Fluance RT87 Turntable Features a Dual-Layer Plinth and Carbon-Fiber Tonearm

Fluance has introduced its new flagship vinyl turntable, the Fluance RT87. The model builds on the popular RT85 but differs from its predecessor with a substantially redesigned construction. In developing the new turntable, the manufacturer took feedback from owners of its previous models into account, focusing primarily on reducing vibration and upgrading the tonearm.

A key feature of the Fluance RT87 is its two-level plinth construction. The upper platform, which supports the spindle and tonearm, is separated from the lower plinth by six conical vibration isolators. Thanks to their V-shaped geometry, each isolator touches the lower platform at only a single point, which is intended to reduce the transmission of mechanical vibrations between the turntable’s components.

The motor, control electronics, and other components capable of generating unwanted vibrations are installed in the 36 mm-thick lower plinth. The upper platform is 21 mm thick. Both sections are made from multilayer MDF with adhesive layers, but differ in thickness and internal structure. According to the designers, this combination helps suppress the enclosure’s resonances more effectively.

A new straight tonearm with a carbon-fiber tube was developed for the Fluance RT87. Its effective length has been increased from 8.6 to 9 inches, reducing angular tracking error as the stylus moves from the outer edge of the record toward the center. The design provides vertical tracking angle adjustment, a removable headshell, and an updated anti-skating mechanism that uses a thread-mounted weight instead of a spring.

The tonearm lift mechanism has also been improved. Its metal components are manufactured using CNC machining, while the upgraded damping system provides slower and more controlled lowering of the stylus onto the record groove. The turntable is available with one of two pre-installed moving-magnet cartridges: the Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML with a MicroLine stylus or the Ortofon 2M Blue.

Fluance also plans to release additional counterweights weighing 86 and 134 grams. These will allow owners to use heavier phono cartridges and expand the available tracking-force adjustment range, including when fitting specialized cartridges designed for playing 78 rpm records. The acrylic platter has also been upgraded: its thickness has increased to 22 mm, while its overall weight has been raised.

The Fluance RT87 is equipped with an automatic stop system that stops the platter approximately 40 seconds after playback reaches the end of a record side. The feature can be disabled when required. The turntable is available in three finishes: Natural Walnut, Piano White, and Piano Black. The Natural Walnut version is covered with genuine walnut veneer and protected by a lacquer coating, while the black and white versions feature a glossy piano-lacquer finish. The recommended retail price of the Fluance RT87 is $800 in the United States, regardless of the selected finish.