A Giant of Affordable Hi-Fi Just Introduced a Standout Audiophile Turntable

Fluance is one of the biggest names in entry-level hi-fi turntables, with models ranging from $250 to $550. In the sub-$1,000 space, it’s a bonafide rival to the likes of Pro-Ject and U-Turn Audio.

Now, however, the Canadian audio manufacturer is slightly switching gears by introducing its most audiophile-grade turntable to date. According to the brand, the all-new RT87 represents its “most ambitious approach to accurate vinyl playback” yet.

Fluance RT87

Fluance

The Fluance RT87 is the most high-end turntable in the company’s Reference Series, and sits right above its previous flagship: the RT85N ($550). However, the RT87 represents a significant step up.

“Every decision behind this turntable was made with musical accuracy in mind,” said Justin Koetsier, a product manager at Fluance. “As more listeners demand higher-resolution analog systems, the demand is no longer just for a turntable, but for a platform that allows the stylus to retrieve the clearest possible signal from the groove.”

Fluance

Dual plinth

The most striking feature of the RT87 is its dual-plinth architecture; it’s Fluance’s first turntable to have such a design. This creates a physical separation between the top plinth and the motor, which is mounted on the lower plinth, further eliminating vibrations from impacting the tonearm and cartridge.

In a nutshell, the RT87 reads vinyl records extremely accurately.

Fluance

Naturally, the RT87 is engineered with other features to ensure accurate playback.

This includes a nine-inch carbon fiber tonearm with Adjustable Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA), which allows listeners to fine-tune cartridge alignment. As well as a high-mass, 4.1-pound acrylic platter that is designed to improve rotational stability while minimizing unwanted resonance.

Fluance

Two cartridge options

Additionally, Fluance is giving listeners the option to choose between two different moving magnet cartridges: Audio-Technica’s AT-VM95ML or Ortofon’s 2M Blue.

Fluance claims that Audio-Technica’s cartridge features a Microlinear stylus that can reach deeper into the groove “for exceptional detail retrieval, low distortion, and high-resolution sound,” while the Ortofon 2M Blue is known for its “balanced sound, accurate tracking, and rich tonal character.”

Basically, it gives listeners the option to further customize their turntable’s sound. (Plus, no matter the cartridge configuration, the RT87 costs the same.)

Fluance

Importantly, the Fluance RT87 is a belt-drive turntable that doesn’t come with a built-in phono preamplifier. So, listeners have to get an external one or pair the turntable with an integrated amplifier that has its own phono stage.

The lack of a phono preamplifier is another feature that separates the RT87 from more entry-level turntables; it gives listeners more freedom to customize their sound, but obviously adds to the final cost of their vinyl hi-fi system.

Fluance

Availability and pricing

The Fluance RT87 turntable comes in three different finishes (Natural Walnut, Piano White and Piano Black) and two different phono cartridge configurations.

The turntable costs $800, no matter the color or phono cartridge you choose. It’s available now.

Fluance

Fluance RT87

• $800 at Amazon (Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML)
• $800 at Amazon (Ortofon 2M Blue)

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