Fluance RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable vs Fluance RT81+ Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable: Spec Comparison
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When comparing the fluance rt81 elite high fidelity vinyl turntable vs rt81 elite high, you see two belt-drive players from the same brand. Both use MDF cabinets and Texas Instruments preamps. The main difference lies in their cartridges and platter construction. One uses the Audio Technica AT95E with a standard aluminum platter. The other upgrades to the VM95E cartridge and adds an anti-resonant platter design. These changes affect tracking precision and vibration control.
Key differences
| Aspect | Fluance Walnut Belt-Drive Turntable | Fluance Elite Turntable with Phono Preamp |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge | Audio Technica AT95E | Audio Technica VM95E |
| Platter Material | Aluminum platter, rubber platter mat | Dampened aluminum anti-resonant platter, acrylic mat |
| Tonearm | Balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm | Removable head shell |
| Isolation Feet | Isolation feet | Three adjustable isolation feet |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Fluance Walnut Belt-Drive Turntable if
- You prefer the established S-Type tonearm design for consistent tracking.
- You want a straightforward setup with a rubber platter mat.
Choose Fluance Elite Turntable with Phono Preamp if
- You want the higher-frequency response of the VM95E cartridge.
- You need a removable head shell for easier cartridge swapping.
- You value the dampened anti-resonant platter for better isolation.
Verdict: Choose the RT81 if you trust the classic S-tonearm and standard platter setup. Pick the RT81+ if you want the modern VM95E cartridge and improved anti-resonant platter features. Both deliver warm sound through built-in preamps.
RT81 vs RT81+ Key Specs
Cartridge performance
The Fluance RT81 Elite uses the Audio Technica AT95E cartridge with a diamond elliptical stylus. It tracks record grooves with precision for high-definition audio. The Fluance RT81+ steps up to the next-generation Audio Technica VM95E. This cartridge offers greater frequency response and features a removable head shell for easier swapping. Both use elliptical tips, but the VM95E provides superior tracking accuracy and better sound detail. If you want the latest stylus technology, the RT81+ has the clear advantage here.
Platter isolation
Both turntables use belt-drive systems and MDF cabinets to reduce vibration. The RT81 Elite features a standard aluminum platter with a rubber platter mat. It includes isolation feet to dampen unwanted noise. The RT81+ improves on this with a dampened aluminum anti-resonant platter. It also uses an acrylic mat with a resonant frequency similar to vinyl. This combination results in improved frequency response and enhanced imaging. The RT81+ design offers better signal clarity through superior vibration management.
Tonearm design
The RT81 Elite is equipped with a balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm. This design ensures the stylus rests deeply in the record groove for consistent tracking. The RT81+ data specifies a removable head shell rather than a traditional fixed tonearm structure. This allows for easier cartridge swapping and maintenance. While the S-Type arm offers balanced tracking, the removable head shell on the RT81+ provides more flexibility for users who may want to upgrade components later. The RT81+ is more service-friendly.
Preamp integration
Both units include a built-in Texas Instruments phono preamp to connect directly to standard audio systems. The RT81 Elite lists this preamp along with gold-plated RCA line outputs and a ground terminal. The RT81+ also features a built-in Texas Instruments phono preamp with gold-plated RCA connections and a ground terminal. Both provide warm, true sound reproduction. The connectivity and preamp specifications are identical in function and component quality. You get the same signal clarity from either model.
Physical dimensions
Both turntables share the same width and height, measuring 16.5 inches wide and 5.5 inches high. They also weigh the same at 14.1 pounds. The RT81 Elite is 13.7 inches in length. The RT81+ is slightly longer at 13.8 inches. This difference is negligible for most setups. Both use engineered MDF wood for their cabinets. The RT81+ is available in Natural Walnut, while the RT81 is listed as Walnut. The build footprint is virtually identical for your desk or shelf.
Choose the right Fluance turntable for you
Budget-conscious listener wanting reliable analog sound
The Fluance RT81 Elite offers a solid entry into high-fidelity vinyl playback. It features a balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm and an Audio Technica AT95E cartridge. The MDF wood cabinet with isolation feet helps reduce unwanted vibrations. You get a pure analog experience with a built-in Texas Instruments preamp and gold-plated RCA outputs for clear signal transmission.
Audiophile seeking improved frequency response and imaging
The Fluance RT81+ steps up with the next-generation Audio Technica VM95E cartridge. This unit provides greater frequency response and enhanced imaging compared to the standard model. The dampened aluminum anti-resonant platter and acrylic mat further improve signal clarity. Three adjustable isolation feet and a removable head shell for easier swapping make this the superior choice for critical listening.
User preferring removable head shell for upgrades
If you plan to upgrade components later, the RT81+ is the better fit. Its Audio Technica VM95E cartridge is mounted on a removable head shell, making cartridge swaps easier. This VM series upgradability allows you to change the stylus or cartridge without tools. The built-in Texas Instruments phono preamp and ground terminal ensure warm, true sound throughout the upgrade process.
The products compared
Fluance Walnut Belt-Drive Turntable
Best for: listeners seeking high fidelity in a compact design
- Drive Type
- Belt drive
- Preamp
- Built-in Texas Instruments preamp
- Platter Material
- Aluminum platter, rubber platter mat
- Cartridge
- Audio Technica AT95E
- Tonearm
- Balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm
- Color
- Walnut
View on Amazon: Fluance Walnut Belt-Drive Turntable Affiliate link
The Fluance RT81 Elite is a belt-drive turntable with a walnut-finished MDF cabinet. It uses an Audio Technica AT95E cartridge with a diamond elliptical stylus for precise tracking. A balanced aluminum S-type tonearm and built-in Texas Instruments preamp support signal clarity. This model suits listeners who want high-fidelity analog playback in a compact 16.5-inch footprint.
