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Fluance rt81 vs rt82: which soundbar delivers superior cinematic immersion?

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • Both the RT81 and RT82 deliver exceptional sound quality, but the RT82 has a slight edge due to its upgraded cartridge and more precise drive system.
  • The RT82, on the other hand, is the ideal choice for audiophiles who demand the utmost in performance, clarity, and detail retrieval.
  • Yes, the RT81 has a built-in phono preamp that allows you to connect it directly to a receiver without a phono input.

The world of audiophiles revolves around the pursuit of pristine sound quality. Fluance, a renowned audio company, has unveiled two exceptional turntables, the RT81 and RT82, each promising an immersive listening experience. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the nuances of these two remarkable devices, helping you make an informed decision about which one aligns perfectly with your audiophile aspirations.

Design and Aesthetics: A Symphony of Form and Function

RT81: The RT81 exudes a classic aesthetic, with its solid MDF plinth providing a sturdy foundation for stable playback. Its matte black finish lends an air of sophistication, making it a timeless addition to any listening space.

RT82: The RT82 takes design to the next level. Its sleek, high-gloss finish in either black or white commands attention, while the curved plinth adds a touch of elegance. The included acrylic dust cover protects the turntable from dust and debris, ensuring pristine sound quality.

Cartridge and Stylus: The Heart of the Audio Experience

RT81: The RT81 features an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, known for its balanced sound and excellent tracking ability. The elliptical stylus profile delivers a detailed and engaging listening experience.

RT82: The RT82 boasts an upgraded Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, offering enhanced clarity and precision. Its nude elliptical stylus provides exceptional detail retrieval and minimizes distortion, resulting in a truly immersive soundstage.

Drive System and Speed Control: Precision in Motion

RT81: The RT81 employs a belt-driven system with a precision DC motor. This combination ensures stable and accurate speed control, minimizing wow and flutter for a smooth and uninterrupted listening experience.

RT82: The RT82 takes drive system performance to new heights with its high-torque DC motor. The advanced speed control system maintains exceptional accuracy, ensuring that your music sounds exactly as intended.

Connectivity and Compatibility: Seamless Integration

RT81: The RT81 offers versatile connectivity options, including RCA outputs for connection to amplifiers and receivers. It also features a built-in phono preamp, allowing you to connect directly to your speakers.

RT82: The RT82 provides even greater flexibility with its switchable phono preamp. You can choose between MM and MC phono inputs, enabling compatibility with a wide range of cartridges. The USB output allows for easy digital conversion of your vinyl collection.

Accessories and Features: Enhancing Your Listening Experience

RT81: The RT81 comes with a felt slipmat to reduce static and improve sound quality. It also includes a 45 RPM adapter for playing larger records.

RT82: The RT82 offers a more comprehensive set of accessories, including an acrylic platter mat for enhanced resonance control. The included anti-skating mechanism ensures optimal stylus tracking for reduced distortion.

Performance Comparison: A Symphony of Sound

Sound Quality: Both the RT81 and RT82 deliver exceptional sound quality, but the RT82 has a slight edge due to its upgraded cartridge and more precise drive system. It offers a wider soundstage, improved clarity, and reduced distortion, resulting in a truly captivating listening experience.

Bass Response: The RT81 provides a solid bass response, while the RT82 delivers deeper and more controlled bass. This enhanced bass performance adds weight and impact to your music, making it ideal for genres that demand a strong foundation.

Detail Retrieval: The RT82’s nude elliptical stylus excels in retrieving intricate details from your records. This results in a more nuanced and engaging listening experience, allowing you to appreciate the subtleties of your favorite music.

The Verdict: A Symphony of Choice

Both the Fluance RT81 and RT82 are exceptional turntables that will elevate your listening experience to new heights. The RT81 is an excellent choice for those seeking a classic design and balanced sound quality. The RT82, on the other hand, is the ideal choice for audiophiles who demand the utmost in performance, clarity, and detail retrieval.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which turntable is better for beginners, the RT81 or RT82?

The RT81 is a more beginner-friendly option due to its simpler setup and built-in phono preamp. However, the RT82 offers superior performance and is still relatively easy to set up.

2. Can I use the RT81 with a receiver that doesn’t have a phono input?

Yes, the RT81 has a built-in phono preamp that allows you to connect it directly to a receiver without a phono input.

3. What type of records can I play on the RT82?

The RT82 can play both 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records, making it compatible with a wide range of vinyl formats.

4. Does the RT82 come with a dust cover?

Yes, the RT82 includes an acrylic dust cover to protect the turntable from dust and debris.

5. Can I upgrade the cartridge on the RT81?

Yes, the RT81’s cartridge is user-replaceable, allowing you to upgrade to a cartridge of your choice.

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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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