Fluance has expanded its high-fidelity audio lineup with the release of the RT87, a flagship turntable designed to minimize resonance through a dual-plinth construction and a precision-engineered carbon-fiber tonearm. According to the company’s official product specifications, the unit targets audiophiles seeking vibration isolation and structural rigidity in an entry-to-mid-level price bracket.
Structural Integrity and Vibration Control
The standout feature of the RT87 is its dual-plinth design. By decoupling the primary plinth from the base using an isolation layer, Fluance reduces the transfer of external vibrations to the stylus. This mechanical separation is critical for maintaining signal clarity during playback.
The turntable utilizes a heavy, solid-wood plinth that provides mass to dampen unwanted oscillations. This mass-loading strategy is a standard practice in high-end analog audio to stabilize the platter rotation and prevent acoustic feedback. The unit is supported by adjustable, resonance-dampening rubber feet, allowing users to level the turntable on uneven surfaces, which further stabilizes the tracking force.
Tonearm Engineering and Signal Fidelity
Fluance has equipped the RT87 with a redesigned, S-shaped carbon-fiber tonearm. Carbon fiber is chosen for its high stiffness-to-weight ratio, which allows the tonearm to track record grooves with minimal inertia.
According to the manufacturer’s technical documentation, the tonearm features:
- Adjustable Counterweight: Allows for precise tracking force calibration to match specific cartridge requirements.
- Anti-Skating Control: Minimizes lateral pressure on the stylus to ensure balanced channel separation.
- Precision Bearings: Designed to allow the tonearm to move fluidly across the record surface without friction-induced drag.
Performance and Connectivity
The RT87 employs a belt-drive motor system, which separates the motor from the platter to prevent vibration noise from being picked up by the cartridge. The motor features an optical speed control sensor that continuously monitors the platter’s rotation, adjusting the speed to maintain a consistent 33 1/3 or 45 RPM.
Regarding connectivity, the turntable provides gold-plated RCA outputs. Unlike some consumer-grade turntables, the RT87 does not include a built-in pre-amplifier. Users must connect the device to an external phono stage or an amplifier with a dedicated phono input to achieve the intended audio performance.
Market Comparison
When compared to the broader Fluance Reference Series, the RT87 occupies a premium position. While models like the RT82 or RT83 rely on different material compositions for the platter and tonearm, the RT87 focuses on the combination of the carbon-fiber tonearm and the dual-plinth isolation system.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drive Type | Belt-driven with optical speed control |
| Tonearm Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Plinth Construction | Dual-plinth vibration isolation |
| Speed Settings | 33 1/3 and 45 RPM |
| Output | RCA (Phono level) |
The RT87 serves as a modular choice for listeners who prioritize build quality and mechanical isolation. By opting for a design that lacks a built-in preamp, Fluance signals that the RT87 is intended for integration into systems where the user prefers to curate their own signal chain, specifically utilizing high-quality external phono amplification.