Unbeatable? Fluance RT-85N Turntable Review - Now with Extra Nagaoka!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- Fluance RT85N bit.ly/34TKn8D
Fluance RT85 amzn.to/3oMEDUZ
Fluance RT82 amzn.to/3rKMdRT
WIIM Mini Streamer WIIM Mini Streamer amzn.to/3HDkgkC
Fosi Audio Phono Box X2 amzn.to/3JthwHg
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3fQvNkq
Crutchfield shop-links.co/...
Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/...
amzn.to/3GkNaop
CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
massdrop.7eer....
Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
Tidal Deal bit.ly/3fQvNkq
www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
High Res Music Streaming for FREE!!!!
Amazon Music Unlimited Free Trial amzn.to/3fiiMPC
Test Track Playlist:
music.amazon.c...
Satanic Panic Playlist:
music.amazon.c...
Leg Warmers Playlist
music.amazon.c...
cheapaudioman
If you click on this link and sign up for a free trial I will receive a small referral fee.
If you use any of my links to purchase products I will receive a small commission on the sale of that item. Won’t cost you any more to purchase with the link.
Recommended Speaker List
Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)
Sony SSCS5 - Lively amzn.to/3pZNnGk
Pioneer AJ First Gen - Laid Back
Neumi BS5 -Neutral amzn.to/3q0SR3B
Around $200
Emotiva Airmotiv B1+ - Crystal Clear and Punchy emotiva.com?aff=9
Elac Debut b5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/2WPNQxw
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 (In and Out of Stock) - Laid Back/Bassy/Detailed amzn.to/37W8hPA
JBL Stage A130 - Neutral/Great All Arounder at $179 the best value amzn.to/3t7gOHe
Around $400
Klipsch RP600M - Neutral amzn.to/3pBoXCf (This speaker’s price can fluctuate between $440-630 which is really dumb)
Jamo C93ii Bit - Boosted on Top amzn.to/3beIG6F (Can also be found cheaper at Crutchfield)
Q Acoustics 3030i - Neutral with Punch - amzn.to/2OQkpLo
Around $500
SVS Prime bit.ly/2LozJgF
Wharfedale Diamond 12.2 bit.ly/2ZckoD9
Around $600
Elac Uni-Fi UB5.2 - Neutral amzn.to/3s3srPG
Elac Debut Reference - Buttery but Detailed amzn.to/39bt6WC
Polk Reserve R100 - Neutral
Aperion Novus - Neutral and probably the best desktop speaker one can get $599 bit.ly/2Q1H9rW
Aperion Novus Open Box $449 bit.ly/3us8zGx
Wharfedale Diamonds Lush and Detailed amzn.to/3aBAso0 Come as singles
Recommended Amp List
Under $100
Aiyima A07 - Neutral and Full amzn.to/3g9YLNf
Around $130
SMSL AD18 - DAC/Amp Lively on top but solid tone controls amzn.to/3rVZxkN
SMSL SA300 $140 amzn.to/3u83oLs
Around $250
SMSL DA-9 Balanced Amp amzn.to/34SdbLs
Around $400
Emotiva TA-100 - DAC, Phono Stage, Pre Outs - Balanced and Tasty emotiva.com?aff=9
Vista Audio Spark www.vista-audio...
Recommended DACs
Ifi Zen DAC amzn.to/2T3wuyY
FX D01 amzn.to/3d9GY6U
SMSL SU8s amzn.to/2SWTGiw
Denafrips Ares 2 www.denafrips....
Subs
Emotiva SE8 emotiva.com?aff=9
Emotiva SE12 emotiva.com?aff=9
SVS SB1000 Pro bit.ly/3scmwsc
Fluance RT85N bit.ly/34TKn8D
--Fluance RT85 amzn.to/3oMEDUZ
----Fluance RT82 amzn.to/3rKMdRT
-----WIIM Mini Streamer WIIM Mini Streamer amzn.to/3HDkgkC
-------Tidal Deal bit.ly/3fQvNkq
--------Crutchfield shop-links.co/cguPK8XEGmt
---------Best Buy Deals shop-links.co/cf9yDZeYtUH
---------amzn.to/3GkNaop
----------CAM Store (New Products!) bit.ly/30Lgu4K
Fosi Audio Phono Box X2 amzn.to/3JthwHg
-----------apos.audio?sca_ref=552340.TY98BPcZ6P
-------------massdrop.7eer.net/qnOye5
---------------Amazon Unlimited Music and Disney Plus Free Trial amzn.to/3DRAVj9
-----------------www.patreon.com/cheapaudioman
Pioneer PL-300:
Type: direct drive
Tonearm: static-balanced type, s-shaped pipe arm
Cartridge weight range: 4-9g
Motor: quartz PLL stable hanging rotor hall motor
Wow and flutter: 0.025%
Rumble: 75dB
Price: Currently selling at $40-$80, used. (Price of unit may vary with condition and seller's greediness)
Find one... get it serviced and fitted with a decent cartridge first... and enjoy something that was was sold/built new "cheaply" in the heyday of vinyl (+40 years ago) that out-performs at a level untouchable by the latest "affordable" stuff, for far less total outlay. =;)
Great video! I started with the RT83 myself, I’ve had it for almost 2 years now. Like others, I slowly upgraded mine. It currently has the acrylic platter and I have a nagaoka mp-110 waiting to be installed.
