Fluance RT81P User manual

RT80/RT81/RT81P - High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable
User Manual v2.6
Serious Performance™Fluance.com

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 2
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of your Fluance product. We hope you enjoy your
experience. If you have any questions please visit us at: Fluance.com/support
Fluance believes everyone should experience audio in its truest form, recreating the
performance the way the artist intended. Utilizing only superior components and expert
audio engineering, their products are a testament to the performance that can be
achieved when a passion for music takes center stage. The perfect complement to any
audiophile’s lifestyle, you’ll be enjoying live performances in your home for years to come.
Don’t forget to register your product with us! Fluance.com/registration
Need Help?
Scan this QR Code for easy
setup instructions, videos, and
frequently asked questions.
Fluance.com/support Fluance.com/contact
Fluance.com/resources
Instruction
Manual
Bag
Turntable Mat
Dust Cover
45 Adapter
Turntable
Cardboard
Insert
Cardboard
Insert
Foam End Cap
Foam End Cap
Dust Cover
Hinges
Platter with
Rubber Belt
Box
RCA
Cable with
Ground Wire
Power
Adapter
Headshell
with Stylus
Counterweight
Bubble Level

Table of Contents What’s Included 4
Components and Connections 5
First Time Setup 6
Step One: Installing the Platter 6
Step Two: Installing the Counterweight 7
Step Three: Installing the Headshell 7
Step Four: Dust Cover Installation 8
Step Five: Leveling the Turntable (RT81P) 9
Step Six: Balancing the Tonearm 10
Step Seven: Setting the Preamp Switch 11
Step Eight: Connecting the Power 12
Step Nine: Connecting the RCA Cable 12
Playing a Record 13
Auto Stop Function 13
Maintenance 14
Cleaning the Turntable 14
Replacing the Stylus 14
Replacing the Cartridge 14
Cartridge Connections 14
Replacing the Rubber Belt 15
Record Care 15
Stylus Care 15
Troubleshooting 16
Specications 18
Important Safety Instructions 20
FCC & IC Information 21
Cartridge Alignment Protractor Cutout 23
Warranty 24

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 4
LIFETIME
Customer Support
Dust Cover &
Turntable
User
Manual
Dust Cover
Hinges
RCA Audio
Cable with
Ground
Power
Adapter
45 Adapter Bubble Level
Lifetime Customer
Support
2 Year
Warranty
Headshell with
Stylus
Platter with
Rubber Belt
Turntable Mat
Counterweight
What’s Included
RT80 - Felt
RT81 - Rubber
RT81P - Acrylic
(RT81P Only)

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 5
Components and Connections
1
4
2
8
9
10
11
12
13
19
20
5
6
7
14 16 18
15 17
3
1. Platter
2. Rubber Belt
3. Motor Pulley
4. Spindle
5. Turntable Mat
6. Speed Selection
7. Power LED
8. Counterweight
9. Anti-Skating Control
10. Cueing Lever
11. Tonearm Lock
12. Tonearm
13. Headshell & Stylus
14. RCA Audio Outputs
15. Ground Terminal
16. Preamp Switch
17. Auto Stop Switch
18. Power Input
19. Hinge
20. Isolation Feet
RT81P Only

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 6
First Time Setup
Step One: Installing the Platter
1. Remove the protective packaging
and ensure the turntable is placed on
a sturdy and level surface. Place the
metal platter onto the spindle located
in the middle of the turntable.
2. Rotate the platter until the rubber
belt installation ribbon aligns with the
motor pulley. Remove the tape from
the installation ribbon.
3. Use the installation ribbon to lift the
rubber belt and place it around the
motor pulley. Remove the installation
ribbon and rotate the platter several
times to ensure the rubber belt is
secure and not twisted.
4. Place the turntable mat on top of
the platter.
Note: When using the Fluance rubber turntable mat
ensure the Fluance logo is facing up when placing
the mat. When using the acrylic turntable mat ensure
the label recess is facing up when placing the mat.
Installation Ribbon
Motor Pulley
Metal Platter
Spindle
Turntable Mat

