Fluance RT87: Dual-Base Turntable with Carbon Fiber Tonearm Elevates Vinyl Listening

Experience superior vibration isolation and precision tracking with the Fluance RT87 turntable, designed for vinyl lovers seeking top-tier sound.

A New Chapter in Vinyl Playback: The Fluance RT87 Arrives

If you're like me, the magic of vinyl is in the details—the crackle before a song, the warmth that digital often lacks. Enter the Fluance RT87 turntable, the latest flagship from Canadian audio specialists Fluance, which takes the beloved RT85 platform and spins it up a notch with thoughtful redesigns inspired by user feedback. This isn’t just another turntable; it’s a statement in craftsmanship focusing on vibration isolation and tonearm finesse.

Vibration Isolation Like You’ve Never Seen: The Dual-Base Design

One of the RT87’s most exciting upgrades is its innovative dual-level base construction. Imagine the upper plinth—housing the tonearm and spindle—suspended above the lower plinth by six conical vibration isolators. Thanks to their clever V-shaped design, each isolator makes contact with the base at just a single point, drastically reducing the transfer of mechanical vibrations.

This means the delicate grooves of your vinyl are read with less interference, preserving every nuance of the music. The lower plinth itself is a hefty 36 mm thick, while the upper platform measures 21 mm. Both are crafted from multilayered MDF with glue layers that combat resonance, creating a quiet, stable environment for your records.

A Carbon Fiber Tonearm That Hits the Right Note

Vinyl aficionados know the tonearm is the heart of any turntable, and the RT87’s new straight carbon fiber tonearm truly delivers. At 9 inches long—up from 8.6 inches on the RT85—this longer arm reduces angular tracking error, which means your stylus rides more accurately in the groove.

But that’s not all. It boasts vertical tracking angle (VTA) adjustment, a removable headshell for easy cartridge swaps, and an updated anti-skating system using a thread-and-weight mechanism instead of the traditional spring. These tweaks may sound technical, but they translate into richer, cleaner sound with less distortion.

Precision Engineering in Every Detail

If you’ve ever struggled with clunky lifts, Fluance’s micro-lift mechanism on the RT87 is a breath of fresh air. Machined metal components offer refined damping for a smoother, more controlled drop of the needle. Plus, buyers can pick between two preset moving magnet cartridges: the crisp Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML cartridge with MicroLine stylus or the warm, detailed Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge.

Looking ahead, Fluance plans to roll out additional counterweights weighing 86 and 134 grams. These will broaden the range of compatible cartridges, including heavier ones designed for 78 RPM playback. Speaking of weight, the acrylic platter has been thickened to 22 mm, adding heft that further stabilizes rotation.

Bonus perk? The RT87 comes with an automatic stop feature that kicks in about 40 seconds after a record finishes playing — perfect for late-night listening sessions when you might drift off.

Style Meets Substance: Finish Options and Price

The Fluance RT87 doesn’t just sound great; it looks stunning too. Choose from three finishes: the natural Walnut veneer coated with protective lacquer, or the glossy Piano White and Piano Black finishes that add a touch of elegance to any setup.

Despite its premium build and advanced features, the RT87 retails at a competitive $800 across all finishes, making it a serious contender for audiophiles who want great sound without breaking the bank.

The Vinyl Revival Keeps Getting Better

As someone who’s spun countless records across various setups, the Fluance RT87 feels like a thoughtful evolution—one that respects tradition while embracing innovation. With its focus on reducing vibrations, improving tonearm precision, and offering flexible cartridge choices, it’s a turntable that promises to breathe new life into your favorite records.

“Each isolator’s V-shaped design contacts the base at a single point, reducing mechanical vibrations.” – Fluance team

FAQ

• What is the main improvement of the Fluance RT87 over the RT85? The RT87 introduces a dual-base design with vibration isolators and a longer carbon fiber tonearm, enhancing vibration control and tracking accuracy.
• Which cartridges come pre-installed with the RT87? You can choose between the Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML with MicroLine stylus or the Ortofon 2M Blue.
• Can I use heavier cartridges with the RT87? Yes, future counterweights of 86 and 134 grams will enable use of heavier cartridges, including those for 78 RPM records.
• Does the RT87 have an automatic stop feature? Yes, it automatically stops playing about 40 seconds after the record finishes, but this can be disabled if desired.
• What finishes are available for the Fluance RT87? It comes in Natural Walnut veneer, Piano White, and Piano Black finishes.

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