# Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB vs Fluance RT81: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB (Audio-Technica) and Fluance RT81 (Fluance) among turntables. Fluance RT81 is the cheaper of the two at $299.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB | Fluance RT81 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $399 | $299.99 |
| Brand | Audio-Technica | Fluance |
| Released | 2019 | 2016 |
| Drive type | direct | belt |
| Speeds | 33⅓ / 45 / 78 RPM | 33⅓ / 45 RPM |
| Cartridge included | Audio-Technica AT-VM95E | Audio-Technica AT95E |
| Built in preamp | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| USB output | Yes | No |
| Weight (lb) | 17.6 | 14.1 |

## Key differences

- Drive type: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB direct vs Fluance RT81 belt
- Speeds: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB 33⅓ / 45 / 78 RPM vs Fluance RT81 33⅓ / 45 RPM
- Cartridge included: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Audio-Technica AT-VM95E vs Fluance RT81 Audio-Technica AT95E
- USB output: Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB Yes vs Fluance RT81 No
- Weight (lb): Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB 17.6 vs Fluance RT81 14.1

## What reviewers say

**Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB** — One whitelisted source (SoundGuys) yields verifiable review text for this exact model. It is a qualitative roundup, not a lab test: SoundGuys names the AT-LP120XUSB the best all-around turntable for most people (9.6 pick), praising USB-to-FLAC ripping and 33/45/78 rpm playback with a built-in preamp and direct drive, while flagging that it is not automatic and the tonearm height is not adjustable. No measurements were reported. (1 sourced review.)

**Fluance RT81** — Three whitelisted outlets (What Hi-Fi, TechRadar, TechHive) reviewed the exact Fluance RT81 hands-on and agree it is a standout entry-level turntable: easy near plug-and-play setup, a defeatable built-in phono preamp, and clear upgrade headroom via swappable cartridge and phono stage. None published lab measurements. Criticisms are largely model-dependent: TechRadar flags a plastic tonearm with average tracking and slightly inconsistent speed, What Hi-Fi says pricier rivals better it on detail and dynamics, and TechHive misses USB ripping and Bluetooth. (3 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB: https://www.audio-technica.com/en-us/at-lp120xusb (audio-technica.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Fluance RT81: https://www.fluance.com/rt81-high-fidelity-vinyl-turntable-record-player-with-premium-cartridge-diamond-needle (fluance.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/turntables/audio-technica-at-lp120xusb-vs-fluance-rt81/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB ($399) vs Fluance RT81 ($299.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/turntables/audio-technica-at-lp120xusb-vs-fluance-rt81/
License: CC BY 4.0.