The Fluance RT81 is a manual belt-drive turntable that combines an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge, an aluminum S-shaped tonearm and a switchable built-in phono preamp. Its design gives beginners a relatively straightforward way to start listening to vinyl while retaining the option to upgrade the cartridge or use a separate phono stage later.
One of its most useful features is the ability to bypass the internal preamp. This lets you connect the RT81 directly to powered speakers or a standard amplifier input, or use an external phono preamp if you prefer.
The built-in preamp has received mixed assessments in independent reviews, so it’s worth understanding what it does and whether you need to upgrade it before choosing this turntable.
Fluance RT81: Quick Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Drive type | Belt-drive |
| Operation | Manual |
| Auto-stop | Switchable; stops the platter at the end of a record |
| Speeds | 33⅓ and 45 RPM |
| Built-in phono preamp | Yes, switchable |
| Cartridge | Audio-Technica AT95E |
| Stylus | Bonded elliptical diamond |
| Recommended tracking force | 2.0 g (±0.5 g) |
| Tonearm | Static-balanced aluminum S-shaped tonearm |
| Headshell | Removable, H-4 bayonet mount |
| Platter | Aluminum |
| Platter mat | Rubber |
| Plinth | MDF with piano-gloss finish |
| Outputs | Gold-plated RCA with ground terminal |
| Connectivity | Analog RCA; no built-in Bluetooth or USB |
Model distinction: This review covers the original RT81, which uses the AT95E cartridge. The RT81+ is a different model with an AT-VM95E cartridge and other design changes. Do not assume that RT81+ cartridge or platter specifications apply to the original RT81.
Who Is the Fluance RT81 For?
The RT81 is suited to someone looking for a traditional manual turntable with a removable headshell and a replaceable cartridge.
Its built-in preamp makes it convenient for a first system: connect it to powered speakers or an amplifier with a standard line-level input and you can start listening without purchasing another component.
At the same time, the removable headshell and switchable preamp provide room for future changes. You can experiment with compatible cartridges and stylus upgrades or bypass the internal phono stage entirely.
It is worth considering if you want something more configurable than a basic automatic record player but don’t need wireless streaming or USB recording.
Who Should Skip It?
The RT81 is not designed for someone who wants fully automatic playback. You must position and lift the tonearm yourself, although the switchable auto-stop function can stop the platter at the end of a record.
It may also be unsuitable if you want Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or USB recording built into the turntable. Those features require separate equipment.
Finally, if you are planning to invest in a dedicated external phono preamp from the beginning, compare the RT81 with models that omit the internal preamp altogether. You may find a different turntable design better suited to your system.
Design, Tonearm and Build Quality
The RT81 has a solid MDF plinth with a piano-gloss finish, an aluminum platter and a rubber mat. Its S-shaped aluminum tonearm uses a removable headshell, making cartridge replacement more convenient than on turntables with fixed cartridge assemblies.
The headshell uses a standard H-4 bayonet connection. You can remove it by loosening the locking collar, allowing you to install another compatible headshell and cartridge combination.
The tonearm also includes an adjustable counterweight and anti-skating control. These adjustments allow you to set the tracking force and anti-skating according to the installed cartridge.
The overall design is conventional rather than feature-heavy. There are no wireless controls or digital recording features, but the physical layout provides the adjustments expected from a manual turntable.
Audio-Technica AT95E Cartridge
The original Fluance RT81 comes with the Audio-Technica AT95E, a moving-magnet cartridge with a bonded elliptical stylus.
Its recommended tracking force is 2.0 g, with a specified range of 1.5–2.5 g. The cartridge uses a standard half-inch mounting arrangement, so it can be replaced with another compatible model.
The supplied cartridge is an important part of the RT81 package. It gives you a replaceable stylus and a conventional cartridge mounting system rather than a permanently integrated cartridge assembly.
Can You Upgrade the Cartridge?
Yes. The removable headshell allows you to replace the complete AT95E cartridge with another compatible half-inch model.
You can also replace the stylus, but make sure the replacement is designed for the original AT95E cartridge. The newer AT-VM95 stylus family is not a direct replacement for the older AT95E body.
If you want to explore other cartridge options, see our guide to the best turntable cartridges.
Built-In Phono Preamp: Should You Use It?
The RT81 includes a switchable phono preamp, which is one of its main convenience features.
A phono preamp applies RIAA equalization and raises the cartridge’s low-level signal to line level. With the RT81’s internal preamp enabled, you can connect the turntable directly to powered speakers or an amplifier’s AUX, CD or LINE input.
The rear panel includes a switch that lets you bypass the internal preamp and use the turntable’s raw PHONO output instead.
Internal vs. External Phono Preamp
Independent reviews have not reached a uniform conclusion about the RT81’s internal phono stage.
Some reviewers have found it perfectly usable for everyday listening, while others have reported audible noise and a less convincing presentation compared with an external phono preamp. One review by The Audiophile Man was particularly critical, whereas TechRadar described the built-in stage more positively.
