Fluance Ri91 Speakers Review: Perfect Price Meets Quirky Sound

Explore the Fluance Ri91 speakers’ blend of affordable pricing and distinctive sound quality in this in-depth review.

When it comes to floor-standing speakers, Fluance has been on my radar for quite some time. The Ri91 is actually the third model from these Canadian audio craftsmen that I’ve had the pleasure to dive into. If you’ve followed my journey, you know I’ve covered their speakers before on TechRadar, and honestly? Each new pair outshines the last. After testing the Ri91, I’m officially smitten with the brand—no holding back here.

The Ri91 feels like an amped-up version of their earlier models, easily worthy of a spot among the best stereo speakers out there. Remember the Ri71? The Ri91 is a serious leap forward. It boasts Bluetooth with aptX for wireless listening without sacrificing quality, plus a modern HDMI ARC input—yes, a direct nod to contemporary TVs! Combine that with a price point that feels just right, and you’ve got yourself a real gem.

While no product is without flaws, the Ri91’s downsides are few. The sound leans a bit towards the midrange, which will actually please most audiophiles who crave clarity. It doesn’t have a built-in phono preamp, but that’s a minor hiccup easily worked around with external gear.

Price and Release Date

• Price: $799 (around $800)
• Release: March 2025

The Ri91, the elder sibling of the Ri71 I talked about recently, carries a slightly higher price tag but it’s still reasonable for what you get.

While the Ri71 is available in both the US and the UK, the Ri91 model is currently sold exclusively in the United States.

Availability Beyond the US: Navigating Challenges

Officially, Fluance does not ship to many international markets. You won’t find Ri91 speakers readily available outside the US through official channels. Instead, customers rely on American retailers like Amazon or Walmart and use shipping intermediaries to get their hands on these beauties.

The True Cost After Shipping and Fees

Though the retail price is $799, the final figure can skyrocket once you factor in intermediary fees, international shipping, and customs duties. Shipping large, heavy speakers—each weighs around 40 pounds—by air starts around $300 to $400. Then customs can tack on roughly 15% if the total exceeds certain thresholds.

Altogether, buyers outside the US might shell out close to $1,800 or more, nearly doubling the original price.

How to Secure a Pair

Most buyers use shipping services that provide a US address, receive the shipment, then forward it internationally. Alternatively, private sellers in overseas marketplaces might offer these speakers, but prices tend to be even higher, and buying used or unofficial stock carries risks—like receiving damaged or non-genuine units.

Power and Warranty Considerations

Since the Ri91 is designed for 110V power (standard in the US), international buyers need a heavy-duty voltage converter. A simple plug adapter won’t cut it—expect to invest in a 1000–1500 watt converter, which adds bulk and cost.

Warranty support outside official markets is tricky. Fluance won’t service products abroad, so repairs could mean sending the unit back to the US—an expensive and time-consuming headache. Many opt instead to find local technicians familiar with imported audio gear.

Technical Specs at a Glance

Features: Balanced but Focused

• HDMI ARC input for modern TV connectivity
• Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD for high-quality wireless streaming
• No built-in phono preamp or Wi-Fi streaming

These features reflect Fluance’s intention: a straightforward stereo speaker system focused on delivering quality sound rather than smart home connectivity or advanced streaming options.

The Ri91 is an active setup, meaning no external receiver is necessary. Hook it up, plug in the power, and you’re ready to go. The inclusion of HDMI ARC is a welcome touch, letting you seamlessly integrate with TVs without extra cables.

Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD support means you can enjoy wireless streaming with improved audio resolution, perfect for high-fidelity music lovers streaming from compatible devices.

The speakers feature two 6.5-inch woven fiberglass drivers for the mids and lows, coupled with a 28x35 mm AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter instead of a traditional dome tweeter. Each cabinet includes a bass reflex port to enhance low-end response, despite lacking a dedicated subwoofer.

Control-wise, all inputs are on the active (right) speaker’s back, but you can swap sides by holding the mute button for three seconds. Alongside HDMI ARC, you get two RCA inputs, a subwoofer output, and terminals for speaker wiring.

Don’t forget: these speakers have no built-in phono preamp, so if you’re a vinyl enthusiast, ensure your turntable has one or get an external preamp.

Feature rating: 4.5 / 5

Sound Quality: Impressive, With Some Quirks

• Rich and full sound at high volumes
• Slightly subdued at low volumes
• Best suited for music over movies

The Fluance Ri91 speakers deliver sound quality that genuinely impresses for its price. They won’t rival speakers costing the price of a car, but for $800, they offer a rich, engaging experience that’s perfect for budding audiophiles or casual fans looking to upgrade.

