The Fluance RT87 represents something different for the Canadian audio company. For years Fluance built a reputation by offering excellent value turntables that delivered far more performance than their price tags suggested. The RT87 takes a different approach. Instead of simply refining the formula, Fluance has introduced an entirely new platform built around a dual-plinth design, improved isolation, and premium components from top to bottom.

At roughly $800, the RT87 enters a much more competitive segment of the vinyl market. Buyers at this level aren't simply looking for a way to play records. They're looking for a turntable that can serve as the foundation of a serious two-channel listening system.

The good news? Fluance may have built its most impressive turntable yet. Oh boy, this thing is a value king!

Specifications

Design & Build Quality

The RT87 immediately feels like a more ambitious product than Fluance's existing Reference Series.

Most turntables under $1,000 use a traditional single-plinth design. The RT87 separates key components into a dual-plinth architecture intended to reduce vibration transfer from the motor and surrounding environment. Whether you have energetic children, large subwoofers, or simply less-than-perfect flooring, additional isolation is never a bad thing.

The carbon fiber tonearm deserves special attention. It looks premium, but more importantly it feels premium. Cueing is smooth, adjustments are precise, and everything operates with a confidence that suggests this table was designed for long-term ownership.

At nearly 30 pounds, the RT87 feels substantial. Nothing rattles. Nothing feels flimsy. This is a turntable that inspires confidence every time you interact with it.

I picked this up out of the box and it's heavy, this isn't your normal sub-$1000 table, this thing feels like it's $2000+.

Setup & Everyday Use

If you're coming from an entry-level turntable, expect a bit of a learning curve.

This is not a plug-and-play Bluetooth record player. You'll need to properly balance the tonearm, set tracking force, adjust anti-skate, and connect an external phono preamp or a receiver with a dedicated phono input. Not easy if your new to this, but there are plenty of videos online showing how.

The upside is flexibility.

Fluance hasn't locked buyers into proprietary components or unusual design decisions. The RT87 remains highly upgradeable, allowing vinyl enthusiasts to experiment with cartridges and fine-tune performance over time. Adjustable VTA is particularly nice to see at this price point and gives the RT87 room to grow alongside the rest of your system.

Sound Quality

What stands out most about the RT87 is how composed it sounds.

Many turntables chase excitement. They push detail aggressively, brighten the top end, or artificially emphasize bass. The RT87 takes a more mature approach.

The presentation feels balanced and confident.

Vocals sound natural and centered. Acoustic instruments retain texture without becoming overly analytical. Bass is tight and controlled rather than exaggerated. More importantly, the table stays composed when recordings become complex.

On well-recorded jazz and classical albums, instrument placement feels precise and stable. Rock recordings benefit from solid bass control and excellent timing. Even less-than-perfect pressings remain enjoyable thanks to the turntable's smooth overall character.

The RT87 doesn't try to impress during the first thirty seconds. Instead, it wins you over during the third album of the evening.

That's usually a sign of a well-engineered product.

Isolation Performance

The dual-plinth design isn't just marketing material.

While no turntable is completely immune to external vibration, the RT87 appears genuinely focused on isolation. Footfalls, room vibrations, and nearby speaker energy are handled better than many similarly priced competitors.

For listeners with hardwood floors, elevated listening rooms, or large speakers capable of generating substantial bass energy, this may prove to be one of the RT87's biggest advantages.

The Honest Caveats

Not even joking here, at this price point and level of features, I don't see any downsides here. Like I love to find them on reviews, nothing here I can't find. If we hit the $2000 price point, sure I can see a few, but at $800? Nope, this thing is the best table I've reviewed in years. We have a 10/10 review on our hands!

Final Verdict

The Fluance RT87 feels like the turntable Fluance has been building toward for years. It also feels like a turntable we have been wanting for deacades, great value and zero downsides.

It retains the company's reputation for strong value while introducing design elements typically found on significantly more expensive products. The dual-plinth construction, carbon fiber tonearm, acrylic platter, and thoughtful upgrade path combine to create a turntable that feels genuinely high-end without carrying a high-end price tag.

For vinyl enthusiasts ready to move beyond entry-level equipment, the RT87 deserves a place at the top of the audition list and first place on your must buy list.