I am curious about future cartridge options though. It seems that the lack of VTA adjustability really narrows the selection. Aside from that, the fluance line is a great value.
I have had at least 6 turn tables in my 84 years and when I bought the RT-85 with the 2M blue I was blown away...it cost me more than you paid as the price is in USD and I am in Canada...the closest cartridge I could compare with Shure V15II which I still own...good show btw
I'm very pleased to hear Randy pronounce Nagaoka elegantly and accurately. It seems like a bunch of people can't seem to say Nagaoka without hurting themselves.
I helped set up an RT82 a few days ago and I really liked it. I remember isolation being a really big deal for turntables before CDs came out. The RT82, and I assume everything above it in their line, had really excellent isolation from vibration in the surface that it sits on.
Pretty good. A little too hard on the "g" and a little bit "clippy" between the syllables. And, the first syllable "na" is too long while the last is too short (naa-ga-oka). It's an audio channel, so how things sound is important, right? LOL. But, yes, importantly he got all of the "a" sounds right, which is where most Americans chomp the bit with Japanese pronunciation.
@@grechan WOW! 😳
Fluance to this day has yet to sell me something I have disliked. I started with the white rt82. Loved it. It was my first real table. My wife loved it cause it was white and matched all of our farm house crap lol. I got their preamp. Sounds great.
Now over time I've upgraded the table. First the acrylic platter, which made things so much better. If for the dust problem alone. I'm in a desert. One wipe of the platter, no more dusty side 2.
Then I swapped the cartridge to the 2m red, I think I'll get the blue one day, but right now I'm so happy with the sound, I might not touch it. I drop the needle sometimes, close my eyes and just get transported to another world!
If I could do it all over again I probably would have started with the rt85, but it's been fun to listen, tinker, and just enjoy music. Best part of it all I'm turning one of my kids into a vinyl head, so now I have a listening buddy! Life is good. Thanks Fluance
😂 matches the farmhouse crap made me laugh, but yeah fluance really made something very nice and affordable
Great review on the Fluance Reference line, Randy. I recently purchased an RT85 and upgraded the cartridge to an Audio-Technica VM540ML. Highly recommended - especially if you like the fuller, more balanced sound of the Nagaoka MP-110 over the Ortofon Blue - you’ll be impressed. After trying a handful of different cartridges over the past few years, I’m convinced that Audio-Technica is among the most ‘transparent’ of them all. It seems to bring out a rich, detailed sound that’s truer to the nature of the vinyl, plus whatever the sound signature of your specific turntable is. This as opposed to a cartridge like the Ortofon 2M Blue that often tends to overpower the music with it’s own characteristics. Appreciate your channel - cheers!
Did you just change the headshell and balanced it or did you have to adjust some other stuff?
I’m running an 85 with an AT-540ML. Sounds amazing!
Have been using the MP-500 for 8 years now as my prime cartridge and just love it. Just got the MP-200 for office turntable. Soooo good to finally see a Nagaoka appearance after all this Ortofon overload.
THE MP- 500 is GREAT !!!!!🥰 LOVE .
It's made me want to get more Naga carts
@@cheapaudioman Go for it. I do have the MP-110 as a spare, so I know that one too. The step up towards the 200 is most significant, 200 to 500 is fairly marginal. The MP-200 is also more forgiving with less perfect records (e.g. worn grooves). It's probably the boron cantilever that plays the prime role. Glad to have them all, but knowing all that now, I'd be fully satisfied with the MP-200 alone.
