Fluance RT81 Elite Vinyl Turntable
- SignaltoNoise Ratio: 60 db
- Cycles: AC Motor
- Signal Format: Analog
- Connectivity Technology: Wired
Last refreshed Sep 7, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A belt-drive turntable with a genuine Audio Technica cartridge and adjustable tonearm, built for listeners who want proper vinyl fidelity over convenience features.
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ASIN: B01F2EXIFMModel: RT81Category: Turntables
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Overview
A belt-drive turntable built around the Audio Technica AT95E cartridge and its diamond elliptical stylus, housed in a walnut-finished MDF plinth. Aimed at listeners moving up from an entry-level record player toward higher-fidelity playback.
The AT95E cartridge is the centerpiece here, a known step up from the cartridges bundled with budget turntables, paired with an adjustable counterweight on the S-type tonearm so tracking force can be set correctly rather than left fixed. A built-in preamp with gold-plated RCA outputs means it can connect straight into a standard amplifier without a separate phono stage, though anyone with an existing phono input can bypass it.
- Audio Technica AT95E cartridge with diamond elliptical stylus
- Belt-drive design with adjustable counterweight
- Built-in Texas Instruments preamp with gold-plated RCA outputs
- High-mass MDF plinth in a walnut finish
Who it's for
Suits someone building a first serious vinyl setup who wants a real cartridge and adjustable tonearm rather than an all-in-one suitcase player. Less suited to anyone wanting Bluetooth or a fully automatic player with no manual setup.
Pros and cons
- Ships with a genuine Audio Technica AT95E cartridge
- Adjustable counterweight for correct stylus tracking
- Built-in preamp works with standard line-level inputs
- Manual setup (counterweight, tonearm) required, not plug and play
- No Bluetooth or wireless streaming
Performance notes
Sound quality here depends on getting basic setup right: the counterweight has to be adjusted so the AT95E tracks at its correct force, and the isolation feet plus aluminum platter and rubber mat are there to keep outside vibration from reaching the stylus. The built-in Texas Instruments preamp lets it run into a standard line-level input, useful for anyone without a dedicated phono stage on their amp or receiver.
Where it stands among turntables
- #6 most-searched brand and model of the 69 turntables lines we track (by search demand, not sales).
From the specs of the 103 turntables we list; not a test result.
Specifications
| Brand | Fluance |
|---|---|
| Model | RT81 |
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item Weight | 14.1 poundshigher than 82% of 23 turntables |
| Item Dimensions L x W x H | 13.8 × 16.5 × 5.5 inches |
| Capacity & performance | |
| SignaltoNoise Ratio | 60 db |
| Cycles | AC Motor |
| Maximum Rotational Speed | 45 rpm |
| Power & efficiency | |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Power Consumption | 2 wattslower than 76% of 39 turntables |
| Construction & materials | |
| Enclosure Material | MDF Wood |
| Color | Walnut |
| Compatibility & installation | |
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Compatible Devices | Speaker |
| Included components | |
| Unit Count | 1 |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 2 years |
| Other details | |
| Signal Format | Analog |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Style Name | Retro |
| Mfr Part Number | RT81 |
Closest rivals on specs
Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-USB Bluetooth USB Turntable- Item Weight 14.1 vs 8.1 pounds (+74%)
Sony PS-LX310BT Bluetooth Belt Drive Turntable- Item Weight 14.1 vs 7.9 pounds (+78%)
Victrola Haley Retro Bluetooth Record Player with CD- Item Weight 14.1 vs 8.7 pounds (+62%)
- Power Consumption 2 vs 19 watts (-89%)
Frequently asked questions
Does the Fluance RT81 need a separate phono preamp?
No, it has a built-in preamp with gold-plated RCA outputs, though the preamp can be bypassed if your amp has its own phono input.
What cartridge does it come with?
An Audio Technica AT95E with a diamond elliptical tipped stylus.
Is the RT81 belt-drive or direct-drive?
Belt-drive.