When it comes to budget-friendly turntables, the Fluance RT81 and Audio-Technica LP60X are two of the most popular options. Both offer excellent sound quality and features for the price, but there are some key differences between the two models. In this blog post, we’ll compare the Fluance RT81 and Audio-Technica LP60X in detail to help you decide which one is the best choice for your needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Fluance RT81 has a sleek and modern design, with a matte black finish and a solid MDF plinth. The plinth is designed to minimize resonance, which can affect the sound quality of a turntable. The Audio-Technica LP60X also has a solid MDF plinth, but it has a more traditional design with a wood-grain finish.

Cartridge and Stylus

The Fluance RT81 comes with a pre-mounted Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge and stylus. The AT95E is a good quality cartridge that delivers excellent sound quality. The Audio-Technica LP60X also comes with a pre-mounted cartridge, but it is a lower-quality cartridge than the AT95E. The LP60X’s cartridge is not user-replaceable, so you cannot upgrade it in the future.

Features

The Fluance RT81 has a number of features that the Audio-Technica LP60X does not have. These features include:

• Adjustable counterweight: The counterweight allows you to adjust the tracking force of the cartridge, which is important for optimal sound quality.
• Anti-skate: Anti-skate helps to prevent the stylus from skating across the record, which can cause distortion.
• Built-in phono preamp: The phono preamp allows you to connect the turntable to a receiver or amplifier without using an external preamp.

Sound Quality

The Fluance RT81 and Audio-Technica LP60X both offer excellent sound quality for the price. The RT81 has a slightly warmer sound than the LP60X, while the LP60X has a slightly brighter sound. Ultimately, the sound quality of both turntables is very good, and the choice between the two will come down to personal preference.

Price

The Fluance RT81 is slightly more expensive than the Audio-Technica LP60X. The RT81 typically retails for around $250, while the LP60X typically retails for around $200.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Fluance RT81 and Audio-Technica LP60X are both excellent budget-friendly turntables. The RT81 has a few more features than the LP60X, but it is also slightly more expensive. If you are looking for a turntable with the best possible sound quality and features, the Fluance RT81 is the better choice. However, if you are on a budget, the Audio-Technica LP60X is a great option that offers excellent sound quality for the price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which turntable is better for beginners?

Both the Fluance RT81 and Audio-Technica LP60X are good choices for beginners. The LP60X is slightly easier to set up and use, but the RT81 has more features and better sound quality.

Can I upgrade the cartridge on the Audio-Technica LP60X?

No, the cartridge on the Audio-Technica LP60X is not user-replaceable.

Which turntable has a better warranty?

The Fluance RT81 has a 2-year warranty, while the Audio-Technica LP60X has a 1-year warranty.