Epic turntable clash: rega planar 2 vs fluance rt85, which reigns supreme?

The world of audiophiles is filled with a constant quest for the perfect sound experience. Two turntables that often grace the wish lists of vinyl enthusiasts are the Rega Planar 2 and the Fluance RT85. Both offer exceptional performance, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the intricacies of these two turntables, exploring their features, strengths, and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

Rega Planar 2: The Rega Planar 2 exudes a minimalist design with a sleek, all-black finish. Its lightweight plinth is made from high-quality medium-density fiberboard (MDF), providing a solid foundation for the turntable. The sub-platter is made of aluminum, which helps reduce vibrations.

Fluance RT85: The Fluance RT85 boasts a more traditional aesthetic with a wooden plinth and a glossy black finish. The plinth is made from high-density fiberboard (HDF), which is denser than MDF and offers better vibration dampening. The sub-platter is made of acrylic, which is known for its excellent resonance-damping properties.

Cartridge and Stylus

Rega Planar 2: The Rega Planar 2 comes equipped with the Rega Carbon cartridge, which features a carbon fiber cantilever and a diamond stylus. The cartridge is known for its detailed sound and excellent tracking ability.

Fluance RT85: The Fluance RT85 offers a choice of two cartridges: the Ortofon 2M Blue and the Ortofon 2M Red. Both cartridges are highly regarded for their accuracy and musicality. The 2M Blue cartridge has a slightly higher output level than the 2M Red, which may be preferred by some users.

Platter and Motor

Rega Planar 2: The Rega Planar 2 features a 23mm glass platter that is driven by a 24-volt AC synchronous motor. The motor is mounted on a separate sub-chassis to isolate it from vibrations.

Fluance RT85: The Fluance RT85 has a 30mm acrylic platter that is driven by a DC motor with electronic speed control. The motor is mounted on a vibration-absorbing base to minimize noise and ensure stable playback.

Speed Control and Adjustments

Rega Planar 2: The Rega Planar 2 offers manual speed control with two speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. The speed is adjusted using a belt that is moved between two different pulleys.

Fluance RT85: The Fluance RT85 features electronic speed control with three speeds: 33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM. The speed is adjusted using a button on the front panel. The turntable also has a built-in strobe light to ensure accurate speed adjustment.

Tonearm and Anti-Skating

Rega Planar 2: The Rega Planar 2 comes with the RB220 tonearm, which is made from aluminum and features a unipivot bearing. The tonearm has adjustable anti-skating, which helps to prevent the stylus from skipping.

Fluance RT85: The Fluance RT85 has an S-shaped tonearm made from carbon fiber. The tonearm features a ball-bearing gimbal suspension and adjustable anti-skating.

Sound Quality

Rega Planar 2: The Rega Planar 2 delivers a detailed and balanced sound with excellent clarity and dynamics. It is known for its ability to reveal the subtleties of music, making it a great choice for critical listening.

Fluance RT85: The Fluance RT85 offers a warm and engaging sound with a rich bass response. It is known for its ability to produce a wide soundstage with excellent imaging.

Which Turntable is Right for You?

Both the Rega Planar 2 and the Fluance RT85 are excellent turntables that offer exceptional sound quality. However, there are a few key differences to consider when making a choice:

• Budget: The Rega Planar 2 is slightly more expensive than the Fluance RT85.
• Design: The Rega Planar 2 has a minimalist design, while the Fluance RT85 has a more traditional aesthetic.
• Cartridge: The Rega Planar 2 comes with the Rega Carbon cartridge, while the Fluance RT85 offers a choice of two cartridges.
• Speed Control: The Rega Planar 2 has manual speed control, while the Fluance RT85 has electronic speed control.
• Sound Quality: The Rega Planar 2 delivers a detailed and balanced sound, while the Fluance RT85 offers a warm and engaging sound.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which turntable is right for you is to listen to them both and see which one you prefer.

The Verdict: A Tie

After careful consideration of all the factors, we declare a tie between the Rega Planar 2 and the Fluance RT85. Both turntables offer exceptional sound quality and are well-built. The Rega Planar 2 is a great choice for those who prefer a minimalist design and manual speed control. The Fluance RT85 is a great choice for those who want a more traditional aesthetic and electronic speed control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which turntable has better sound quality, the Rega Planar 2 or the Fluance RT85?
A: Both turntables offer excellent sound quality, with the Rega Planar 2 delivering a more detailed and balanced sound, and the Fluance RT85 offering a warmer and more engaging sound.

Q: Which turntable is easier to use, the Rega Planar 2 or the Fluance RT85?
A: The Fluance RT85 is easier to use due to its electronic speed control and built-in strobe light. The Rega Planar 2 requires manual speed adjustment, which may be more challenging for some users.

Q: Which turntable is better for beginners, the Rega Planar 2 or the Fluance RT85?
A: Both turntables are suitable for beginners, but the Fluance RT85 may be a better choice due to its ease of use and wider range of features.