Audiophile Showdown: Fluance Rt82 Vs Rt85 – The Ultimate Guide For Choosing The Perfect Turntable

The world of audiophilia is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, where the pursuit of sonic excellence drives the creation of innovative and captivating audio systems. Among the contenders in this realm, Fluance stands out with its exceptional line of turntables, catering to the discerning tastes of music enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of two of their most acclaimed models: the Fluance RT82 and the Fluance RT85. Join us as we unravel the nuances and distinctions between these audiophile marvels, empowering you to make an informed decision for your listening sanctuary.

Design and Aesthetics

The Fluance RT82 exudes a timeless elegance with its classic black finish and sleek lines. Its MDF plinth provides a sturdy foundation, effectively isolating vibrations and ensuring a pristine audio experience. The RT85, on the other hand, takes design to a new level with its premium walnut veneer and brushed aluminum accents. Its heavier MDF plinth further enhances stability, contributing to its exceptional sonic performance.

Cartridge and Stylus

The Fluance RT82 comes equipped with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, a highly regarded choice for its balanced sound signature and accurate tracking. The RT85, however, boasts the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, offering even greater detail retrieval and clarity. Both cartridges feature elliptical styli, providing enhanced groove contact and improved frequency response.

Platter and Drive System

The Fluance RT82 features a precision-machined aluminum platter with a felt mat, ensuring smooth and consistent rotation. Its belt-driven system isolates the platter from motor vibrations, resulting in reduced wow and flutter. The RT85 elevates the listening experience with its ultra-low-noise AC motor and a heavyweight acrylic platter. This combination delivers exceptional speed stability and an unparalleled level of sonic precision.

Tonearm and Anti-Skating

The Fluance RT82 employs a lightweight aluminum tonearm with adjustable counterweight and anti-skating, allowing for precise cartridge alignment and optimal tracking. The RT85 takes tonearm design a step further with its carbon fiber tonearm. This innovative material provides exceptional rigidity and damping, enhancing detail retrieval and minimizing resonance.

Preamplifier and Connectivity

The Fluance RT82 features a built-in phono preamplifier, providing the convenience of connecting directly to your audio system. The RT85, however, offers the flexibility of an external phono preamplifier, allowing you to tailor the sound to your specific preferences. Both turntables boast gold-plated RCA outputs for high-quality signal transfer.

Performance Comparison

In terms of sound quality, the Fluance RT82 delivers a well-balanced and engaging listening experience. Its Ortofon 2M Red cartridge provides a wide soundstage with clear and detailed highs. The RT85, with its 2M Blue cartridge, takes performance to the next level, offering even greater transparency and a more refined sonic signature. The enhanced stability and precision of the RT85’s drive system contribute to an immersive and dynamic audio experience.

Summary: Choosing the Right Turntable for You

The decision between the Fluance RT82 and RT85 ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. For those seeking a well-rounded turntable with classic aesthetics and excellent sound quality, the RT82 is an exceptional choice. However, if you’re an audiophile seeking the ultimate listening experience, the RT85’s premium design, exceptional cartridge, and unmatched stability make it the clear winner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between the Ortofon 2M Red and 2M Blue cartridges?
A: The 2M Blue cartridge offers greater detail retrieval, clarity, and a more refined sound signature compared to the 2M Red cartridge.

Q2: Does the Fluance RT85 come with a dust cover?
A: Yes, both the Fluance RT82 and RT85 come with clear acrylic dust covers to protect them from dust and debris.

Q3: Can I use the Fluance RT82 without a phono preamplifier?
A: No, the Fluance RT82 requires a phono preamplifier to connect to your audio system. The RT85 offers the flexibility of using an external phono preamplifier.

Q4: What is the recommended tracking force for the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge?
A: The recommended tracking force for the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge is 1.8 grams.

Q5: What type of stylus does the Fluance RT85 use?
A: The Fluance RT85 uses an elliptical stylus, providing enhanced groove contact and improved frequency response.