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 7
Step Two: Installing the Counterweight
1. Secure the tonearm using the
tonearm lock.
Step Three: Installing the Headshell
1. Remove the headshell from the
protective packaging and insert
into the end of the tonearm.
2. Slide the counterweight onto the end
of the tonearm with numbers facing
forward until it clicks on.
2. Tighten the locking nut until the
headshell is secure.
Tonearm Lock
Locking Nut
Headshell
Stylus Guard
Tonearm
Counterweight

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 8
Step Four: Dust Cover Installation
1. Install the hinges on the provided grooves located on the back of the dust cover.
Important: Place dust cover on a soft surface to avoid scratching it.
CAUTION: The hinges are spring loaded and can close with strong force.
Use caution when installing.
2. Carefully open the hinges on the dust cover and insert into the hinge mounts
installed on the back of the turntable.

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 9
Step Five: Leveling the Turntable (RT81P Only)
1. The RT81P turntable features 3 adjustable feet to ensure the turntable is level
regardless of the surface the turntable is resting upon.
Adjustable FeetBubble Level
Lower
Turntable
Raise
Turntable
Bubble Position Turntable Adjustment
Turntable is level when the
bubble is within the circle
Lower Back or Raise Front
Lower Left or Raise Right
Lower Back or Raise Front and
Lower Left or Raise Right
Use the table below with the included bubble level to adjust the feet and level
the turntable.
Note: The turntable comes in the fully lowered position.

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 10
Step Six: Balancing the Tonearm
Important!
Complete all steps for balancing the tonearm. Incorrect tonearm balancing can cause damage to the stylus
and to your records. For additional assistance go to: www.uance.com/support to watch a tutorial video for
this process
1. Remove the stylus protector.
3. Position the tonearm over the platter.
5. With the cueing lever now lowered, turn the entire counterweight until the tonearm is
balancedandoatinghorizontallywhenheadshellisreleased.
Tip: When balancing the tonearm make sure the cueing lever is down and the anti-skating control is set to 0.
6. Set only the counterweight indicator ring to “0” on the center line while keeping the
tonearm balanced then lock the tonearm on the tonearm rest.
2. Unlock the tonearm and lift the cueing
lever.
4. Hold the headshell and lower the
cueing lever completely. Protect the
stylus from touching the platter.
Lock Cueing Lever
Counterweight
Indicator Ring
Center Line
Cueing Lever

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 11
Step Six (Continued): Balancing the Tonearm
Step Seven: Setting the Preamp Switch
This turntable includes a built-in preamp. To enable the internal preamp set the switch on
the back of the unit to the LINE position.
7. Rotate the entire counterweight
counterclockwise until the indicator
ring is set to “2” on the center line.
This will set the tracking force to the
recommended 2.0 gram tracking
force of the included stylus.
8. Set the anti-skating control to “2” to
match the tracking force.
Tip: When setting the counterweight make sure
you are turning the entire weight and not just the
counterweight indicator ring.
Optional:
If you wish to use an external preamp you can disable the internal preamp by moving the switch to the
PHONO position. All electronics are bypassed when the internal preamp is disabled.

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 12
Step Eight: Connecting the Power
Ensure the power adapter is securely connected to a power outlet. Insert the power cable
into the power input on the back of the turntable.
Step Nine: Connecting the RCA Cable
The included RCA cable has a ground cable attached. When using the internal preamp
the ground cable is not required. Connect the RCA cables to the audio outputs on the
back of the turntable and then plug the other end into your stereo.
Optional:
When using an external preamp the ground cable should be connected to the ground terminal on the back
of the turntable and also connected to the external preamp. Connect the RCA cables to the audio outputs
on the back of the turntable and then plug the other end into your preamp.
Ground Cable (Optional)
Important:Onlyusetheofcialpoweradapterincludedwithyourturntable.
The turntable setup is now complete! Enjoy your Fluance turntable. Should you require
any further assistance please contact us at: www.uance.com/support

