The Fluance RT85 is a manual belt-drive turntable from Fluance’s Reference series. Its main attractions are the Ortofon 2M Blue moving-magnet cartridge, a heavy acrylic platter and a servo-controlled motor designed to maintain consistent playback speed.
Unlike the entry-level Fluance RT81, the RT85 does not include a built-in phono preamp. You’ll need a receiver with a dedicated PHONO input or a separate phono preamp before connecting it to standard powered speakers or a line-level amplifier input.
The RT85 is designed for listeners who want a more developed turntable setup and are comfortable choosing their own amplification components.
Quick Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drive system | Belt drive |
| Operation | Fully manual with auto-stop |
| Playback speeds | 33⅓ and 45 RPM |
| Motor | DC motor with servo speed control |
| Platter | 3 lb (approximately 1.56 kg) acrylic |
| Cartridge | Ortofon 2M Blue |
| Stylus | Nude elliptical diamond |
| Cartridge output | 5.5 mV |
| Tonearm | Static-balanced S-shaped aluminum |
| Counterweight | Adjustable |
| Anti-skate | Adjustable |
| Cueing lever | Yes |
| Built-in phono preamp | No |
| Outputs | RCA with ground terminal |
| Wow and flutter | 0.07% |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 69 dB, weighted |
| Dimensions | Approximately 419 × 140 × 362 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 7.6 kg |
The RT85 supports 33⅓ and 45 RPM records, but not 78 RPM playback. It also uses an acrylic platter that does not require a separate platter mat.
Who Is the Fluance RT85 For?
The RT85 is worth considering if you want:
- A manual belt-drive turntable with electronic speed control.
- The Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge supplied from the factory.
- A heavy acrylic platter.
- Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate.
- A removable headshell and compatible cartridge upgrade options.
- A conventional wired audio system with a separate phono stage.
It is particularly suitable for listeners who already own a stereo receiver with a PHONO input or are planning to buy a standalone phono preamp.
Who Should Skip It?
The RT85 may not be the right choice if you want:
- A built-in phono preamp: None is included. A compatible external phono stage or receiver PHONO input is required.
- Automatic playback: The RT85 is manual. Its auto-stop feature stops platter rotation but does not automatically lift and return the tonearm.
- Bluetooth or USB: Neither feature is built in.
- 78 RPM playback: The turntable supports only 33⅓ and 45 RPM.
- A simple plug-and-play system: You need to account for the phono stage and external speakers when planning your setup.
If you prefer a built-in phono preamp, the Fluance RT81 is a different option worth comparing.
Ortofon 2M Blue: The Main Attraction
The RT85 comes with the Ortofon 2M Blue, a moving-magnet cartridge featuring a nude elliptical diamond stylus.
The distinction between a nude and bonded stylus is in how the diamond tip is constructed:
- Bonded stylus: A small diamond tip is attached to a metal shank.
- Nude stylus: The diamond is a single piece, without the additional metal shank.
The nude construction reduces the moving mass at the stylus tip. This is one reason the 2M Blue is positioned above the 2M Red in Ortofon’s 2M range.
The cartridge has a published output voltage of 5.5 mV and a recommended tracking force of 1.8g.
Is the 2M Blue a Meaningful Upgrade?
The 2M Blue is a genuine cartridge upgrade over the Ortofon 2M Red and the older AT95E supplied with the original Fluance RT81.
However, the difference should not be described as guaranteed to be dramatic for every listener. The result depends on the record, cartridge alignment, phono stage, speakers, room and listening preferences.
Independent reviews have praised the RT85’s cartridge and overall performance, but those listening impressions are subjective rather than a guarantee of the same result in every system.
Can You Upgrade the Cartridge?
Yes. The RT85 uses a removable headshell and standard half-inch cartridge mounting.
Fluance specifies compatibility requirements for cartridge weight, height and vertical tracking angle. It recommends checking those requirements before installing a different cartridge.
You can also replace the 2M Blue stylus without replacing the complete cartridge body. Use a compatible Ortofon 2M Blue replacement stylus.
For more information about cartridge types and upgrade choices, see our best turntable cartridges guide and moving-magnet vs. moving-coil comparison.
Acrylic Platter and Speed Control
The RT85 includes a 3 lb acrylic platter, which is heavier than the aluminum platters used on the RT82, RT83 and RT84.
Acrylic is used in turntable design partly because of its mass and resonance characteristics. Fluance describes the platter as helping to damp unwanted vibrations and maintain consistent rotation.
The platter is designed to be used without a separate mat. Fluance also specifies a recessed center intended to help records sit flat.
Servo-Controlled Motor
The RT85 uses a DC motor with servo speed control. Fluance states that the system monitors motor speed 500 times per second and corrects variations during playback.
The published wow-and-flutter figure is 0.07%.
This combination of motor control, platter mass and belt drive is intended to provide stable playback. Actual performance also depends on the condition of the belt, record and setup.
Auto-Stop: What It Actually Does
The RT85 includes a defeatable auto-stop feature.
When the record reaches the end of playback, the mechanism stops the platter from continuing to rotate. This helps avoid unnecessary stylus movement in the run-out area.
However, auto-stop does not make the RT85 fully automatic. The tonearm is not automatically lifted and returned to its resting position. You still need to raise and return it yourself.
You can disable auto-stop if you prefer the platter to continue rotating.
Does the Fluance RT85 Have a Built-In Phono Preamp?