My listening sessions ranged from jazz legend John Coltrane to Kendrick Lamar and the Smashing Pumpkins, plus 60s and 70s classics. Here’s what stood out:

• These speakers need volume to really come alive. At low levels, the sound is somewhat muted, particularly lacking in bass. Crank up the volume, and the full-bodied sound emerges, with tight bass, crystal highs, and nicely saturated mids.
• The midrange tends to dominate slightly, skewing the sound. Unfortunately, the Ri91 doesn’t have a midrange equalizer setting, so you can’t easily tweak this. I found myself wishing for more control here, especially because I like to dial down mids sometimes.
• For movies and gaming, the Ri91s perform adequately but don’t create the immersive surround sound experience that a home theater system would. The stereo soundstage is wide and detailed for music, but movies feel a bit flat, especially at lower listening levels.

Sound quality rating: 4 / 5

Design: Solid and Striking, Yet Not Without Flaws

• Tall, heavy floor-standing speakers
• Convenient control placement on the active unit
• Remote includes EQ controls for bass and treble

The Ri91 commands attention with its nearly 42-inch height and solid build, weighing around 40 pounds each. Available in walnut, black, and white finishes, these aren’t speakers you’ll tuck away unnoticed.

The rear panel houses the Bluetooth pairing button and two other controls: power and a volume/input selector knob. Most users will rely on the included remote, which is straightforward and offers volume, power, input switching, plus bass and treble adjustments.

However, my first pair arrived with a non-functional HDMI port, which was disappointing, especially given the packaging’s flimsiness. Thankfully, the replacement unit worked flawlessly and came with a two-year warranty.

Design rating: 4 / 5

Setup and User Experience

• Easy and intuitive setup
• Requires some time for optimal speaker positioning
• User-friendly remote and system indicators

Getting the Ri91 up and running is as easy as it gets: unbox, connect the active speaker to power, link the two speakers with the included cable, insert batteries in the remote, and plug in your source. Power on, and you’re good to go.

For the best sound, you’ll want to fine-tune speaker placement—avoid pushing them flat against walls, and measure distances carefully. Though this takes some time, the difference is noticeable.

The remote is simple but effective, and the active speaker features a color-coded LED that shows input source and indicates equalizer settings, which adds a nice touch of usability.

Setup and ease of use rating: 5 / 5

Value for Money: Competitive but Not Without Rivals

• Most expensive in the Fluance lineup
• Comparable alternatives exist at similar prices
• More features than some competitors

The Ri91 sits atop Fluance’s range with a $799 price tag, slightly above the Ai81 speakers priced at $599. The Ri91 swaps out the Ai81's silk dome tweeter for a more sophisticated AMT tweeter and adds HDMI support.

Interestingly, Ai81 goes a bit deeper on bass (down to 30 Hz vs. 40 Hz), but the Ri91 wins on upper-frequency extension, going all the way to 30 kHz—something audio aficionados appreciate.

Fluance targets the budget premium segment, so the Ri91's pricing is expected. It competes with the likes of Q Acoustics M40 HD, which launched at a similar price and is popular in markets like the UK and Australia. Both offer close performance, although Ri91 boasts higher power output and HDMI ARC.

Value rating: 4.5 / 5

Should You Buy the Fluance Ri91?

Other Speakers Worth Considering

Q Acoustics M40 HD
These speakers pack a punch and combine the size advantages of smaller models with impressive sound. They’re a solid alternative, especially for smaller rooms.

Kanto Rēn
With USB-C, HDMI, and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, the Kanto Rēn brings modern inputs and colorful finishes. Their sound is rich but bass can sometimes feel less defined.

My Testing Experience with the Fluance Ri91

• Used regularly over several weeks
• Listened to diverse music genres
• Tested controls and ports extensively

I used the Ri91 speakers regularly over several weeks, exploring a wide gamut of musical genres: from hip-hop and EDM to jazz, pop, rock, and folk. These sessions helped me really get a feel for their sonic character.

I paired them with movies and games to check versatility and tested all the controls and ports thoroughly.

Having reviewed many tech gadgets over the years—laptops, keyboards, and speakers—I'm confident in delivering a fair and critical take on this product.

"Each new pair plays better than the last. Honestly, these tests made me fall hard for the brand."

— passionate audio reviewer

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