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 13
Playing a Record
Tip: For best audio performance the dust cover should be removed during playback.
1. Lift the dust cover
2. Place a record on the spindle (use
the 45 Adapter if necessary)
3. Turn the speed selection knob to
the correct RPM typically listed on
your record (Normal LP playback
speed is 33 RPM)
4. Unlock the tonearm lock
5. Lift the cueing lever
6. Move the tonearm to the desired
starting point
7. Lower the cueing lever
Fluance recommends burning in your record player for 24 hours. To do this turn off Auto Stop on the back
of your record player and then select either the 33 or 45 speed setting. Your platter should begin spinning
and start the burn-in process.
Note: When the turntable is not in use the speed selection knob should be set to OFF to turn the turntable
completely off.
Auto Stop Function
The auto stop function is designed to save the life of your stylus. At the end of a
record the platter will automatically stop spinning if auto stop is enabled. This feature
will also require that the tonearm is moved over the record before the platter will start
spinning at the selected speed.
If the auto stop switch is set to the OFF position the platter will begin spinning as soon
as the speed selection knob is set to 33 or 45. To stop the record from spinning set the
speed selection knob to the OFF position.
Note: The Auto Stop function will take approximately 30 seconds at the end of the record before the
turntable stops spinning. Due to variances in vinyl record production some records may not work
correctly with the Auto Stop function.

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 14
Replacing the Stylus
Use the chart below to ensure you replace your stylus with the correct model.
Replacementstylusandinstructionsareavailableatwww.uance.com
Replacing the Cartridge
Replacement cartridges and a helpful cartridge installation guide and video are available
on www.uance.com. There is also a Cartridge Alignment Protractor at the end of this
manual for convenience.
Model Stylus
RT80 ATN91
RT81 ATN95E
RT81P AT-VMN95E
ATN95E
ATN91
Cartridge Connections
Wire Channel
White Lef t (+)
Blue Lef t (-)
Red Right (+)
Green Right (-)
Maintenance
Cleaning the Turntable
1. Useasoftdrymicroberclothtowipedustfromtheturntablesurface.
2. Keep the dust cover closed to ensure the turntable components remain dust free.
AT-VMN95E

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 15
Replacing the Rubber Belt
1. Remove the defective rubber belt from the motor pulley.
2. Lift and remove the platter from the spindle. Remove and discard the defective
rubber belt.
3. Wrap the new rubber belt around the inner ring on the underside of the platter and
ensure the rubber belt is not twisted.
4. Place the platter on the spindle and turn it until the motor pulley is visible.
5. Lift the rubber belt and place it over the motor pulley.
6. Rotate the turntable several times to ensure the rubber belt is secure and not twisted.
Record Care
1. Records should be stored vertically in a dry environment away from sources of heat.
2. An anti-static brush can be used to remove dirt from the record’s grooved surface.
Use a record cleaning solution to further clean your records to ensure crystal clear
playback.
3. It is important to use the cueing lever when lifting or lowering the tonearm to prevent
accidental slipping and scratching.
Stylus Care
1. When the turntable is not in use always use the provided stylus protector to prevent
accidental damage.
2. A stylus cleaning brush can be used to remove dust and debris from the stylus.
3. Enabling the auto stop function will reduce wear and tear on the stylus.
Note: See images in Step One of the First Time Setup instructions.
Troubleshooting
Turntable Not Spinning
• The turntable should be connected to a known good power outlet and the power
cable should be securely inserted into the unit.
• Remove the turntable mat and rotate the platter until the motor pulley is visible.
Ensure the rubber belt is intact and hooked around the motor pulley.
• Turn the speed selection knob to 33 or 45 (power LED should light up). Lift the
tonearm over the platter and it should start spinning.

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 16
No Power
• The turntable should be connected to a known good power outlet and the power
cable should be securely inserted into the unit.
• The power LED should light up when the speed selection knob is set to 33 or 45.
Wrong Speed
1. Check the record label for the correct playback speed and that the speed selection
knob is set to match it. Normal LP playback speed is 33 1/3 RPM.
2. Ensure the turntable 24 hour burn-in process has been completed.
3. If incorrect speed persists a speed adjustment video is available at:
www.uance.com/resources
Skipping
• Ensure the record surface is clear of dirt and debris. Also check that the record is not
warped or deformed.
• Inspect the stylus for built up dirt or debris. Use a stylus cleaning brush to clean if
necessary.
• Ensure the turntable is on a sturdy and level surface.
• UseinstructionsinStepSixoftheFirstTimeSetupinstructionstoconrmthe
tonearm was balanced correctly and set to the correct tracking force of 2.0 Grams.
• Check that the anti-skating control is set to 2.
Audio Feedback
• If audio feedback occurs ensure the speakers are positioned away from the turntable.
The turntable should not be placed in front of the speakers.
• For best audio performance the dust cover should be removed during playback.
Cueing Lever Not Lowering Tonearm
• UseinstructionsinStepSixoftheFirstTimeSetupinstructionstoconrmthe
tonearm was balanced and set to the correct tracking force of 2 Grams.
• Lock the tonearm and lower the cueing lever. Gently press down on the tonearm
bridge until fully lowered to reset the tonearm lowering mechanism.

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 17
Low Volume
• Check the RCA connections are correct and fully inserted.
• Ensure that the Preamp Switch is set to the LINE position if not using an external
preamp.
• Iflowvolumepersistsmoreinformationisavailableat:www.uance.com/support
Audio From Only One Channel
• Test the speakers with another device such as a CD Player or Smartphone.
• Conrmthetonearmisbalancedandusingthecorrecttrackingforce.
• Disconnect and reconnect the RCA cables ensuring they are fully inserted.
• Try a different set of RCA cables.
• Remove the headshell from the tonearm and use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to
clean the contacts on the back of the headshell. Reinstall the headshell ensuring the
locking nut is tightened completely.
Static: Pops/Crackles
• An anti-static brush can be used before playback to remove static charge from your
records. There are also anti-static guns available to remove static without touching
the record.
• Static builds up easier in dry or low humidity environments. Increasing the humidity
can help decrease static buildup.
• Ifstaticisnotresolved,itmayhelptocleantheturntablewithamicrobercloth
slightly dampened with distilled water.
Need Additional Help?
• Do not return this product to the store.
• PleasecontactaFluanceCustomerSupportRepresentativerst,regardingany
additionalinformationonproductfeatures,specicationsorassistancewithsetup.
• Online web chat or Support: www.uance.com/support

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 18
Specifications
Specications RT80 RT81 RT81P
Cabinet Specications
Material MDF MDF MDF
Dust Cover Yes - Tinted Yes - Tinted Yes - Tinted
Turntable Specications
Drive System Belt Drive Belt Drive Belt Drive
Motor DC Motor DC Motor DC Motor
Speed 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM
Wow and Flutter 0.2% 0.2% 0.2%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
(Weighted) 67dB or higher (A-weighted, 20kHz LPF)
Signtal-to-Noise Ratio
(Unweighted) 60dB or higher (A-weighted, 20kHz LPF)
Speed Variation +/-1.00% +/-1.00% +/-1.00%
Platter Aluminum Aluminum Dampened Aluminum
Diameter of Platter 12", 30cm 12", 30 12", 30cm
Weight of Platter 1.25lbs (566g)
Auto-Stop Yes Yes Yes
Turntable Mat Felt Rubber Acrylic
Tonearm Specications
Typ e Static Balanced, S-Type Static Balanced, S-Type Static Balanced, S-Type
Supported Cartridge
Weight 0.12 to 0.23oz (3.5 to 6.5g)
Anti-skating Adjustment Yes Yes Yes
Pivot Bearing Yes Yes Yes
Material Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum
Effective Tonearm
Length 8.82in (224mm)
Effective Tonearm Mass
Overhang 0.76in (19.2mm)
Headshell Mount H-4 Bayonet Mount H-4 Bayonet Mount H-4 Bayonet Mount
Tonearm Height 0.67in (17mm)
Tonearm Wire 36 AWG Litz Cable / 7
Strand
36 AWG Litz Cable / 7
Strand
36 AWG Litz Cable / 7
Strand
Cartridge Specications
Typ e Dual Moving Magnet
(MM)
Dual Moving Magnet
(MM)
Dual Moving Magnet
(MM)
Cartridge Model Audio Technica: AT91 Audio Technica: AT95E Audio Technica: AT-
VM95E
Replacement Stylus ATN 91 ATN 95E AT-VM95 E
Stylus 0.6mil Bonded
Conical (Diamond)
0.4x0.7mil Bonded
Elliptical (Diamond)
0.3 x0.7mil Bonded
Elliptical (Diamond)

