Ditch Your Soundbar! Fluance’s New Speakers Might Be the Upgrade You Need

Published On: March 12, 2025
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Ditch Your Soundbar! Fluance’s New Speakers Might Be the Upgrade You Need

Fluance just unveiled two new powered speakers, the Ri71 and Ri91, offering a plug-and-play hi-fi experience without the need for extra gear.

Ditch Your Soundbar! Fluance’s New Speakers Might Be the Upgrade You Need

  • Nemanja Grbic is a tech writer with over a decade of journalism experience, covering everything from AV gear and smart home tech to the latest gadgets and trends. Before jumping into the world of consumer electronics, Nema was an award-winning sports writer, and he still brings that same storytelling energy to every article. At HomeTheaterReview, he breaks down the latest gear and keeps readers up to speed on all things tech.

Fluance, the Canadian audio brand known for its budget-friendly hi-fi gear, is adding two new powered speakers to its Reference Series lineup. The Ri71 bookshelf speakers and Ri91 floorstanding speakers are designed for people who want a simple, all-in-one solution for home audio—whether for music, movies, or even as an alternative to a soundbar.

With built-in amplifiers, upgraded components, and a solid range of connectivity options, these new speakers are aiming to give users high-quality sound without needing separate equipment like AV receivers or external amps.

Fluance Ri71 Powered Bookshelf Speakers

If you’re looking for a compact setup, the Fluance Ri71 might be worth considering. These bookshelf speakers are powered by a 120-watt amplifier, so there’s no need for extra gear—just plug them in and start listening. They use 5-inch woven glass fiber drivers to handle midrange and bass frequencies, with Fluance’s digital signal processing (DSP) tech working to balance the sound.

Fluance Ri71 Powered Bookshelf Speakers in walnut finish.

A key addition to these speakers is the Air Motion Transformer (AMT) tweeter, which Fluance says is designed to deliver clear and detailed high frequencies. To help spread the sound more evenly across a room, the company has also added custom waveguides around the tweeters.

The Ri71 cabinets are built from MDF wood with internal bracing to minimize vibrations and distortion. A front-firing bass port is included to help keep the low-end tight and clear. These details might not stand out at first glance, but they’re aimed at making sure the speakers perform well without unwanted resonance muddying the sound.

Fluance Ri91 Powered Floorstanding Speakers

For those wanting a bigger sound, the Ri91 floorstanding speakers step things up in size, power, and price. These speakers pack a 150-watt amplifier and feature dual 6.5-inch woven glass fiber woofers, giving them more low-end and a fuller sound than the smaller Ri71. They also include the AMT tweeter and DSP tuning found in the bookshelf model.

Fluance Ri91 Powered Floorstanding Speakers in white color.

Being floorstanding speakers, the Ri91s take up more space, but they also aim to deliver a more immersive experience. With the larger drivers, an acoustically reinforced MDF cabinet, and a front-firing bass port, they’re built to handle everything from music to home theater use.

One of the key selling points of both the Ri71 and Ri91 speakers is their range of connection options. Each model includes HDMI ARC support, meaning they can connect directly to a TV without needing a receiver. This also allows users to control the speakers with their TV remote—something that makes them an easy replacement for a soundbar.

For music lovers, RCA inputs are available for connecting turntables (as long as they have a built-in preamp), CD players, or DACs. There’s also a subwoofer output for those who want to add extra bass to their setup.

Bluetooth aptX HD is included for high-quality wireless streaming, allowing users to play music from a phone, tablet, or computer. However, unlike some of Fluance’s previous models, these new speakers do not include a USB-C input, so they may not be the best option for desktop use.

Fluance Ri71 Powered Bookshelf Speakers in white color.

Fluance has built a reputation for offering solid, affordable audio gear, especially in the turntable space. The new Ri71 and Ri91 models continue that trend in the powered speaker segment. They serve as an upgrade to Fluance’s Ai-Series powered speakers—like the Ai41 and Ai61—by including premium components like AMT tweeters and higher-powered amplification.

These aren’t aimed at high-end audiophiles, but they do offer a convenient and capable alternative to passive speaker setups or soundbars. With their built-in power, multiple input options, and flexible placement, they’re positioned as a plug-and-play solution for people who want better sound without the hassle of extra equipment.

Both the Ri71 and Ri91 Reference Series powered speakers are available now from Fluance’s website. They come in three finishes—Black Ash, White Ash, and Walnut—to match different room aesthetics.

  • Ri71 (Bookshelf speakers): $400 per pair
  • Ri91 (Floorstanding speakers): $800 per pair

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