Appreciate your straightforward, honest assessments, keeping it simple, and throwing in some good humor - it's fun to learn from you. Your laid back demeanor while explaining things in just the right amount of detail is really helpful for those of us who have other things to worry about in addition to our audio equipment, so want the straight scoop presented efficiently, which really helps in making the right decisions. Just the right amount of enthusiasm included where you think it is warranted, and it is legit and so rubs off. RT-85 for me with maybe the Fosi pre-amp (love the tube look) to get myself back into the vinyl game for the first time since saying good-bye in the late 80's/early 90's. Thanks!
Thanks Randy, I appreciate you explaining the difference between the Nagaoka and the 2M Blue. I tried to go cheaper on a turntable and wasn't happy, I should have just gone up to this in the first place. Live, learn and listen. Thank you.
Tony I'm guilty of that too.
Same place I am
Just learned this the hard way too.
Based on income constraints went with RT83 , I’m happy so far and I’ll have to save the $ for the Nagaoka…
Narcolepsy.... 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣
Randy, i need to say that I’m loving your channel. So glad I found it a few weeks ago.
As a fellow 2M Blue owner, I agree. I think it’s one of the best options out there without doubling the money.
I agree with you 100%. I bought the RT85 with the Ortofon 2m blue a few months ago. Very happy with it. I considered Rega and Pro-ject but felt like the Fluance was the best deal with a great cartridge included. I also have experience with the Nagaoka mp110 cartridge and as you say it is a little fuller sounding but a little less detail than the Ortofon. The Ortofon works well for me and my ear.
My next table, nice built
I miss my Technics Sl1210 Mk2... Upgraded it with a Nagaoka MP-200 cartridge, and yes, i mounted the 1210 on some good isolation feet... Man! It sounded ace!!! Due to personal circumstances, it had to go some years back... It's one piece of equipment I WISH I'd kept..... 😕...
Best deal I've got I bought a Pro-Ject essential III for $75 open box on Amazon was sent back for one of the tone arm wires comming loose easy fix👍
Wow. What a great value
I'm considering a Fluance RT85 and the more I hear about the Nagaoka MP-110, the more I think the Ortofon Blue would be more to my liking. I prefer a bit of brightness and so many descriptions of the Nagaoka make me think it'll be too warm for me. If it turns out that the Ortofon Blue is too bright for me, I can always mount an Audio Technica VM95-ML on the headshell. That's the cartridge I'm using now and I love it. I'd almost be surprised if the Ortofon Blue sounded any better to me since the AT95-ML is hitting my sweet spot, at least with my current equipment.
the blue sounds better than the MP-110, it's also $100 more than the nag in the retail box... I don't know why anyone would choose the RT-85N at the same price.
I bought the Fluance RT84 with the Ortofon 2m Red Cartridge and upgraded to the Acrylic Platter and i couldn't be happier! Best value for your money.
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo got my money last year. I really like it, but wish it had removable headshells , and acrylic platter. I Considered the RT85, but the limited availability had me go elsewhere. For the $500 price range most of the reviews at the time had the Pro-Ject rated at the top. I think it's really hard to say which is "best", since the features are slightly different and sound quality is very close to the same.
Narcolepsy?…Zzzzzz….I’m sold!
If I ever leave the 1980s, this will be the turntable for me. Great review! Congratulations on following your passion and your new career.
Best bang for buck seems to be, if you want both high end cartridges mentioned, is to get the normal RT-85 and then the Nagaoka separately. Fluance should do a “Connoisseur Pack” where they include both, in head shells. I’d totally spring for that.
or add an even better cartridge and add a rt86
This is funny as i bought an RT82 a few years ago, added the poly platter upgrade and changed the cartridge from an OM10 to the Nagaoka MP110, giving me the newly released RT85N before Fluance even offered it! I love it, it's very quiet on "rougher" albums and sounds wonderful to me.
Very cool!
Mine arrived tonight! Great video. Sounds like I got the correct turntable. Love this channel!!!!
I started with Nagaoka MP 100…I thought if this sounds great I wonder what the MP150, then 200 sounds like? MP500!!! They sound amazing!!! Also, it pairs excellent with a Schitt Mani…the 150 is the sweet spot.
Just discovered your channel today. Nice channel. Enjoying it.
5:24 If you want to keep a spare belt in top condition, store it in a zipbag with some talc powder. That way the rubber doesn't become brittle/deteriorates as quickly.
8:20 A heavier tonearm doesn't necessarily imply a "sonic penalty"... it's just that a heavier tonearm works better with lower compliance cartridges, while a lighter tonearm works better with higher compliance cartridges - it's all about synergy! 👍
thanks for the tips
Hi Qorax. What’s a higher or lower compliance cartridges. Is it on the specs? Thks
@@garysiu5498 Yes it's usually specified, you should look at "dynamic compliance" in particular.