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 19
Specications RT80 RT81 RT81P
Cantilever Carbon Fiber Aluminum Aluminum
Mount Half inch Half inch Half inch
Frequency Response 20-20,000Hz 20-20,000Hz 20-22,000Hz
Channel Separation 18dB at 1kHz 20dB at 1kHz 20dB at 1kHz
Channel Balance 2.5dB or less at 1kHz 2.0dB or less at 1kHz 2.0dB or less at 1kHz
Load Impedance/
Capacitance 47k Ohms/100pF 47k Ohms/100pF 47k Ohms/100pF
Output Voltage 3.5mV +/–3dB 3 . 5 mV (+/–3 dB ) 4.0mV (+/–3dB)
Weight 5.0g (+/- 0.5g) 5.7g (+/- 0.5g) 6.1g (+/- 0.5g)
Headshell Weight 10.7g 10.7g 10.7g
Recommended Tracking
Force 2.0g (+/– 0 . 5 g)
Vertical Tracking Angle
(Non-Adjustable) 20 degrees 20 degrees 23 degrees
Rubber Belt Specications
Thickness 0.02in (0.6mm)
Width 0.17in (4 . 5 mm)
Length 21.03in (534.07mm)
Output Specications
Connector RCA (Gold-plated)
Preamp Yes, PHONO/LINE Switchable
Phono Output 3.5mV +/–3dB 3.5mV +/–3dB 4mV +/–3dB
Line Output 140mV (–17dBV)
Ground Terminal Yes
Power Specications
Input 100V-240V AC (50/60Hz)
Output 12V / 500mA
Consumption 1.5W
General Specications
Unit Dimensions
( W x H x D ) 16.5” x 5.5” x 13.75”
Unit Weight 5.0 kg (11.02 lb) 6.4 kg (14.1 lb) 6.4 kg (14.1 lb)
Optimal Operating
Temperature 20°C

Fluance RT80/RT81/RT81P User Manual 20
Important Safety Instructions
The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufcient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
CAUTION:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
To prevent re or shock hazard, do not use this plug with an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet
unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure. To prevent re or shock hazard, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accor-
dance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
ampliers)thatproduceheat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong is provided for your safety. If
theprovidedplugdoesnottintoyouroutlet,consult
an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Onlyuseattachments/accessoriesspeciedbythe
manufacturer.
12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
13. Referallservicingtoqualiedservicepersonnel.Ser-
vicing is required when the apparatus has been dam-
aged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed
to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.
14. Water and Moisture – This product should be kept
away from direct contact with liquids. The apparatus
shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that
noobjectslledwithliquids,suchasvases,shallbe
placed on the apparatus.
15. Do not overload wall outlet. Use only power source as
indicated.
16. Usereplacementpartsasspeciedbythemanufac-
turer.
17. The product may be mounted to a wall only if recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
18. Upon completion of any service or repairs to this
product, ask the service technician to perform safety
checks.
19. Avoid installing this unit in places exposed to direct
sunlight or close to heat radiating appliances such as
electric heaters, on top of other stereo equipment that
radiates too much heat, places lacking ventilation or
dusty areas, places subject to constant vibration and/or
humid or moist areas.
20. Do not attempt to clean this unit with chemical solvents
asthismightdamagethenish.Useacleandrycloth.
21. Operate controls and switches as described in the
manual. Before turning on the power, make certain that
power cord is properly installed.
22. This symbol means the equipment is a Class II or dou-
ble-insulated electrical appliance. It has been designed
in such a way that it does not require a safety connec-
tion to electrical earth.
23. Donotinstallthisequipmentinaconnedor“boxed-in”
space such as a bookcase or similar unit, and maintain
good ventilation conditions. The ventilation should not
be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with
items such as newspaper, tablecloths, curtains, etc.
24. Power Sources - This product should be connected to a
power supply only of the type described in these oper-
ating instructions, or as marked on the unit.
25. When moving or not using the appliance, secure the
power cord (e.g., wrap it with a cable tie). Be careful
not to damage the power cord. Before using it again,
make sure the power cord has not been damaged. If
the power cord has been damaged at all, bring the unit
andcordtoaqualiedservicetechnicianforrepairor
replacementasspeciedbythemanufacturer.
26. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time power cord has not
been damaged. If the power cord has been damaged
atall,bringtheunitandcordtoaqualiedservice
technicianforrepairorreplacementasspeciedbythe
manufacturer. Use caution when wearing loose clothing
or articles near the spinning turntable.