The practical takeaway is not that the internal preamp is automatically bad. It is that its performance is one part of the system worth evaluating if you are considering a separate phono stage.
You can start with the built-in preamp and decide later whether an external model is worthwhile.
How to Connect an External Phono Preamp
If you want to use a separate phono preamp:
- Set the RT81’s preamp switch to PHONO or BYPASS.
- Connect the turntable’s RCA cables to the external preamp’s PHONO input.
- Connect the ground wire to the preamp’s grounding terminal, if provided.
- Connect the external preamp’s LINE output to AUX, CD or another line-level input on your amplifier or powered speakers.
Do not leave the internal preamp enabled when using another phono preamp. That would send an already equalized line-level signal into a second phono stage.
For more information, read our guide to what a phono preamp does.
Setup and First Use
The RT81 requires some manual setup, but the process follows the standard procedure for a conventional turntable.
The main steps are:
- Install the aluminum platter and drive belt.
- Attach the removable headshell and connect it securely to the tonearm.
- Install the counterweight and balance the tonearm according to the manual.
- Set the tracking force to the AT95E’s recommended 2.0 g.
- Set the anti-skating control to match the tracking force.
- Connect the RCA cables and ground wire as required.
- Choose LINE or PHONO output according to your amplifier or speaker inputs.
The auto-stop function can be switched on or off at the rear of the turntable. When enabled, it stops the platter near the end of a record. It does not automatically lift or return the tonearm.
For more detailed instructions, see our guide to setting up a turntable.
What Does the Fluance RT81 Pair Well With?
The RT81’s switchable preamp makes it compatible with several types of audio systems.
Powered speakers: Set the turntable to LINE and connect its RCA cables to the speakers’ RCA or other compatible line-level input.
Amplifier with a PHONO input: Set the turntable to PHONO or BYPASS and connect it to the amplifier’s dedicated PHONO input. Connect the ground wire if required.
Amplifier without a PHONO input: Use the built-in preamp with the turntable set to LINE, or add an external phono preamp between the turntable and amplifier.
External phono preamp and powered speakers: Bypass the RT81’s internal preamp, connect the turntable to the external preamp, and send the preamp’s LINE output to the speakers.
The important thing is to match the turntable’s output to the input on the next component. Our guide to the best turntable speakers explains the differences between powered and passive speaker systems.
Sound and Performance
The RT81’s sound depends on more than the turntable itself. The AT95E cartridge, phono preamp, amplifier, speakers, record condition and setup all contribute to the final result.
The supplied elliptical stylus provides a conventional starting point, while the removable headshell gives you the option to experiment with other compatible cartridges.
The internal preamp is the most debated part of the design. Independent assessments range from positive to critical, so it would be misleading to describe it as universally poor or claim that every external preamp will produce an obvious improvement.
If you already own a suitable external phono stage, the bypass switch makes it easy to use it. Otherwise, the built-in option gives you a convenient starting point without requiring another purchase.
Verdict: Is the Fluance RT81 Worth Considering?
The Fluance RT81 offers a useful combination of a replaceable Audio-Technica cartridge, removable headshell, adjustable tonearm and switchable built-in phono preamp.
Its biggest advantage is flexibility. You can start with a straightforward powered-speaker setup and later change the cartridge or bypass the internal phono stage as your system develops.
Its limitations are equally clear: manual operation, no wireless or USB connectivity, and a built-in preamp whose performance has received mixed independent assessments.
Our recommendation: The RT81 is worth considering if you want a conventional, upgradeable turntable with a built-in preamp for convenience. Start with the internal stage if you don’t already own an external one, and consider an upgrade only if your system or listening preferences justify it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fluance RT81 a good turntable?
The RT81 offers a conventional manual design, an Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge, a removable headshell and a switchable built-in phono preamp. Those features make it a flexible option for someone building a traditional vinyl system. Its internal preamp has received mixed assessments, so that is worth considering when comparing it with alternatives.
Does the Fluance RT81 need an external phono preamp?
No. It has a built-in switchable phono preamp, so you can connect it directly to powered speakers or an amplifier with a line-level input. An external phono preamp is optional.
Can I bypass the Fluance RT81’s built-in preamp?
Yes. Set the rear-panel switch to PHONO or BYPASS and connect the turntable to an external phono preamp or a compatible PHONO input on an amplifier.
Can I upgrade the cartridge on the Fluance RT81?
Yes. The RT81 has a removable H-4 bayonet headshell with standard half-inch cartridge mounting. You can replace the AT95E with another compatible cartridge.
Can I upgrade the AT95E stylus?
Yes. You can use a compatible replacement stylus designed for the original AT95E cartridge body. The newer Audio-Technica VM95 stylus family is not a direct fit for the AT95E.
Does the Fluance RT81 stop automatically at the end of a record?
It has a switchable auto-stop function that stops the platter near the end of a record. It does not automatically lift or return the tonearm, so you still need to move the tonearm manually.