Fluance · Updated June 2026
Fluance RT81: price, specs & release date
Fluance RT81, released 2016. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: fluance.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
The Fluance RT81 is listed at $299.99 on fluance.com as of 2026-06-27, #3 cheapest of 16 turntables (median $572); other retailers may be lower. It earns a Bronze Deskmark — 38/100 pay-blind standing, #9 of 15 in class.
Verified Jun 27, 2026 · figures linked to their source in the table below
- Best for Easy, near plug-and-play setup; Defeatable built-in phono preamp.
- Skip if Outclassed on detail and dynamics by pricier rivals (Rega/Pro-Ject) is a dealbreaker.
Is the Fluance RT81 a good buy?
At $300, the Fluance RT81 is #3 cheapest of the 16 turntables we track, where the median is $572. On the spec sheet, its release of 2016 is the lowest of the 12, and its weight of 14.1 lb is above the median of the 15.
Evidence of Record
Our dataNo independent lab has measured this product yet. 3 outlets have it on record by mention only, with no hands-on measurements published to weigh its claims against — a gap in the evidence, not a verdict on the product.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the 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.
Based on 3 reviews · 3 lab-tested · 2018-08-07–2024-02-22
Tested by What Hi-Fi, TechRadar, TechHive
Consistently praised
- Easy, near plug-and-play setup · 3 sources
- Defeatable built-in phono preamp · 3 sources
- Upgradeable cartridge and phono stage give room to grow · 3 sources
- Excellent value for the price · 2 sources
- Solid build and attractive walnut design · 2 sources
Commonly flagged
- Outclassed on detail and dynamics by pricier rivals (Rega/Pro-Ject) · 2 sources
- Plastic tonearm with only average tracking
- Inconsistent platter speed on sustained notes
- Lacks modern features (no USB ripping, no Bluetooth)
Where reviewers disagree The sources split on sonic refinement: What Hi-Fi and TechRadar note the RT81 is bettered by pricier rivals on detail and dynamics and flag speed/tonearm shortcomings, whereas TechHive raises no sound-quality reservations, calling it 'stellar' with only missing-feature (no USB, no Bluetooth) cons.
The sources (3)
It is an instantly likeable deck, one we would happily take home.
If you covet a warm, solid-sounding turntable with plenty of musical talent, it's time you introduced yourself to Fluance.
While still perhaps less full of body, the Rega is faster, more agile, more detailed and yet more expressive.
The Fluance RT81 is the best starter turntable you can buy.
Speaking of the tonearm, it's made entirely of plastic and its bearings aren't silky smooth as higher-end turntables.
the Fluance sounds like it's hunting and pecking to keep a perfect speed, which is especially noticeable in classical music where a single note is sustained for extended periods.
it's an outstanding turntable that deserves every bit of the praise that it's received.
The Fluance RT81 is a stellar entry-level turntable, one that offers a far better experience than many other low-priced options.
No USB port for ripping vinyl
Specifications
| Price (US) | $299.99 MSRP on fluance.com, June 2026. |
|---|---|
| Brand | Fluance |
| Released | 2016 |
| Drive type | belt |
| Speeds | 33⅓ / 45 RPM |
| Cartridge included | Audio-Technica AT95E |
| Built in preamp | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| USB output | No |
| Weight (lb) | 14.1 |
Source: fluance.com (verified 2026-06-15) · corroborated by amazon.com. Price $299.99, belt drive, Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge, switchable built-in phono preamp (Texas Instruments), weight 14.1 lb (6.4 kg), and absence of Bluetooth/USB all confirmed directly from the fluance.com product page and Amazon listing. Release year 2016.
Is the Fluance RT81 worth it vs cheaper turntables?
Fluance RT81 against its closest cheaper and pricier turntables on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 16 ranked
| Product | Price | Drive type | Speeds | Cartridge included | Built in preamp | Bluetooth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluance RT81 this | $299.99 | belt | 33⅓ / 45 RPM | Audio-Technica AT95E | Yes | No |
| Sony PS-LX310BT | $199.99 | belt | 33⅓ / 45 RPM | Audio-Technica AT3600L MM | Yes | Yes |
| Fluance RT82 | $349.99 | belt | 33⅓ / 45 RPM | Ortofon OM 10 | No | No |
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the 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. Praised: Easy, near plug-and-play setup; Defeatable built-in phono preamp; Upgradeable cartridge and phono stage give room to grow; Excellent value for the price; Solid build and attractive walnut design. Flagged: Outclassed on detail and dynamics by pricier rivals (Rega/Pro-Ject); Plastic tonearm with only average tracking; Inconsistent platter speed on sustained notes; Lacks modern features (no USB ripping, no Bluetooth). (From 3 tester reviews, 3 lab-tested.)
How much does the Fluance RT81 cost?
The Fluance RT81 has a US price of $299.99 (MSRP on fluance.com, June 2026.), as of 2026-06-15.
How does the Fluance RT81 compare on price?
At $300, the Fluance RT81 is #3 cheapest of the 16 turntables we track, where the median is $572.
When was the Fluance RT81 released?
The Fluance RT81 was released 2016.
What are the Fluance RT81's key specs?
Fluance RT81 (Fluance): drive type belt, speeds 33⅓ / 45 RPM, cartridge included Audio-Technica AT95E, built in preamp Yes, bluetooth No. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-15.
Price of record: $299.99 at fluance.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
Check current price at amazon.com As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar turntables
Nearest in price — swipe to browse. Every pick sourced and dated.
All turntables ranked · Open data & methodology · Queryable via MCP
Compare with
Head-to-head
Cheaper turntables
- Sony PS-LX310BT $199.99
- Audio-Technica AT-LP60X $179
Step up
- Fluance RT82 $349.99
- Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB $399
- U-Turn Orbit Plus (Gen 2) $399
- Denon DP-300F $499
- Fluance RT85 $549.99
- Rega Planar 1 $595
More from Fluance
- Fluance RT85 $549.99
- Fluance RT82 $349.99
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