{"product_id":"fluance-rt85-turntable-with-ortofon-2m-blue-warm-analog-sound","title":"Fluance RT85 Turntable with Ortofon 2M Blue - Warm Analog Sound","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the Fluance RT85 turntable, the bottom line is simple: vinyl listeners seeking a warm, detailed analog experience should consider this as a near-complete package. The RT85 pairs a high-resolution \u003cstrong\u003eOrtofon 2M Blue elliptical cartridge\u003c\/strong\u003e with a heavy acrylic platter and an isolated motor, delivering audible improvements in clarity, imaging and bass control compared with entry-level decks. Setup is straightforward and the build quality - from the high mass MDF plinth to the machine-finished platter - clearly aims at listeners who want a focused, musical playback platform rather than gimmicks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePure analog performance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The deck is tuned to provide a warm, natural vinyl sound that places the listener into the center of the performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrtofon 2M Blue cartridge:\u003c\/strong\u003e This higher-spec elliptical cartridge improves linearity and channel separation for clearer highs and more detailed mids.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh density acrylic platter:\u003c\/strong\u003e The additional mass helps damp unwanted vibrations for tighter bass and a more three-dimensional soundstage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpeed control and isolated motor:\u003c\/strong\u003e The motor isolation and speed control deliver consistent platter velocity with low wow and flutter for accurate playback.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh mass MDF wood plinth:\u003c\/strong\u003e A real wood finish and adjustable resonance-damping feet provide superior isolation from micro-vibrations and a refined aesthetic.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e Customers consistently find the instructions clear and assembly straightforward, getting to listening quickly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe RT85 is best for vinyl enthusiasts who value sound quality and build over extra digital features; if you already own a decent amplifier or phono preamp, the RT85 brings an immediate upgrade thanks to the Ortofon 2M Blue and the acrylic platter. Audiophiles on a budget who want a largely plug-and-play turntable with real component-grade parts will appreciate what this model delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less appropriate for users who require a built-in phono preamp or extensive streaming\/smart features; buyers who need those should look for a different model or add a compatible phono stage. Also, if ultra-portability or the lightest possible weight is a priority, the RT85's high-mass design may not be ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eExcellent \u003cstrong\u003esound quality\u003c\/strong\u003e and musicality, particularly with the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge installed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eHigh density acrylic platter and heavy plinth reduce vibrations for clearer bass and better imaging.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eWell-built with attractive walnut finish and adjustable damping feet for stable placement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSpeed control and isolated motor produce low noise and consistent rotation, reported as nearly silent in customer feedback.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eNo built-in phono preamp is included, so an external preamp is required for systems without a phono stage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eIts higher mass and premium parts make it less suitable for very portable setups or cramped spaces.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCartridge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrtofon 2M Blue elliptical\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlatter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh density acrylic platter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMotor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIsolated motor with speed control (0.07% wow\/flutter)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlinth\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHigh mass MDF wood with real walnut finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVibration isolation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdjustable resonance damping feet and isolated design\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePhono preamp\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fluance RT85 is a compelling choice for listeners who prioritize analog warmth, detail and solid construction. With the Ortofon 2M Blue and a high density acrylic platter, it delivers noticeably improved clarity, imaging and bass control compared with budget decks, making it strong value for anyone building a quality two-channel system who can provide a phono stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this turntable include a phono preamp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt does not include a phono preamp, so you will need an external phono stage or an amplifier with a phono input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow difficult is setup?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMost customers find setup straightforward; the cartridge and tonearm are mounted and instruction guides make alignment and initial adjustments manageable for first-time owners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the motor noisy?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsers report very low motor noise thanks to the isolated motor design, and many note the deck is effectively silent at typical listening levels.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fluance","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48686472528091,"sku":"B07KKK8ZB4","price":549.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71Z1G0EOh4L._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778636519","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/fluance-rt85-turntable-with-ortofon-2m-blue-warm-analog-sound","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}