Vinyl can be an expensive hobby to get into. Big audiophiles can easily spend $1,000+ on high-end turntables, but there are plenty of more affordable options that still offer a great experience. The Fluance RT81+ is one of those record players. It's my team's midrange pick for the best turntable under $500, offering excellent performance and a handsome design.
The RT81+ typically costs $350, which is already an excellent value. However, right now, the Piano White model is on sale for $53 off at Amazon. This is the lowest price it's been all year, and I doubt we'll see a better one until Black Friday arrives. The RT81+ is also available in Piano Black and Natural Walnut colorways, but those editions are not currently discounted.
During testing, our reviewer found the Fluance RT81+ to be an ideal midrange record player and an especially great fit for anyone ready to upgrade from an entry-level turntable. It offers a clear step up from the cheaper construction and lower-end components found on less expensive models, while still coming in at a reasonable price.
Looking for more turntable recommendations? Check out our guides to the best budget record players and the best Bluetooth record players.
Why we love the Fluance RT81+ turntable
The RT81+ features high-quality components and wood construction.
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- The Fluance RT81+ is a perfect upgrade from an entry-level turntable. This record player has a solid-wood body and uses quality components that are a step up from the plastic construction used on cheaper models. These parts help bring out clear, full-sounding playback.
- Its design helps keep music steady. Adjustable rubber feet reduce vibrations, and the acrylic mat helps limit static compared to felt mats used on some cheaper models.
- The turntable's Audio-Technica VM95E cartridge is a solid component for this price range, and our reviewer was impressed by its full, deep playback, offering the rich, warm sound vinyl is known for.
- It features an integrated preamp for easy playback with many powered speakers. The built-in preamp is also selectable, so you can turn it off if you prefer to add a dedicated one later.
- The RT81+ isn't fully automatic, but we love how it stops spinning when a record side ends. However, you'll still need to return the tonearm manually.
- It's available in three colorways: Piano White, Piano Black, and Natural Walnut, all of which feature an elegant look. That said, they all have a glossy finish, which may be a pro or con depending on your preferences.
- The RT81+ turntable's wired playback preserves the full range of a vinyl record without the compression introduced by a wireless connection. This is ideal for purists, but the player's lack of Bluetooth support may limit its appeal to more casual listeners.
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The post This Fluance record player is our favorite midrange turntable, and it's at its lowest price of the year appeared first on Business Insider
