The Fluance RT85N is a manual belt-drive turntable from Fluance’s Reference series. It shares much of its design with the standard RT85, including the acrylic platter, servo-controlled motor and auto-stop feature, but comes fitted with a different cartridge: the Nagaoka MP-110 instead of the Ortofon 2M Blue.
That cartridge difference is the main reason to choose between the two models. The MP-110 has a bonded elliptical stylus and is often described as having a warm, smooth presentation, while the 2M Blue uses a nude elliptical stylus and is commonly associated with a more detailed, neutral presentation. These are listening impressions rather than guaranteed differences for every system.
Like the standard RT85, the RT85N has no built-in phono preamp. You’ll need a receiver with a compatible PHONO input or a separate phono preamp.
Quick Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drive system | Belt drive |
| Operation | 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 | Nagaoka MP-110 |
| Stylus | 0.4 × 0.7 mil bonded elliptical diamond |
| Cartridge output | 5.0 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 | 68.5 dB, weighted |
| Unit weight | Approximately 7.6 kg |
| Playback of 78 RPM records | No |
The MP-110’s recommended tracking-force range is 1.5–2.0g. Nagaoka specifies a 47kΩ load impedance and 100pF load capacitance.
Who Is the Fluance RT85N For?
The RT85N is worth considering if you want:
- A manual belt-drive turntable with an acrylic platter.
- A factory-installed Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge.
- Adjustable tracking force and anti-skate.
- A removable headshell and compatible cartridge upgrade options.
- Electronic speed control and auto-stop.
- A traditional analog system with a separate phono stage or receiver PHONO input.
It is particularly interesting if you’re choosing between the Nagaoka MP-110 and Ortofon 2M Blue and would rather receive your preferred cartridge already installed.
Who Should Skip It?
The RT85N may not be the right choice if you want:
- A built-in phono preamp: None is included.
- Automatic playback: Auto-stop halts the platter, but the tonearm is not automatically lifted and returned.
- Bluetooth or USB: Neither is built in.
- 78 RPM playback: It supports 33⅓ and 45 RPM only.
- A simple all-in-one system: You’ll need to provide the phono stage, amplification and speakers separately.
If you want a turntable with a built-in phono preamp, consider a different model such as the Fluance RT81.
What Is Different Between the RT85 and RT85N?
The most visible difference is the cartridge:
- RT85: Ortofon 2M Blue with a nude elliptical stylus.
- RT85N: Nagaoka MP-110 with a bonded elliptical stylus.
However, there is another important distinction: the tonearm height is slightly different. Fluance specifies that the RT85N tonearm is 0.5mm higher to accommodate the Nagaoka cartridge’s different vertical tracking angle.
| Feature | Fluance RT85 | Fluance RT85N |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge | Ortofon 2M Blue | Nagaoka MP-110 |
| Stylus profile | Nude elliptical | Bonded elliptical |
| Stylus size | 0.3 × 0.7 mil | 0.4 × 0.7 mil |
| Output voltage | 5.5 mV | 5.0 mV |
| Tracking force | 1.5–2.0g | 1.5–2.0g |
| Tonearm height | Standard RT85 configuration | 0.5mm higher |
| Platter | Acrylic | Acrylic |
| Built-in phono preamp | No | No |
| Drive system | Belt drive | Belt drive |
The motor, platter and overall Reference-series design are closely related, but the models are not completely identical mechanically.
Important: Fluance does not recommend simply installing the MP-110 on the standard RT85. The different cartridge height and vertical tracking angle can affect the intended geometry. If you want the Nagaoka cartridge, choosing the RT85N configuration is the more appropriate route.
Nagaoka MP-110 Cartridge: What Makes It Different?
The Nagaoka MP-110 is a moving-permalloy cartridge, a design that is generally used with a compatible moving-magnet phono input.
Its main specifications include:
- 5.0mV output voltage.
- Bonded elliptical diamond stylus.
- Aluminum-alloy cantilever.
- 20Hz–20kHz frequency response.
- 23dB channel separation at 1kHz.
- 1.5–2.0g recommended tracking force.
- 47kΩ load impedance.
The MP-110 uses a replaceable JN-P110 stylus, so routine stylus replacement does not require purchasing another complete cartridge.
MP-110 vs. Ortofon 2M Blue
The two cartridges have different stylus constructions and published specifications.
The Ortofon 2M Blue uses a nude elliptical diamond, while the Nagaoka MP-110 uses a bonded elliptical diamond. The 2M Blue also has a slightly higher output voltage.
Listening descriptions often characterize the MP-110 as warmer and smoother, while the 2M Blue is frequently described as more open and detailed. These descriptions are subjective and can vary with phono-stage loading, tonearm matching, speakers, records and listener preference.
Neither cartridge is automatically the better choice. The more useful question is which cartridge better suits your system and listening preferences.
For a broader explanation of cartridge technologies, see our moving-magnet vs. moving-coil guide and best turntable cartridges comparison.
Acrylic Platter and Servo-Controlled Motor
The RT85N includes a 3 lb acrylic platter. Its weight and material are intended to help control unwanted vibration and provide a stable surface for record playback.
Unlike some lower models in Fluance’s lineup, the RT85N does not require a separate platter mat.
It also 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 specification is 0.07%.