No. The RT85 does not include a phono preamp, and Fluance explicitly requires an external phono stage or an amplifier/receiver with a compatible PHONO input.
You have two main connection options:
| Your equipment | Connection |
|---|---|
| Receiver with MM PHONO input | RT85 directly to PHONO |
| Powered speakers with RCA LINE input | RT85 to external phono preamp, then to speakers |
| Amplifier without PHONO input | RT85 to external phono preamp, then to AUX or LINE |
The supplied Ortofon 2M Blue is a moving-magnet cartridge, so the phono stage should support MM cartridges.
Remember to connect the turntable’s ground wire to the preamp or receiver grounding terminal when provided.
An external phono preamp is a required part of the signal chain unless your amplifier or receiver already includes one. It does not automatically need to be an expensive model.
For help choosing one, see our best phono preamps guide and what is a phono preamp?.
Setup: Tracking Force and First Playback
The RT85 arrives with its Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge installed and aligned. You still need to assemble the turntable and check the tonearm settings before playing records.
A basic setup process:
- Place the turntable on a stable, level surface.
- Install the acrylic platter and drive belt according to the manual.
- Position the dust cover and connect the power adapter.
- Check the tonearm balance and counterweight.
- Set the tracking force to the cartridge manufacturer’s recommendation.
- Set anti-skate according to the supplied instructions.
- Connect the RCA cables and ground wire to your phono stage or receiver.
- Confirm that the phono stage is connected to the correct input on your amplifier or speakers.
For the supplied 2M Blue, use the manufacturer’s recommended tracking force of 1.8g.
The RT85 has an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate control, so these settings matter. If you replace the cartridge, follow the new cartridge’s specifications rather than automatically retaining the original settings.
For a more detailed walkthrough, see our how to set up a turntable guide.
Fluance RT85 vs. RT81
The RT85 and RT81 belong to different parts of Fluance’s turntable lineup. The RT85 adds the Reference-series motor and tonearm platform, an acrylic platter and the Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge.
| Feature | Fluance RT81 | Fluance RT85 |
|---|---|---|
| Drive system | Belt drive | Belt drive |
| Operation | Manual with auto-stop | Manual with auto-stop |
| Cartridge | Audio-Technica AT95E | Ortofon 2M Blue |
| Stylus | Bonded elliptical | Nude elliptical |
| Platter | Aluminum with rubber mat | Acrylic |
| Servo speed control | No | Yes |
| Built-in phono preamp | Yes, switchable | No |
| External phono stage | Optional | Required unless receiver has PHONO |
| Cartridge upgrades | Model-dependent | Removable headshell, standard half-inch mount |
The RT85’s cartridge and platter are significant differences, but the missing built-in preamp is also important. The total cost of a complete system should include the phono stage if you don’t already own one.
What Should You Pair With the RT85?
The RT85 needs a phono stage and external speakers. You can build the system in several ways.
Option 1: RT85 with a stereo receiver
RT85 → Receiver PHONO input → Passive speakers
This is the simplest arrangement if your receiver already has a compatible MM phono input.
Option 2: RT85 with powered speakers
RT85 → External MM phono preamp → Powered speakers
This works with powered speakers that have RCA or another compatible line-level input.
Option 3: RT85 with a separate amplifier and phono preamp
RT85 → External phono preamp → Integrated amplifier → Passive speakers
This gives you separate components for the phono stage and speaker amplification.
For speaker recommendations and complete system examples, see our best turntable speakers guide and vinyl systems by budget.
Final Verdict: Is the Fluance RT85 Worth Considering?
The Fluance RT85 combines a nude elliptical Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, a heavy acrylic platter and servo-controlled belt drive in a fully manual turntable.
Its strongest appeal is the combination of those components without requiring you to purchase a separate cartridge immediately. The adjustable tonearm and removable headshell also provide room for future upgrades.
The main trade-off is the lack of a built-in phono preamp. That is not necessarily a disadvantage if you already own a suitable receiver or plan to use a separate phono stage, but it adds an essential component to the total system cost.
If you want a turntable with a more advanced factory cartridge and are comfortable building a component-based vinyl system, the RT85 is a strong option to consider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Fluance RT81 and RT85?
The RT85 has an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge with a nude elliptical stylus, an acrylic platter and a servo-controlled motor. The original RT81 uses an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge, an aluminum platter with a rubber mat and a built-in switchable phono preamp.
Does the Fluance RT85 need a phono preamp?
Yes, unless your amplifier or receiver already has a compatible PHONO input. The RT85 has no built-in phono preamp.
Does the Fluance RT85 have auto-stop?
Yes. Auto-stop halts platter rotation at the end of a record, but it does not lift or return the tonearm. The feature can also be disabled.
Is the Fluance RT85 fully automatic?
No. It is a manual turntable. You position and return the tonearm yourself.
What tracking force should I use with the RT85?
For the supplied Ortofon 2M Blue, the recommended tracking force is 1.8g. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendation if you install a different cartridge.
Can I upgrade the Ortofon 2M Blue stylus?
Yes. The stylus can be replaced with a compatible Ortofon 2M Blue replacement. You do not need to replace the complete cartridge body for a routine stylus replacement.
Does the Fluance RT85 support 78 RPM?
No. It supports 33⅓ and 45 RPM records only.
Does the Fluance RT85 include speakers?
No. It is a standalone turntable and requires external speakers and the appropriate amplification.