Turntables · Best for first-time vinyl buyers

Fluance RT82

85
Highly rated
Average of 4 professional reviews
4 of 4 recommend it · critics agree
Where the 4 reviews landedRange 83–89
Score printed by the outlet Estimated from the verdict

Exact average 85.0 · 1 printed, 3 estimated

Fluance RT82Image: Fluance

4 professional reviewers tested the Fluance RT82, and 4 recommend it. Most praised: sound quality and value for money.

Reviewed by CNET, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and 1 more

The catch: It has no built-in phono preamp, so you need to buy one.

Early score: only 4 professional reviews so far. Expect it to move as more reviews come in.

3 of these 4 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.

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What 4 critics said

Highest score first · all converted to 0–100
  1. 85
    CNETBuying guide · 2026

    CNET names the RT82 its best record player overall after side-by-side lab tests, citing lively sound and solid build.

    Read CNET review
  2. 89est.
    Trusted ReviewsNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2024

    An excellent, well-built starter turntable for about 300 pounds with engaging sound and room to upgrade.

    Read Trusted Reviews review
  3. 83est.
    TechRadarNo printed score · Hands-on review

    TechRadar finds the RT82 a clear step up from the RT81 with better sound and build, and an easy recommendation for entry-level vinyl fans.

    Read TechRadar review
  4. 83est.
    9to5ToysNo printed score · Hands-on review · 2019

    The reviewer calls the RT82 a great high-fidelity option with very clear, detailed sound.

    Read 9to5Toys review

"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates

What critics praise most

Sound quality4 of 4
Value for money2 of 4

What critics dislike most

No clear pattern.

Other turntables critics rate highly

Rega Planar 1Image: Rega
Top pick, narrowlyRega Planar 14 reviews · critics agree87
Sony PS-LX310BTImage: Sony
Best for beginnersSony PS-LX310BT5 reviews · critics agree84

Compare the Fluance RT82 with another product →

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Common questions

Is the Fluance RT82 worth it?

Most critics think so: 4 of 4 recommend it. It has no built-in phono preamp, so you need to buy one.

Do critics agree about the Fluance RT82?

Critics agree: scores range from 83 (TechRadar) to 89 (Trusted Reviews), a spread of 6 points across 4 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.

What is the best alternative to the Fluance RT82?

The Rega Planar 1 (critic score 87), top pick, narrowly.