These specifications describe the turntable’s design and measured performance, but they do not guarantee a particular audible improvement in every listening environment.
Auto-Stop: What It Actually Does
The RT85N includes an auto-stop feature that halts platter rotation at the end of a record.
This is useful if you occasionally leave the turntable running after a side finishes. However, it is important to understand what the feature does not do.
The RT85N is not fully automatic:
- The tonearm must be positioned manually.
- The stylus must be lowered manually.
- The tonearm is not automatically lifted at the end.
- You must return the tonearm to its resting position yourself.
You can also disable auto-stop if you prefer the platter to continue rotating.
Does the Fluance RT85N Have a Built-In Phono Preamp?
No. The RT85N does not include a phono preamp.
The Nagaoka MP-110 produces a phono-level signal, which needs RIAA equalization and amplification before reaching a standard line-level input.
You have two main connection options:
| Your equipment | Connection |
|---|---|
| Receiver with MM PHONO input | RT85N directly to PHONO |
| Powered speakers with RCA LINE input | RT85N to external MM phono preamp, then to speakers |
| Amplifier without PHONO input | RT85N to external phono preamp, then to AUX or LINE |
The MP-110 is compatible with a suitable MM phono stage. Connect the turntable’s ground wire to the grounding terminal on the preamp or receiver when provided.
You do not need an expensive phono preamp simply because the turntable uses the MP-110. Choose one with suitable MM support and appropriate loading.
For more information, see our best phono preamps guide and what is a phono preamp?.
Setup and Tracking Force
The RT85N arrives with the Nagaoka MP-110 installed. You still need to assemble the turntable and check the tonearm settings.
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.
- Balance the tonearm and check the counterweight.
- Set tracking force within Nagaoka’s recommended 1.5–2.0g range.
- Set anti-skate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Connect the RCA cables and ground wire to your phono stage or receiver.
- Confirm the correct input and playback speed before playing a record.
The MP-110’s tracking-force range is different from some other cartridges, so don’t automatically copy settings from an Ortofon 2M Blue or another cartridge.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our how to set up a turntable guide.
What Should You Pair With the RT85N?
The RT85N needs a compatible phono stage, amplification and speakers.
Option 1: Receiver with a PHONO input
RT85N → Receiver PHONO input → Passive speakers
This is the simplest option if your receiver already has a suitable MM phono stage.
Option 2: Powered speakers
RT85N → External MM phono preamp → Powered speakers
This works with powered speakers that have a standard line-level input.
Option 3: Separate phono preamp and amplifier
RT85N → External phono preamp → Integrated amplifier → Passive speakers
This gives you separate components for phono amplification and speaker power.
For speaker recommendations and complete system examples, see our best turntable speakers guide and vinyl systems by budget.
Is the Fluance RT85N a Wirecutter Pick?
Retailer descriptions and secondary product roundups have referenced Wirecutter recognition for the RT85N. However, I could not independently verify the exact current Wirecutter designation from an accessible primary article.
For that reason, this guide does not present a Wirecutter award or ranking as a confirmed current distinction. Check the original Wirecutter article before relying on a retailer’s award wording.
Final Verdict: Should You Choose the Fluance RT85N?
The Fluance RT85N is a compelling option for listeners who want the Reference-series turntable platform with a factory-installed Nagaoka MP-110 cartridge.
Its acrylic platter, servo-controlled motor, adjustable tonearm and auto-stop provide a solid feature set. The cartridge is the defining difference compared with the standard RT85, and the slightly different tonearm height is an important detail when comparing the models.
The missing built-in phono preamp is the main additional system requirement. If you already have a compatible receiver or plan to buy a separate MM phono stage, this is straightforward to accommodate.
The choice between the RT85 and RT85N ultimately comes down to cartridge preference and system matching, not a simple performance ranking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Fluance RT85 and RT85N?
The RT85 uses an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge with a nude elliptical stylus. The RT85N uses a Nagaoka MP-110 with a bonded elliptical stylus. Fluance also specifies a tonearm height difference of 0.5mm to accommodate the MP-110.
Should I buy the RT85 or RT85N?
Choose the RT85 if you prefer the Ortofon 2M Blue. Choose the RT85N if you prefer the Nagaoka MP-110. Both have an acrylic platter, servo-controlled motor, manual operation and no built-in phono preamp.
Does the Fluance RT85N need a phono preamp?
Yes, unless your amplifier or receiver already has a compatible PHONO input. The RT85N has no built-in phono preamp.
Is the Nagaoka MP-110 a moving-magnet cartridge?
Nagaoka classifies it as an MP-type cartridge, or moving-permalloy design. It is intended for use with a compatible MM phono input.
What tracking force should I use with the MP-110?
Nagaoka recommends 1.5–2.0g. Follow the cartridge manufacturer’s specifications when setting tracking force.
Can I replace the Nagaoka MP-110 stylus?
Yes. The compatible replacement is the Nagaoka JN-P110 stylus. You can replace the stylus without replacing the entire cartridge body.
Does the RT85N have Bluetooth or USB?
No. It provides analog RCA output and requires external equipment for wireless transmission or digital recording.
Does the RT85N support 78 RPM records?
No. The turntable supports 33⅓ and 45 RPM playback only.