning.
Sound Quality: The PS-LX310BT produces a warm and engaging sound with a well-defined bass response. The RT82 delivers a more analytical and detailed sound with excellent clarity and separation.
Ease of Use
Sony PS-LX310BT: The PS-LX310BT is user-friendly, with a simple setup process and intuitive controls. Its automatic features, such as auto-return and auto-stop, enhance convenience.
Fluance RT82: The RT82 requires slightly more manual setup, but its adjustable tonearm and anti-skating mechanism allow for precise cartridge alignment and optimization.
Value for Money
Sony PS-LX310BT: The PS-LX310BT offers excellent value for its price range, combining Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in phono preamplifier, and a decent cartridge.
Fluance RT82: The RT82 provides exceptional performance for a competitive price, offering a superior cartridge, adjustable tonearm, and a more versatile wired connection.
The Verdict: Sony PS-LX310BT vs Fluance RT82
The Sony PS-LX310BT and Fluance RT82 are both capable turntables with distinct strengths and weaknesses. For those prioritizing convenience, Bluetooth connectivity, and ease of use, the PS-LX310BT is an excellent choice. However, if superior sound quality, adjustable cartridge alignment, and wired versatility are paramount, the RT82 emerges as the superior option.
Questions You May Have
Q1: Which turntable has a better cartridge?
A: The Fluance RT82 is equipped with the superior Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, known for its clarity and detail.
Q2: Can the Sony PS-LX310BT be used with passive speakers?
A: No, the PS-LX310BT does not have a built-in power amplifier and requires active speakers or an external amplifier.
Q3: Does the Fluance RT82 support 78 RPM records?
A: No, the RT82 does not support 78 RPM records out of the box. An additional pulley and belt are required for 78 RPM playback.
Q4: Which turntable is more suitable for beginners?
A: The Sony PS-LX310BT is more beginner-friendly due to its automatic features and simple setup process.
Q5: Does the Fluance RT82 come with a dust cover?
A: Yes, the RT82 comes with a hinged dust cover for protection against dust and debris.