Static compliance is also often given, but doesn't say much about the resonance in real life conditions.
Compliance is basically the stiffness of the cartridge suspension/cantilever, with lower compliance meaning a higher stiffness and higher compliance meaning a more flexible suspension.
The higher the compliance, the lower the tonearm weight/mass needs to be.
The combination of tonearm mass and compliance results in a tonearm resonance frequency.
These resonance frequencies will always be present within a tonearm, but to keep their effects to a minimum, they need to be within a certain range (6.5Hz to 12Hz).
Those resonance frequencies are below the capabilities of human hearing (20Hz), however in extreme cases, these can be heard on top of other frequencies as a fluttering pitch, fluttering at the resonance frequency.
There are simple formulas to calculate the resonance frequency, if you know the compliance and total mass of your tonearm and cartridge.
In reality when playing actual music, it mostly impacts the tracking ability of a cartridge - this is what results in a distorted tonal balance, like sibilance or lack of bass.
One of the most well known examples are Denon DL-103 cartridges ran on light tonearms, which tend to sound bass lacking due to their low compliance.
Most Denon cartridges match better with heavier tonearms.
On the other end of the spectrum are Audio Technica cartridges for example; their higher end moving coil ones in particular.
Those sound better using medium to low mass tonearms due to their high compliance.
@@QoraxAudio thks for so much information. I sure subscribe your channel 👍😄
@@garysiu5498 Nice! Thanks 👍
Man. This tied so much together for me. Thanks so much
The answer to yesterdays question about which audio manufacturer has hearts in its company logo design is......AKG. A really good company. I've used many of their products and they are great.
Hi Randy. Sorry if this was already mentioned, but I didn't want to look through over 200 comments by others. I found on Fluance's web site in their resources section that in addition to the cartridge change, the other difference between the RT85 and RT85N is that they adjusted the tonearm on the RT85N to account for the configuration of the Nagaoka MP-110. Here is what they say:
"The tonearm is lower on the RT85N to accommodate for the height of the Nagaoka Cartridge and VTA which differ greatly from the 2M cartridges. While the MP-110 can be used on the standard RT85 the vertical tracking angle may not be optimal."
I was wondering if you notice a less than optimal performance of the MP-110 on your upgraded RT83.
It's also worth noting that ortofon also makes the '2mr' series which is lower profile than the regular 2m series at the same price to fit turntables like the Rega planar or other turntables that have a lower tone arm
Excellent video. Early last year, I decided to upgrade my TT. I decided on the cart first, going with a MP-200. I then purchased the RT82 with acrylic platter. I upgraded my TT from a vintage Pioneer PL-50. Super happy with the results.
I first got into middle to high end audio about 35 years ago. I just ordered my first turntable since the 80's (maybe even the 70s) and my interest in this hobby is being rekindled (now that the kids are out of the house). I've watched many turntable reviews in the last few days and I find it funny (?) that all the same adjectives are used to describe the hobby/sound. I guess I don't have the discerning ear that many in this hobby have; 35 years ago my opinion was lots of these subjective adjectives are used (by salesmen) to get more money out of my wallet (that didn't stop me, but did add to my buyers' regret). Looking forward to my turntable arriving this weekend so I can get my 70's collection of albums out, dust them off and listen to see if the music is at all 'buttery'. PS...I did not buy a Fluance but one of the competitors (cheaper). Time will tell if I made the right decision or is this going to drag me down the 'upgrade' rabbit hole.
I’m glad that I purchased my Fluance RT 80 based on your recommendation. It was my return to vinyl. Looking forward to upgrading to the costlier models as I become more ensconced with my vinyl. Thanks for the review.
Any updates? What has been changed? How name new vinyl have you purchased? I love hearing these stories so don't let a long response deter you. I hope you're having both a great day and a great return to the best sounding musical experience that there is. Cheers, mate.
Quite possibly your best episode ever, such passion! When my vintage Technics SL-Q303 gives up the ghost I will be getting an RT-85N with the Ortofon 2M Blue. Heck I may get a premounted Nagaoka HP-110 to use on the Technics in the meantime. Thank you as always and keep up the great work.
Thanks ALOT Randy! I now have $4,000 worth of speakers for Dolby Atmos/Music with no word yet on the RZ50 delivery date that I ordered 6 months ago. Plus, I don't even watch movies!!!! "Your casual review technique is working"... I think I need an aspirin. :-(
I’m sorry, my man.
I recommend buying a spare belt only when you need it. Materials like that do not age well sitting on the shelf. The bamboo finish on the RT85 is a pretty unique look. All of their finishes are superior to everything else in this price range.
“…probably what you’re doing right now…”
Touche 🎯
I bought the RT85 based on a subtle recommendation from the Audiophiliac. I have been very happy with it. The Fluance line of products seem to be good values at their respective price points. It is nice to learn that Randy (CAM) feels the same way. Thank you for posting ~
Thanks for sharing!
Randy, I'm late to this party. Albeit, I don't have the Fluance TT (but because of you I have a pair of their Signature Series Bookshelf speakers - outstanding Value at $199 when I got them 2 years ago. But li eyou I did get a Naga MP-110H Cartridge. It is almost Night and Day from the Audio Technica TT LP120XBT-USB's standard AT 95E and an upgraded AT-VM95ML/H cartridge I purchased a few months after acquiring the TT. In fact, I'm comparing all 3 now with some time on my Hands. Playing Nightwatch LP by Kenny Loggins. The Nago wins for sure: more clarity, more Umph, and great separation. Happy New Year 2024!
Based on my prior comment, it has become very apparent to me as a relative layman to Audiophilism, how impactful the Phono Cartridge is to the quality of Vinyl Sound. This was my first head to Head comparison of 3 cartridges. I may the try the Naga with my Dual CS5000 TT (purchased in 1987) which has a Ortofon cartridge.
As most people are saying, it ends up to what your ear likes and how well it adapts with your setup. In my case, the Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge sounds better than the other ones I have, but again, with my setup. I don't think it's right for a company to sell a different turntable model just because of the cartridge, specially if the Turntable has switchable headshells, but that's just my opinion
I think part of it may be their decision to omit a built-in phono pre-amp. That means more money can get spent on developing other stuff. That's what actually drew me to Fluance.
That was my thinking and I feel l got my money's worth and then some.
Why not look at the Rega P1 series for value turn tables? They are consistently reviewed so well. I havnt even felt the need to upgrade the needle (yet).
Great review,to be honest I think upgrading is part of the fun and hearing the difference’s in sound as you upgrade,like you said if you have not got the money straight off then go for the rt82 which is what I’m going to do and can’t wait !!😊
Nice! As I've been considering getting into some vinyl, Fluance quickly went to the top of my list of potential options with the RT-85 for a first player.
Don't do it. Vinyl is over. Unless you have a wad of money burning a hole in your pocket vinyl isn't worth it. New records are very expensive and the pressing quality these days are dubious. Used record prices have spiked and with streaming there is almost no point. To get Vinyl to sound good you need a really good and expensive table AND pristine records. Go get a used cd player, a schiit dac and a pile of used cds from goodwill.
@@jimmyayotte5529 Yeah, I keep holding back thinking the whole thing is more trouble than it is worth. Especially with high res Apple Music being just so simple. I don't think I'd do CDs at all. Might as well absolutely stick to Apple Music then. We play music a TON in our house and being able to play such variety so easily via streaming is unbeatable.
@@Techthusiasm OK so one thing I forgot to mention is that the money you spend on vinyl is a better way to support artists than the streaming services especially if you buy through band camp. I mostly stream but make a point to purchase my favorite albums on vinyl or cd even though I don't really need to.
Hinges. Yep, I am with you on that one Randy. The so-called hinges on the too expensive for what they are REGA turntables are junk. They will snap eventually. Pro-Ject ones look good too. But for $500 you get an acrylic platter with the Fluance RT-85, but the Pro-Ject? Nope. You have to pay extra for the acrylic platter.
-- the tonearm balance routine you outline is nothing new - its been done this way on many nicer tables for over 40 years. I still use a stylus pressure guage to verify accuracy, its surprising how far some tables are off in accuracy - saves a lot of time and guesswork.
Hello Randy, awesome review. Last year I bought the RT-82 and I love it! I'm planning on upgrading the platter and cartridge later this year to basically turn it into an 85. I was wondering what speakers would pair best with the Fluance RT-85 and 85N models? If this matters I'm running it through a Yamaha CR-620.
Thank you,
Brian
Randy, I have a Pro-Ject X1 through a Marantz PM6007 and the Fosi with the Riverstone tubes bested several phono amps costing 3-5x as much!! Thanks for the recommendation 🙏👍
Alot depends where you are.
In SE Asia, the Audio Technica LP7 costs 50% less than the RT 85. It has everything the RT 85 has plus adjustable VTA on the fly. It looks sexier too if you like the Darth Vader look.
I’ve owned or own the RT 80, 81, 83 and 85 and have loved them all. Great looking and terrific sounding tables at a competitive price. You can’t beat them in my estimation.
agreed
does one of them come with a plynth made of a different material?
@@handrewmillan4293 All the plinths for each model are made from the same materials.
@@davidgena2667 thank you 🙏
I have not heard the Ortofon 2M cartridges, but have heard plenty of Nagaoka, and the main difference I get compared to similarly priced Audio Technica is a different experience in terms of space and speed of transients. The Nagaoka really does present a beautiful soundstage, with precision in all directions and properly defined distance between musicians. With the ATs I get more resolution and detail, less inner grove distortion and sibilance, but it's not as vivid spatially and doesn't play the music with the same ease and relaxed transients. To get all these flavors it makes complete sense to have a turntable like the Fluance to be able to switch cartridges. Just don't forget to dial in VTF and anti-skating before playing records. :)
The cost of the cartridge ($230) and platter ($120) as separates, you get the turntable for $150. Worth it. High grade gear.
So the Fluance turntables, and a whole bunch of other ones, are all built in the same factory in Ya Horng, China, built to various price points. Denon, Audio Technica, Yamaha, Elac, Teac, Monolith and several other brand names. Same hinges, dustcover, etc. and lots of common parts like headshells and tonearm assemblies shared by multiple models. Economies of scale keep the prices down, and as far as I can tell, they're all pretty solid/reliable. I have the Monolith and have owned it for 3 years. It's nice, and someday I'll upgrade to something fancier but it's a really solid little table.
According to Fluance on their website, their turntables are built in Taiwan.
@@rogerfalk5079 the factory may be in Taiwan rather than China, I may have mis-spoken
The 85 was my first turntable, it’s also my only turntable. I can’t say it’s the best because I don’t have anything to compare it to. I first saw a review of the 85 N on vinyl attack and now on your channel. I think the Nagaoka cartridge may be what I’m looking for to maybe calm down the upper mids on my system.either way I will be interested in the change in sound between the blue and the Nagaoka
I like that cart
Get another headshell, and have both.
Great review. 🤛 Would like to see you review some more
Fluance speakers
"yes, I'm gonna talk about hinges..." ..mmm hinges. It's the details that count.
Affordable cartridge comparisons are also most excellent and thin on the inter-ground, thanks.
It's crazy how ubiqueutious turntables were in the 80's & 90's. Even rack systems came with pretty decent turntables.
Well, i love Fluance turntables but for one caveat...They don't have a direct drive...I'm not going to put that as a negative, it's just that ever since I bought my Pioneer PL-540 back in the day, I am in love with it. I also have a Dual DD as well, and I also have 2 belt drives as well...A Technics and a Pioneer. About a year ago, I bought the 110 and I was blown away. Not by how good it was, but how good it was for the price!!! I am waiting for Fluance to come out with a DD, but they told me that it depends on the market...
By the way, I think Fluance dropped the 80...
9:41 Can I suggest one more step? Readjust the tonearm balance. Your two cartridges probably won't be the same weight. Thanks for the review.
Great point. Ironically, they actually are though
Just realized that the profile on the coffee mug looks like Ben Franklin in a Vader helmet.
Great review,I'll pair it up with the fluance fi70
Thanks for this awesome review! I just ordered my Fluance RT85, and I can't wait for it to arrive! I plan on also getting the Nagaoka cartridge later, but I'm also curious to hear what the Blue sounds like first. I'm also thinking about which preamp to get - what do you think of paring the Ortofon 2M Blue with the Fosi X2? I was thinking it might balance out some of the brightness of the 2m Blue??
hey do you have an update on this?
If hinges are the standard for a good turntable, you want to get a 70's Japanese turntable.
The Nagaoka MP110 is about the best value cartridge you can get. You would have to spend a lot more $$ to get anything better.
Mine sounds great on my Project Turntable, going into a NAD PP 2e Phono PreAmp & then into a NAD T758 V3i receiver.
It was a huge upgrade over the Ortofon cartridge that can std on the turntable.
I got the newer Nagaoka JT80LB recently. Can't compare it to the MP110, but definitely feel that the value is there. Such an enormous step up from the AT95 my Music Hall came with.
I am looking forward to get a fluance rt85 or rt85n. But I have s question about the rt85n with the 2M blue cartridge. In the video you mentioned that if you were blindfolded, you probably couldn't tell the difference between a high resolution file and the sound coming from that cartridge. Does the 2M blue makes a turntable sound NOT like a turntable? If so, I would save me some trouble and keep listening to high resolution digital files. I want a turntable that sounds analog would you say that the rt85n will give me more if that?