Pros
- Audio Technica AT95E cartridge with diamond elliptical stylus
- Balanced aluminum S-type tonearm for superior record tracking
- Built-in Texas Instruments preamp with gold-plated RCA outputs
- High-mass MDF wood plinth with isolation feet
Cons
- Only includes a built-in preamp, requiring external speakers or a separate phono stage for direct amplifier connection
- Belt drive system may require eventual belt replacement compared to direct-drive alternatives
- No mention of a built-in USB digitization feature for archiving records
Good fit if
- You want a compact turntable that fits on smaller desks
- You prefer the warm sound signature of a belt-drive system
- You need a built-in preamp for easy connection to powered speakers
Skip if
- You require a direct-drive motor for precise pitch control
- You want to connect directly to a standard amplifier without a preamp
- You need a built-in USB port for digital recording
Verdict: The Fluance RT81 Elite Walnut Turntable delivers precise analog playback through its AT95E cartridge and aluminum tonearm, making it a solid choice for listeners seeking high fidelity in a space-saving design.
Fluance Elite Turntable with Phono Preamp
Best for: Listeners wanting analog clarity and a removable cartridge
- Drive Type
- Belt-drive
- Connectivity
- Gold-plated RCA, ground terminal
- Preamp
- Built-in Texas Instruments phono preamp
- Platter Material
- Dampened aluminum anti-resonant platter
- Tonearm
- Removable head shell
- Dimensions
- 13.8 × 16.5 × 5.5 inches
View on Amazon: Fluance Elite Turntable with Phono Preamp Affiliate link
The Fluance RT81+ is a belt-drive turntable with a solid MDF plinth and aluminum platter. It uses a removable head shell with an Audio Technica VM95E cartridge. A built-in Texas Instruments phono preamp and gold-plated RCA connections are included. This Natural Walnut model measures 16.5 by 13.8 inches and weighs 14.1 pounds. It suits listeners who want high-fidelity analog playback with clear signal integrity.
Pros
- Built-in Texas Instruments phono preamp
- Audio Technica VM95E diamond elliptical stylus
- Removable head shell for easy swaps
- Dampened aluminum anti-resonant platter
- Gold-plated RCA connections and ground terminal
Cons
- No Bluetooth connectivity
- No digital output options
- Fixed belt-drive speed
Good fit if
- You want a built-in phono preamp
- You prefer a removable head shell
- You like the Natural Walnut finish
Skip if
- You need Bluetooth streaming
- You want a digital output
- You require a lighter unit
Verdict: Fluance RT81+ Walnut Turntable is a solid choice for listeners who value analog clarity and a removable cartridge. It fits those who want a built-in preamp and a sturdy MDF cabinet.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Fluance Walnut Belt-Drive Turntable | Fluance Elite Turntable with Phono Preamp |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Type | Belt drive | Belt-drive |
| Connectivity | not stated | Gold-plated RCA, ground terminal |
| Preamp | Built-in Texas Instruments preamp | Built-in Texas Instruments phono preamp |
| Platter Material | Aluminum platter, rubber platter mat | Dampened aluminum anti-resonant platter |
| Cartridge | Audio Technica AT95E | not stated |
| Tonearm | Balanced aluminum S-Type tonearm | Removable head shell |
| Color | Walnut | Natural Walnut |
| Amplifier Type | not stated | Phono Preamp |
| Inputs | not stated | Phono |
| Dimensions | 13.7 × 16.5 × 5.5 inches | 13.8 × 16.5 × 5.5 inches |
| Weight | 14.1 pounds | 14.1 pounds |
| Model | RT81 | RT81PT |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Fluance RT81+ have a built-in phono preamp?
Yes, the Fluance RT81+ includes a built-in phono preamp. This feature allows you to connect the turntable directly to powered speakers or a receiver without needing an external preamp unit. The RT81 Elite model does not list this specific input configuration in its attributes, making the RT81+ a more integrated solution for direct connections.
What is the difference between the RT81 and RT81+ models?
The primary difference is the cartridge and preamp integration. The RT81 Elite uses the Audio Technica AT95E cartridge. The RT81+ features the next-generation Audio Technica VM95E cartridge, which offers improved tracking and clarity. Additionally, the RT81+ explicitly lists a phono input, indicating a built-in preamp, whereas the standard Elite focuses on the cartridge and tonearm design.
Are the dimensions different for the RT81 Elite and RT81+?
The dimensions are nearly identical but vary slightly in length. The RT81 Elite measures 13.7 inches in length. The RT81+ measures 13.8 inches in length. Both models share the same width of 16.5 inches and height of 5.5 inches. The weight is also the same at 14.1 pounds for both units, ensuring they fit similarly on your shelf.
What color options are available for these Fluance turntables?
Both models are available in a walnut finish. The RT81 Elite is listed specifically as Walnut. The RT81+ is described as Natural Walnut. Both feature MDF cabinets with this wood grain appearance. This finish provides a classic aesthetic that complements most home audio setups while maintaining the structural integrity needed for stable vinyl playback.
Is the RT81+ better for listeners wanting a removable cartridge?
Yes, the RT81+ is designed for listeners who value a removable cartridge. The data states it fits those who want this specific feature, paired with the superior VM95E cartridge. This allows you to upgrade the stylus or cartridge independently later. The standard RT81 Elite focuses on the AT95E and aluminum tonearm, which is a solid entry but lacks this specific emphasis on removability.
Do both turntables use belt drive mechanisms?
Yes, both the Fluance RT81 Elite and the RT81+ use belt drive mechanisms. This drive type isolates the motor from the platter to reduce vibration. This helps ensure cleaner audio playback by preventing motor noise from interfering with the stylus tracking the record grooves. Both models rely on this mechanical design for their high-fidelity performance.