FluanceRT81+ Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable Record Player, Audio Technica VM95E Cartridge, Anti-Resonant Platter, Acrylic Mat, Phono Preamp Wood Plinth Adjustable Isolation Feet - Natural Walnut

This player is a nice sweet spot between the cheaper and lesser quality “suitcase” or combo record players and something more legitimate like a technics sl-1200. Now, the 1200 is another league than this unit in virtually every way but if you’re looking for a player with a “hi fi” sound output and good overall build quality to pair with some decent book shelf or home speakers then look no further. This player will get the job done admirably. Now, if you’re in a studio or have a high fidelity sound system then look for a used technics 1200 and a good phono preamp as it will certainly be better.For the price, I think it’s fair. It would be a steal if it were $50 cheaper but even at $299 it’s reasonably priced.Highlights: the cartridge is good, much better than anything you’ll find on a suitcase or combo record player. The cartridge is also upgradable should you desire. The tone arm is metal. The feet do a decent job at isolating noise. Controls are not over designed. Set up was simple. Counter weight and anti skate options help dial in a consistent experience. It’s pleasing to look at with a clean, smooth, and shiny finish. Very good sound quality.What could be better: it’s belt driven instead of direct driven, which can be expected at this price point given the other features. The 45 adapter is a simple plastic piece, it’d be nice if it were metal and/or the player had a recess to store it in. The rca cord in the box is maybe 6 ft which is okay but also limiting at the same time. A track light would really set it apart for use in a dim room.Things to know: it needs to be grounded, unlike the budget players you’ll find. This improves sound quality but it is something to be prepared for. Speeds are 33/45, no 78 option while although uncommon it’s something to keep in mind based on your collection.Overall it’s a quality player and a healthy step up over the entry level players. Would recommend.

Had been looking at these turntables for quite some time to upgrade from my very serviceable u-dreamer I bought during COVID. Saw the rt-81+ as a new product (was looking at rt-81) and in a rare occurrence, it was on sale which made it lower in price than the "regular" rt81. Some things to know.1) These turntables are not exactly plug and play. You have to put the belt on, put on and adjust the counterweight, set the anti-skid and screw in the stylus cartridge. All very easy, probably takes 15 minutes of set up. Take your time, and read directions2) This turntable feels and looks like high quality. This will be a definite upgrade if you are using a suitcase model or similar.3) You need to have your own speakers. Spend a couple extra dollars, you will not be sorry. Hooking up speakers is super easy.4) You will notice a definite high sound quality, even on older albums. (a note however, the stylus will pick up imperfections on older albums or albums pressed poorly) I have some albums over 50 years old and they sound great.5) This turntable comes with an auto stop spinning when an album is over. Use this feature to pro-long the life of your stylus. It is not an automatic turntable however, you do have to move the tone arm manually.6) Is it worth the extra $50 you will pay (normally) over the rt-81? I dont know. Looks like the upgrades on this plus model is the better stylus, a better sound dampening slip for the platter and adjustable feet in case what it sits on is not totally level. (even comes with a tiny bubble level)I have only had the turntable a week, so far am very happy with it. The sound quality and just the look of it is great. Hopefully it will be good for the long haul, as I don't see myself needing any higher quality, (although you can purchase an even better stylus when the time comes, this turntable is completely upgradeable.) For someone who just enjoys some quiet time listening to albums on the weekend, this is the perfect turntable. Fits very well in my office just looks and sounds classy.

Like the title says, this is a first class turntable that is affordable to nearly everyone. A record player for the music masses.Easy to setup, there’s a red ribbon to make it so easy to line up and install the drive belt and loading the headshell with the AT cartridge went just as smooth. This turntable features a 3lbs dense deck and three adjustable vibration isolating feet for a pure analog experience. Even without an isolation platform you don’t have to sacrifice volume for clarity.But that’s not the only draw, I purchased the walnut grain finish RT81+ elite and it looks stunning on the shelf.Now to get to the needle in the groove, crisp, clean highs, throaty bass, with mids hitting right where they should be. The included Audio Technica VM95E cartridge is a perfect match.Coming off my Technics SL-V200, I’m listening to the soundtrack of my youth through new ears, my vinyl never sounded so good.