Thanks for the update 85 be nice but might follow you in path.
Being as both I and the Fluance line are Canadian I thought - okay,
is the 85 any good as in, what are the reviewers saying? Then I noticed
that they had a second release of the 85 with the Nagaoka Mp110 and my
previous research indicated that the Mp110 was absolutely my cartridge
of choice so .... Canadian or not- there is hardly any negatives that would
preclude me from purchasing this turntable. Sure, I heard that the piano gloss
black finish is't perfect but its the only criticism and ... I just do not care.
That acrylic platter is gorgeous and from what some reviewers are saying..
this RT85N teamed up with a Schiit Mani is a real winner. Thank you Randy❗
and Fluance. (fantastic price by the way)
Thanks!
Randy... take a look at this.
I found a Smsl sa-98e amp on Amazon for $114 and is better than the Aiyima 07. Infact it pairs nicely with the Aiyima t8 and jbl speakers.
Truly amazing Synergy that would seriously wow a lot of people
I added a $39 power cable (10AWG)
Riverstone tube
And eq the JBL 570s bringing the 1k-4k down .
This is one of the best sounding budget systems I've heard. I also tried the Geshelli j2 Dac in the mix and it only got better.
Hope you review this amp Randy. I really think you will be impressed
I'll check it out
Yeah, well, my pop had a turntable. And some sort of hi-fi system ~ that I have no idea of the brand name. He also had a reel to reel. And some sort of like that early fender amp burlap stuff laminated . . .
. . . or like varnished. The turntable was delicate. I have no idea what it was. The needle had to be replaced at some point I have no idea how it got broken. There was a cuckoo clock on the wall above and next to the TV and it was like Looney Tunes and Tom & Jerry and Sesame Street and Gilliagans Island . . . and the Herculoids all the time . .
Always love your no BS position Randy.
Aside from the merits of the Fluance in and of itself, I’ve gotta agree on the cartridge being the best way to improve a TT. I still run my Technics SL-D2 from the late 70’s with a 2M Blue as well. You’re right, it sounds like Hi-Res but with analogue smoothness, and that’s one of the Fluance options! Anyone’s vinyl enjoyment would be set for the foreseeable future!
Oh man this turntable sounds right up my alley! If only they'd have a European warehouse/point of sale. As it stands with shipping and import taxes it's suddenly a 1050,- euro turntable for me :(
yikes. Ugh. I think AT makes some good ones. I wish that Project would have a table with a removable head-shell that was in this price range
Hi Andy. I have owned my RT85 for a few years, and I agree with your assessment. I just wanted to add that when you get any Fluance turntable, the cartridges are pre-aligned in the head shell at the factory. Easy-peasy.
I also use the Fosi Audi Box X2 pre-amp. I like that these are tube-based because solid-state pre-amps are (to me) harsh sounding.
Check out the Fluance preamp as well! I’ve had to mix different preamps depending on the carts to get them all to play well together. But since getting the Fluance preamp, not at all. It gets along with everything.
I do need to check them out. I've never heard one before
I like seeing the Marilyn Manson album in the background
Good choice with the Nagaoka MP110, I own that one as well. idk if youtube will keep the Iink to HiViNyws channel, so I dropped it in the reply to this. He is commenting on on MP110 while reviewing the Ortofon 2M Blue
Been thinking about the Nagoaka for a while now. I have two tables, both vintage. One a Ratshack clone of a Technics, the other a DUAL Direct Drive. Both have the orignal Shure carts, which are quite good! But, I'd really like to hear what the Nagoaka brings to the table, pun intended? Plus, the Shures have been discontinued so getting parts, in the future, might not be easy and will get pricier and pricier.
When you introduce a cheaper cartridge option, you should also adjust your pricing accordingly, no?
hey brother! great upload i have the klipsh 51 powered monitors and was told i didn’t need a pre amp with the klipsh is that something you would agree with? and if not what pre amp would you recommend? also .. i am very torn between the RT85 - and the RT85N i know taste is subjective .. if you were on the spot and had to choose one needle which would it be? one last question how long would you feel the external band would last on this table before having to replace it? thank you so very much in advance for your time and again for such a wonderful upload I love your humor and you being so thorough when explaining products.
If one is swapping out different cartridges mounted on headshells, most likely would need to rebalance tone arm due to differences.
What about just upgrading a rt-80 with a good cart? Personally I’m looking just to listen through headphones. I don’t have room for much else, and my wife doesn’t like most of the music I want on vinyl. And I like the idea of a built in pre amp.
