Which fluance bluetooth speaker reigns supreme? rt81 vs rt81+ head-to-head

In the realm of budget-friendly turntables, the Fluance RT81 and RT81+ stand out as two of the most popular options. Both offer a combination of features and performance that make them appealing to vinyl enthusiasts on a budget. However, there are some key differences between these two models that may sway your decision. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Fluance RT81 vs RT81+ and help you determine which turntable is right for you.

Design and Build Quality

The Fluance RT81 and RT81+ share a similar design aesthetic, with a sleek and modern look. Both turntables feature a solid MDF plinth that helps to reduce vibrations and ensure stability. The RT81+ has a slightly more premium feel, thanks to its piano-black finish and aluminum platter.

Cartridge and Stylus

The Fluance RT81 comes equipped with an Audio-Technica AT91 cartridge and stylus, while the RT81+ features an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and stylus. The Ortofon 2M Red is generally considered to be a higher-quality cartridge, offering better sound quality and tracking ability.

Tonearm

Both the Fluance RT81 and RT81+ feature an S-shaped tonearm with adjustable counterweight and anti-skating. The tonearm on the RT81+ is slightly longer than the one on the RT81, which provides better tracking and reduces distortion.

Motor

The Fluance RT81 uses a belt-driven motor, while the RT81+ uses a direct-drive motor. Belt-driven motors are generally considered to be quieter and produce less vibration, while direct-drive motors are more powerful and provide better speed accuracy.

Preamplifier

The Fluance RT81 does not have a built-in preamplifier, while the RT81+ does. This means that the RT81+ can be connected directly to a powered speaker or amplifier, while the RT81 requires a separate preamplifier.

Connectivity

The Fluance RT81 and RT81+ both offer RCA outputs for connecting to an amplifier or preamplifier. The RT81+ also includes a USB output for digitizing your vinyl records.

Price

The Fluance RT81 typically retails for around $250, while the RT81+ retails for around $350. The price difference is due to the higher-quality cartridge and stylus, longer tonearm, direct-drive motor, and built-in preamplifier on the RT81+.

Which Turntable Is Right for You?

The Fluance RT81 and RT81+ are both excellent turntables for the price. However, there are some key differences between the two models that may sway your decision.

If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality, the Fluance RT81+ is the better choice. It features a higher-quality cartridge and stylus, a longer tonearm, and a direct-drive motor. These features combine to provide better tracking ability, reduced distortion, and improved overall sound quality.

If you’re on a budget, the Fluance RT81 is a great option. It offers many of the same features as the RT81+, but at a lower price. The RT81 is a great choice for casual listeners or those who are new to vinyl.

Alternatives to the Fluance RT81 and RT81+

If you’re not sure whether the Fluance RT81 or RT81+ is right for you, there are a few other turntables in the same price range that you may want to consider.

• Audio-Technica AT-LP60X: The AT-LP60X is a fully automatic turntable that is easy to set up and use. It features a built-in preamplifier and a USB output for digitizing your vinyl records.
• Rega Planar 1: The Rega Planar 1 is a manual turntable that offers excellent sound quality for the price. It features a low-mass plinth, a precision-engineered tonearm, and a high-quality cartridge.
• Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO: The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO is a semi-automatic turntable that offers a great combination of features and performance. It features a carbon fiber tonearm, a built-in preamplifier, and a USB output for digitizing your vinyl records.

Takeaways: Fluance RT81 vs RT81+

The Fluance RT81 and RT81+ are both excellent turntables for the price. The RT81+ offers better sound quality, thanks to its higher-quality cartridge and stylus, longer tonearm, and direct-drive motor. However, the RT81 is a great budget option that offers many of the same features as the RT81+. Ultimately, the best turntable for you will depend on your budget and your specific needs.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What is the difference between the Fluance RT81 and RT81+?
A: The Fluance RT81+ features a higher-quality cartridge and stylus, a longer tonearm, a direct-drive motor, and a built-in preamplifier.

Q: Which turntable is better, the Fluance RT81 or RT81+?
A: The Fluance RT81+ offers better sound quality, but the RT81 is a great budget option.

Q: What are some alternatives to the Fluance RT81 and RT81+?
A: Some alternatives include the Audio-Technica AT-LP60X, Rega Planar 1, and Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO.