Fluance RT87 Reference High Fidelity Turntable Review (2026): A Spec-Based Look

What stands out

• Dual-plinth vibration isolation decouples the motor from the tonearm.
• 9-inch carbon fiber tonearm with adjustable VTA for precise calibration.
• Ortofon 2M Blue nude elliptical cartridge for accurate groove tracking.
• 22mm anti-static acrylic platter increases rotational inertia to reduce wow and flutter.

Who it fits

Fluance RT87 Key Specs Explained

Tonearm: 9" carbon fiber, adjustable VTA

The 9-inch carbon fiber arm is rigid and lightweight, which reduces resonance and distortion during playback. Adjustable Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) lets you raise or lower the arm to match your specific cartridge height. This ensures the stylus sits at the optimal angle in the record groove. You benefit from clearer detail and better channel separation. When shopping, compare this to fixed-tonearm models that lack height adjustment.

Features: Dual-plinth vibration isolation

This design uses two separate plinths to decouple the motor from the tonearm. Isolators between the layers minimize structural vibrations that can muddy the sound. By keeping the heavy motor on the lower plinth, the upper plinth remains stable for precise tracking. This setup helps you hear finer musical details with less background noise. Compare this to single-plinth designs where motor vibration may transfer directly to the tonearm.

Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Blue nude elliptical

The included Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge features a nude elliptical stylus for accurate groove tracking. This shape allows the stylus to contact more of the groove wall, improving stereo separation and reducing distortion. You get detailed, high-resolution sound without needing to buy an aftermarket upgrade. When comparing turntables, check if the included cartridge uses a nude stylus, as this typically offers better performance than bonded alternatives.

Platter Material: 22mm anti-static acrylic

The thick 22mm acrylic platter increases rotational inertia, which helps maintain steady speed and reduces wow and flutter. Acrylic also matches the physical properties of vinyl, damping vibrations that can color the sound. The anti-static coating helps keep dust off the record surface. This material choice supports a deeper, more immersive soundstage. Compare this to thinner plastic platters that may offer less mass and damping.

Design and build

The Fluance RT87 sits at 14.3 inches long, 16.5 inches wide, and 6.3 inches high. It weighs 21 pounds. This mass helps stabilize the unit during playback. The listing offers a piano white or piano black finish. Both options present a clean, modern look for your setup.

The core of the design is its dual-plinth construction. The motor rests on a lower plinth, while the tonearm sits on an upper one. Isolators separate the two layers. This layout decouples vibrations from the motor so they do not reach the tonearm. You get cleaner audio because structural noise is minimized.

The platter is a 22mm anti-static acrylic disc. Acrylic matches the physical properties of vinyl, which helps dampen vibrations. The increased rotational inertia reduces wow and flutter. According to the listing, this material choice creates a deeper soundstage. The tonearm is a 9-inch carbon fiber unit. Its rigid, lightweight build reduces distortion. Adjustable vertical tracking angle lets you calibrate the cartridge height precisely. These physical choices focus on stability and isolation. The design suits listeners who want to reduce external interference and hear fine details in their records.

Setup and Daily Use Guide

Setting up the Fluance RT87 involves aligning the tonearm to match your specific cartridge height. The unit includes adjustable Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) on its 9-inch carbon fiber arm. This feature allows you to raise or lower the arm to ensure the stylus meets the groove at the optimal angle. Proper alignment reduces distortion and improves channel separation. The turntable uses a speed control motor, so you will set the rotation speed before playing records. The 22mm anti-static acrylic platter provides mass to stabilize rotation. This helps minimize wow and flutter during playback. The dual-plinth design separates the motor on the lower base from the tonearm on the upper deck. Isolators between the plinths reduce structural vibration transfer. This decoupling helps maintain precise stylus tracking. For daily use, the included Ortofon 2M Blue nude elliptical cartridge handles groove tracking with high resolution. The elliptical shape offers accurate tracking for lower distortion. You place vinyl directly on the anti-static acrylic surface. The material matches the physical properties of vinyl, which supports a stable soundstage. The unit weighs 21 pounds, providing inherent stability during operation. It connects to your amplifier via the built-in preamp or line-out, depending on your setup. The compact footprint, measuring 14.3 inches long and 16.5 inches wide, fits standard audio stands. The piano white or black finish requires simple cleaning with a dry cloth. No additional tools are needed for basic operation once the arm is balanced and VTA is set.

Before You Buy This Turntable

The Fluance RT87 is an all-in-one package, but you still need a receiver or integrated amplifier with a dedicated phono input to hear it. If your current amp lacks this stage, you will need an external phono preamp. This turntable uses a standard RCA output, so verify your existing audio gear has the matching inputs. The included Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge is fixed, meaning you cannot swap it for a different model without professional service. Keep the belt drive motor clean and dust-free to maintain consistent speed. The dual-plinth design minimizes vibration, but placing it on a sturdy, level surface is still essential for optimal performance. When compared to other options in the Turntables, Receivers & Hi-Fi category, this unit offers strong isolation features for its class. It suits listeners who want precise tracking without complex custom builds. Ensure your vinyl collection is clean, as the elliptical stylus reveals surface noise. Regular cleaning of the acrylic platter helps prevent static buildup.

Check before you buy

• Verify your amplifier has a built-in phono input stage.
• Check if you need an external phono preamp for your setup.
• Ensure your listening surface is level and stable for vibration control.
• Confirm the included Ortofon cartridge meets your tracking weight preferences.

The product at a glance

1

Fluance RT87 Dual-Plinth Turntable

Best for: listeners prioritizing vibration isolation

Platter Material

22mm acrylic

Cartridge

Ortofon 2M Blue nude elliptical

Tonearm

9-inch carbon fiber, adjustable VTA

Features

Dual-plinth isolation

Color

White

Dimensions

14.3 × 16.5 × 6.3 inches

View on Amazon: Fluance RT87 Dual-Plinth Turntable Affiliate link

The Fluance RT87 uses a dual-plinth design to isolate the motor from the tonearm, reducing vibration interference. It features a 9-inch carbon fiber tonearm with adjustable VTA and a 22mm anti-static acrylic platter for stable rotation. The included Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge provides detailed tracking. This setup suits listeners who want precise stylus alignment and isolation without complex external setups.

Pros

• Dual-plinth vibration isolation decouples motor and tonearm
• 9-inch carbon fiber tonearm with adjustable VTA
• 22mm anti-static acrylic platter reduces wow and flutter
• Ortofon 2M Blue nude elliptical cartridge included

Cons

• Speed control motor lacks belt-drive isolation
• No built-in phono preamp mentioned in data
• 21-pound weight adds bulk for small spaces

Good fit if

• You want precise VTA adjustment for cartridge calibration
• You need vibration isolation for a stable soundstage
• You prefer a high-mass platter for rotational stability

Skip if

• You require a built-in phono preamp
• You need a lightweight portable turntable
• You prefer a belt-drive isolation system

Verdict: The Fluance RT87 Dual Plinth Turntable fits listeners who prioritize vibration isolation and precise cartridge alignment through its dual-plinth design and adjustable VTA tonearm.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• fluance rt87 reference high fidelity turntable alternatives
• best fluance black turntables
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