Unfortunately the dust cover itself is crap and will scratch if you look at it wrong. Otherwise, I’ve been very happy with my RT85
Nice review👍 Have been singing from the Mountain top for 3 years about Nagaoka....especially the MP-110 and 150.....amazing amazing cartridges that I have replaced multiple times. Then purchased a Grado Green for 3 months and loved it....then the end of last year I purchased the Opus 3.....hands down the best cartridge I have ever heard! The thing I love most about Grado is the emphasis on the mids and lows with my vinyl....more natural sounding. Both great companies but I am in the Grado camp for now. Keep up the great work on your channel👍
I need to try one out
Great review! Thanks! Question… Can a record clamp be used with the RT85 N?
If you were a Jazz fan, would you go with the 85, or the 85N?
Well, I was pretty happy with my turntable… now I’m wondering if these will have any good Black Friday sales 😂
“It will be strange if you turn it another way”. For sure 😂
Not a comment, but a question…what is it about the Ortofon cartridges that makes them so much better than the Audio Technica cartridges? I have never heard a side by side comparison.
I own the RT85 with Ortofon Blue cartridge and am running it into a Marantz SR7009. What is your opinion of the Marantz phono preamp? Would I get a much better sound if I added an external preamp? Thanks in advance for the input! Love your channel.
I have a u turn with a two 2m blue and it just sounds fantastic. They have less features but it does make them less complex with less to go wrong. I heard this school of thought were you want to put your money into the table first, tonearm second and worry about the cart last. This just fails to make any sense to me. Since improving any of item could make the table sound better why do one first or last?
I love my nagaoka, but beware the needle is very fragile. It will bend easily if you’re not careful.
7:35 standard Dual tonearm adjustment. Do the rubber feet deteriorate in time? Will a spare belt deteriorate in time. "Upgrade-itis" -- I hear ya! Does it come with Ortofon blue as standard now?
The Tonearm and cheap bearings on the gimbal is how they make it so cheap... The turntable is garbage... Plastic cueing lever?
I'm still rocking my entry level Sony record player. This is the player I'll be saving up for. Recommendation between the 85 and the 85n to pair with klipsh bookshelves?
Hey Randy. I hope that you and yours are all doing well. Question:how is the phono amp in the Yamaha 801? We always hear about external amps…how’s the internal on the Yamaha? Thanks for your advice and all of the great videos. You make audio buying fun and adventurous!
I have the CR 800 and it's awesome. Although it's giving off a low level hum all of the time so I haven't been using it that much
So....it's not awesome. Low level hum is unacceptable.
“ There’s a total of six”
* holds up seven fingers
Finally... someone got it
Was gonna say the same thing, complete with asterisk. Don't ever change, Randy.
the best turntable is the RT 84 in walnut
Been considering this deck, but I’m just not sure about spending 600 on a DC motor. I think that should have been one the upgrades.
Hi Cheapaudiobman.. big fan i need some advice. I got the fluance rt85 and the yamaha HS7 powered speakers . Can you advise what phono pre amp or other devices are recommended for this setup?? Thanks from Alton
Very good video! I have RT85 and I want to upgrade the stylus after 1000 hours or so to the better one, the Bronze. Is that possible? is the arm ok for the Bronze? Thank you!
Enjoy your channel, Randy - informative, quirky and fun! I returned to vinyl after decades of CDs with an RT-81 and Fluance powered Ai40 speakers. Sounded great but being part of the Fluance community I got the bug to add a Schiit Mani preamp, a cork mat and a Nagaoka MP-110. Sounded great but the positive chatter around the RT-85 with the Ortofon 2M Blue and passive speakers got me! I added Klipsch R-51Ms and a vintage Pioneer SX-434 receiver playing vintage and new reissued rock and jazz classics for my 12 x 11 home office and listening space. Amazing sounds and my 20/20 hindsight would be to start with the RT-85 with 2M Blue, add the Schiit Mani and passive speakers and add a Nagaoka MP-110H with a premounted head shell - great value and great sound all around....
I have the nagaoka mp150 and it's good but the AT 540vm is better and cheaper.
what would it sound like with the Negaoka MP150/200 & the Mani phone preamp
would be interesting
Hi Randy. I have a question. As an amateur when it comes to the higher end equipment, will I need a pre-amp to play an RT-85N. I currently am using an 80's model Techniques turntable running through the phono input of a 1974 Pioneer receiver. I don't use one in this scenario and the turntable seems to play just fine. Thanks, Anthony