Fluance RT85N Turntable Review

When I first spun a few records on the Fluance RT85N, the warmth of the Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge really struck me. It brings a fullness to the mids that makes vocals and guitars feel more natural, especially on older records that often sound brittle with brighter cartridges. If you’ve got a sharp-sounding setup or a bright room, the RT85N smooths things out nicely without losing detail.

That said, if you’re someone who craves that extra bite and sparkle in your music, you might find the MP-110 a touch too mellow. It’s a trade-off that might not sit well with every listener, especially if you’re used to a more pronounced treble. In my experience, it really shines in reflective spaces where cymbals can easily get harsh; here, the RT85N keeps everything in check.

The build quality of the RT85N is solid, and the acrylic platter is a standout feature that I appreciate. Not having to swap out a felt mat right off the bat is a nice touch, and it contributes to the overall aesthetic of the turntable. The aluminum tonearm feels sturdy and well-made, giving me confidence that it can handle a variety of records without any issues.

However, the lack of a built-in phono preamp means you’ll need to consider your setup carefully. If your speakers or receiver don’t have a dedicated phono input, you’re going to need an external stage, which can add a bit of complexity. For me, it was a simple addition, but I can see how that could be a sticking point for some buyers.

Setting up the RT85N is straightforward once you get the hang of it. Balancing the tonearm and adjusting the anti-skate takes a little time, but it’s nothing too daunting. Once you’ve got those settings dialed in, day-to-day use is a breeze, and the manual operation feels quite rewarding.

The auto stop feature is a nice convenience, especially for those moments when you might forget to lift the arm at the end of a side. However, you still need to be careful during the cueing process, as it requires a steady hand to avoid any mishaps. It’s a bit of a learning curve, but ultimately, it adds to the charm of using a manual turntable.

Let’s be real: if you’re looking for USB or Bluetooth options, the RT85N isn’t for you. It’s a classic manual turntable with RCA outputs, which suits my needs just fine, but I can see how it might frustrate those used to modern conveniences. The lack of built-in features like a phono preamp means you’ll need to plan your system around it, which isn’t a dealbreaker for me but could be for others.

Using the RT85N day-to-day has been a pleasant experience. The warmth of the sound makes it easy to lose track of time while spinning records, and I find myself reaching for it more often than other sources. It really excels when I’m in the mood for a laid-back listening session, where I can just sit back and enjoy the music.