Fluance RT81 Turntable Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Fluance RT81 Turntable is designed to deliver a pure analog listening experience with premium components. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your turntable to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Image Description: The Fluance RT81 Turntable in Piano Black, showcasing its sleek design and the platter with the tonearm in position. This image highlights the overall appearance of the product.

What's Included

Please ensure all parts and accessories listed below are present in the packaging:

• RT81 Turntable Unit
• Dust Cover
• 45 Adapter
• Rubber Platter Mat
• 3ft RCA Cable with Ground Wire
• 100V - 240V (50/60Hz) AC Power Adapter
• Quick Start Guide
• Audio Technica AT95E Cartridge (pre-installed on headshell)
• Counterweight
• Rubber Belt
• Hinges (x2)

Image Description: A visual diagram illustrating all components included with the Fluance RT81 Turntable, such as the plinth, aluminum platter, platter mat, headshell & AT95E cartridge, dust cover, hinges, RCA cable, 45 adapter, counterweight, power adapter, and rubber belt.

Setup

1. Platter and Belt Installation

1. Place the platter onto the spindle.
2. Align the red ribbon with the motor pulley.
3. Lift the ribbon and pull the rubber belt over the motor pulley.
4. Once the belt is wrapped around the pulley, remove the ribbon.
5. Rotate the platter to ensure the belt is not twisted.
6. Install the turntable mat by placing it over the spindle.

2. Tonearm Balancing and Tracking Force Adjustment

Proper tonearm balance ensures maximum sound clarity and minimizes wear to your records and stylus.

1. Install the counterweight onto the back of the tonearm with numbers facing forward until you hear a click.
2. Attach the headshell to the tonearm and turn the locking nut until it firmly sits in place.
3. Remove the stylus protector.
4. Unlock the tonearm using the tonearm lock.
5. Lift the cueing lever and position the tonearm over the platter.
6. While holding the headshell, lower the cueing lever without letting the needle touch the platter.
7. Turn the counterweight until the tonearm floats parallel to the mat. It should be as level as possible.
8. Return the tonearm to the tonearm rest and lock it in place.
9. Turn only the counterweight indicator ring to '0' on the center line. Do not turn the entire weight.
10. Turn the entire counterweight counter-clockwise until the number '2' is on the center line. This sets the tracking force to 2 grams, which is optimal for this turntable.
11. Locate the anti-skating dial next to the tonearm base and set it to '2'.

Image Description: A close-up view of the Audio Technica AT95E cartridge with its green stylus tracking a record groove, emphasizing its precision and clarity.

3. Connecting to an Amplifier or Receiver

The RT81 features a built-in pre-amplifier. Determine if your receiver has a dedicated phono input.

• If your receiver has a phono input: Connect the red and white RCA cables from the turntable's audio outputs to the corresponding left (white) and right (red) phono inputs on your receiver. Ensure the turntable's PHONO/LINE switch is set to 'PHONO'. Connect the ground wire from the turntable to the grounding nut on your receiver.
• If your receiver does NOT have a phono input: Connect the red and white RCA cables from the turntable's audio outputs to any available line-level input (e.g., CD, AUX, Tuner) on your receiver. Ensure the turntable's PHONO/LINE switch is set to 'LINE'. The ground cable is not required when using the internal pre-amp.

Image Description: The rear panel of the Fluance RT81 Turntable, displaying the RCA audio outputs, ground terminal, PHONO/LINE switch, AUTO STOP switch, and DC power input.

Image Description: A close-up of the PHONO/LINE switch on the Fluance RT81 Turntable's rear panel, indicating the built-in Texas Instruments Preamp functionality.

Operating Instructions

1. Place a record on the platter.
2. Select the appropriate speed (33 or 45 RPM) using the speed selector knob.
3. Unlock the tonearm from its rest.
4. Lift the cueing lever to raise the tonearm.
5. Carefully position the tonearm over the desired starting groove of the record.
6. Lower the cueing lever to gently drop the stylus onto the record.
7. At the end of the record, the auto-stop feature will halt the platter rotation if enabled. Manually lift the tonearm and return it to its rest.
8. Lock the tonearm in place when not in use.

Maintenance

Cleaning the Turntable

• Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the turntable plinth and dust cover. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
• For the stylus, use a soft brush designed for stylus cleaning, brushing gently from back to front.
• Keep records clean using an anti-static brush before each play to prevent dust buildup.

Stylus Replacement

The stylus should be replaced after approximately 300-500 hours of playback to maintain sound quality and prevent record damage. Refer to the Audio Technica AT95E documentation for specific replacement instructions.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

• Product Dimensions: 13.75 x 16.5 x 5.5 inches
• Item Weight: 14.1 pounds
• Model Number: RT81T
• Brand: Fluance
• Maximum Rotational Speed: 45 RPM (supports 33 1/3 and 45 RPM)
• Material: Engineered Wood
• Color: Piano Black
• Cartridge: Audio Technica AT95E
• Preamp: Built-in Texas Instruments Preamp
• Tonearm: Balanced Aluminum S-Type

Image Description: A close-up view of the Fluance RT81 Turntable's solid engineered wood plinth in a walnut finish, highlighting the sound isolation feet for superior vibration control.

Image Description: A comparison chart detailing various models in the Fluance HiFi Turntable Line, including the RT81, showing differences in finish, cartridge, platter type, and built-in preamp features.

Warranty and Support

The Fluance RT81 Turntable comes with a 2-Year Manufacturer's Warranty. Fluance also offers Lifetime Customer Support for all its products.

For further assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty claims, please visit the official Fluance website or contact their customer support team.

You can also find more information and related products at the Fluance Store on Amazon.