Fluance is coming with the goods.

Fluance T85 Reference Turntable

Established in 1999, Fluance is an online, North American-based audio company that produces high-end Home Audio, Music Systems and now High-Fidelity Turntables. Fluance believes everyone should experience audio in its truest form, and their prices have thus far made true hi-fi affordable for even the most modest of budgets. A combination of quality components and expert audio engineering, their products are ‘a testament to the performance that can be achieved when a passion for music takes center stage’.

I have had the pleasure of reviewing a few of their products, all of which have proven to be a balance of quality components, craftsmanship and value. This time around, they have sent along the RT85 Reference Series High Fidelity Turntable; the flagship of their new four-model line-up consisting of the RT82, RT83, RT84, and RT85.

Fluance T85 Reference

These turntables are meticulously designed and beautiful pieces of hi-fi. All models feature precision playback with Motor-Isolation and speed-control.

According to their release;

‘The precision servo-controlled belt-drive motor features a speed regulating optical sensor that continuously measures and adjusts variances in linear velocity and acceleration within a few hundredths of a percent at a wow and flutter of 0.07. The decoupling of the drive from the plinth suppresses motor vibrations and noise from reaching the stylus, resulting in accurate speed so records sound perfect at every play.’

Other highlights include a multi-layered, solid wood plinth to inhibit the transfer of unwanted resonance. Three rubber spike-type, height-adjustable isolation feet minimizing surface contact under the turntables, further reducing resonance and improves low-frequency signal pickup and imaging.

Fluance T85 Reference Turntable

Each of the turntables include an Ortofon cartridge that features an elliptical diamond styli. The RT82 includes the Ortofon Super OM 10 cartridge; the RT83 and RT84 include the Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge, and the RT85 includes the Ortofon 2M Blue Cartridge.

The RT84 and RT85 feature a frosted acrylic platter that enhances the aesthetic and sonic qualities of the turntables. The high density and greater mass of the acrylic material provide stable inertia to achieve a more consistent speed while also damping unwanted vibrations by dissipating the energy. The RT84 and RT85 are said to deliver a more 3-dimensional sound with tighter bass, a fuller midrange, and overall clarity. The RT82 and RT83 ship with a metal platter but, can be upgraded to an acrylic one.

Add a balanced S-shaped tonearm4 for accurate tracking of record grooves and no electronics placed within in the signal path from the stylus tip to the gold-plated RCA outputs, and you’re sure to have pure, exceptionally detailed sound.

Fluance T85 Reference Turntable

Pricing for the Reference High Fidelity Turntables is as follows; RT82 ($299), RT83 ($349), RT84 ($449), and RT85 ($499), are available now in black and walnut directly from their website.

My sample arrived in black and shipped with a Fluance made phono preamp. I’ve spent some time carefully getting it set up, and now I’m enjoying spending time listening to my vinyl collection. I’ll have my full review up shortly.