The Fluance RT87 turntable has landed in the US at $799.99, with a UK and Australia rollout reportedly following. According to techradar.com, the deck was released in mid-June 2026 and sits above Fluance's entry-level line without climbing into true high-end pricing. It's positioned for buyers who want a fully manual, belt-drive experience and are happy to source a phono preamp and speakers separately.
That positioning matters more than the spec sheet suggests. The deck omits Bluetooth, omits a built-in phono stage, and doesn't even include a 45 RPM adapter — choices that cut both ways depending on what kind of listener you are.
At a glance:
- Price: $799.99 in the US (roughly £666 / AU$1,230), same across all finishes and cartridge options
- Release: mid-June 2026, US first; UK and Australia expected shortly after
- Cartridge choices: Ortofon 2M Blue or Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML, both over $150 standalone
- No built-in phono preamp; Fluance sells a matching PA10 preamp for $99.99
- Speeds: 33, 45, and 78 RPM via a selector, plus an Auto-Stop toggle on the rear
Where the RT87 sits in Fluance's range
Fluance has spent the last several years filling out a turntable lineup that runs from budget portables up through decks that flirt with four-figure pricing. The RT87 lands a notch above the company's more casual models and a step below the flagship RT85 and RT11 lines that audiophile circles already debate at length. The brand's broader pitch has stayed consistent: solid mechanical build, real wood plinths, and cartridges that are usually sold separately on competing brands.
What separates the RT87 from the deck one tier below it is the manual operation. Setup requires counterweight calibration, anti-skate adjustment, and the usual patience ritual that belt drives demand. A bubble level ships in the box, which saves a trip to the hardware store. There is no automatic tonearm cueing and no start-stop sensor at the end of a side, so you'll be on your feet more than you would with a beginner deck.
Our analysis
The Fluance RT87 turntable is an odd product to score on a spreadsheet. It lacks features that mainstream buyers now expect — wireless streaming, a built-in phono stage, USB digitizing — and that omission drags its features rating down even though most of those omissions are deliberate. The deck is built for someone who already owns, or is ready to buy, a dedicated phono preamp and a real pair of bookshelf or floorstanding speakers. Add the PA10 at $99.99 and a serious pair of speakers, and the system price climbs well past the headline sticker.
For the right buyer, the math still works. The Ortofon 2M Blue alone retails around $166.99, so choosing that cartridge option saves real money versus buying the cartridge separately. Cartridge swaps are also straightforward, which means the RT87 can grow with an owner's taste rather than being outgrown.
For the wrong buyer, the RT87 is a friction-heavy purchase. Anyone expecting simple plug-and-play listening will hit the wall the moment they realize their powered speakers or AV receiver lacks a PHONO input. And while the speed selector for 33/45/78 RPM is genuinely convenient, the lack of a bundled 45 RPM adapter at this price is the kind of small sting that earns grumbling in owner forums.
What it means for you
Say you are moving past a starter deck — maybe an Audio-Technica LP60 or a Crosley-style suitcase — and you're ready to commit to a real vinyl chain. The RT87 is worth a look. The reported sound signature leans slightly warm, with an immersive soundstage and no obvious inner-groove distortion, which is the kind of behavior you want when grading a remastered pressing or trying to hear the bass on a busy jazz recording for what it is.
Plan ahead for two extra purchases: a phono preamp like Fluance's PA10, and a speaker pair you actually trust. The first afternoon with the deck will be setup, not listening — and that's the trade you're signing up for at this price.
Bottom line
The Fluance RT87 turntable is a deliberately purist product at a price that asks for commitment without punishing it. Anyone who treats vinyl as a hobby rather than a background soundtrack will appreciate what Fluance left out as much as what it put in. Watch for the UK and Australia rollout dates, and keep an eye on independent phono preamp pairings — that's where this deck either sings or stumbles.
Key takeaways
- The $799.99 RT87 is a manual, belt-drive deck with no built-in phono preamp, so plan for at least one extra component.
- Cartridge choice (Ortofon 2M Blue or Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML) does not change the price, and both are strong entry points above $150 on their own.
- UK and Australia availability is expected soon after the US launch in mid-June 2026.
- Best suited for listeners building a multi-component vinyl chain, not for buyers wanting a single-box solution.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Fluance RT87 come with a built-in phono preamp?
No. The RT87 does not have a built-in phono preamp, so you'll need an external unit like Fluance's PA10 ($99.99) or a phono-equipped amplifier.
What cartridges can I use with the Fluance RT87?
It ships with either an Ortofon 2M Blue ($166.99 standalone) or an Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML ($179.00 standalone).
Can the Fluance RT87 play 78 RPM records?
Yes, the deck supports 33, 45, and 78 RPM through a front-panel selector, so you don't need to swap the belt manually.
Is the Fluance RT87 a good first turntable?
It's better described as a first serious turntable. Beginners who want automatic features or Bluetooth streaming will be happier with a simpler deck.
When is the RT87 available outside the US?
UK and Australia release is expected soon after the US mid-June 2026 launch, according to techradar.com.