Fluance has added a new model to the top of its turntable lineup, and the RT87 looks like a more serious step into the under-$1,000 hi-fi space. The new belt-drive turntable is available at Amazon for $799.99 and sits above the company’s familiar RT82, RT83, RT84, RT85, and RT85N models.

The main idea here is pretty straightforward: Fluance is putting more emphasis on the mechanical parts of vinyl playback rather than adding modern convenience features like Bluetooth, USB output, or a built-in phono preamp. That means the RT87 is not really aimed at someone who wants a one-box record player for a bedroom or office. It is built more for listeners who already have, or plan to build, a traditional stereo setup with a phono stage, amplifier, and speakers.

The RT87 is Fluance’s first turntable with a dual-plinth architecture. In simple terms, the plinth is the body of the turntable. On the RT87, Fluance separates the motor from the tonearm and cartridge assembly by using two different layers. The motor sits on the lower plinth, while the tonearm and platter are supported by the upper section.

Why does that matter? Turntables are very sensitive to vibration. The stylus is reading tiny movements in a record groove, so motor vibration, resonance from the cabinet, or even vibration from the room can affect playback. By physically separating the motor from the parts that read the record, Fluance is trying to reduce the amount of unwanted noise that reaches the stylus.

That does not automatically make the RT87 better than every single-plinth turntable, of course. Execution still matters. But it does explain why Fluance is positioning this model as a more advanced option than the RT85 and RT85N.

A few of the key hardware details include:

• Dual-plinth MDF cabinet
• 22mm acrylic platter weighing 4.1 pounds
• 9-inch straight carbon fiber tonearm
• Adjustable vertical tracking angle, or VTA
• Hanging-weight anti-skate system
• 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM speed support
• Auto-stop at the end of a record side

That last feature is worth explaining. The RT87 is still a manual turntable, so it will not lift and return the tonearm for you. Auto-stop simply stops the platter when the record side ends, which can help reduce unnecessary stylus wear if you forget to get up right away.

Fluance is offering the RT87 with two moving magnet cartridge options: the Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML or the Ortofon 2M Blue. Both versions are priced at $799.99.

The Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML uses a Microlinear stylus, which is designed to trace more of the record groove and can be especially useful for reducing inner-groove distortion when everything is properly aligned. The Ortofon 2M Blue uses a nude elliptical stylus and is already a familiar upgrade choice for many vinyl listeners.

That cartridge choice is one of the more interesting parts of the RT87. Fluance is not forcing buyers into one sound profile. The AT-VM95ML may appeal more to listeners who want fine groove detail and strong tracking, while the 2M Blue may be the more familiar pick for those who already like Ortofon’s presentation.

The RT87 also includes a removable headshell and VTA adjustment, which makes cartridge swaps and alignment tweaks easier than on many plug-and-play decks. That does mean setup matters. Buyers who are new to turntables may need to spend a little more time learning tracking force, anti-skate, and cartridge alignment.

One thing buyers should know right away: the RT87 does not include a built-in phono preamp. That means it needs to be connected to an amplifier, receiver, or powered speaker system with a dedicated phono input. Otherwise, you will need to add an external phono preamp.

There is also no Bluetooth, no Wi-Fi, and no USB output for digitizing records. For some shoppers, that may feel like a missing feature list. For others, it will be the point. Fluance appears to be spending the budget on the plinth, platter, tonearm, and cartridge rather than wireless playback or computer connectivity.

The RT87 does include gold-plated RCA connections and a ground terminal, so it follows the more traditional hi-fi turntable path.

The RT87 supports 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM playback. That gives it more flexibility than many modern turntables, especially for collectors with older records. However, anyone planning to play 78 RPM records should use a proper 78 RPM stylus. Standard LP styli are not designed for those wider grooves, and using the wrong stylus can damage records and wear the stylus faster.

At $799.99, the RT87 is entering a crowded part of the market. Buyers in this range may also look at models from Pro-Ject, Rega, U-Turn, Audio-Technica, Denon, and Technics, depending on whether they care more about upgrade potential, simplicity, Bluetooth, direct drive, or included phono stages.

The RT87’s argument is fairly specific. It is not trying to be the easiest turntable to use, and it is not chasing lifestyle features. Instead, it gives Fluance buyers a heavier acrylic platter, a more isolated chassis, a carbon fiber tonearm, VTA adjustment, and two cartridge options without crossing the $1,000 line.

The Fluance RT87 is available now in Natural Walnut, Piano White, and Piano Black. For listeners who already have the rest of the stereo system ready, or who want a turntable they can adjust and upgrade over time, it gives Fluance a more serious option above the RT85 series.