RT80/RT81 - High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable User Manual v2.1 Serious Performance™ Fluance.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 2 Introduction 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.
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: Balancing the Tonearm 8 Step Five: Setting the Preamp Switch 9 Step Six: Connecting the Power 10 Step Seven: Connecting the RCA Cable 10 Step Eight: Dust Cover Installation 11 Playing a Record 12 Auto Stop Function 12 Maintenance 13 Cleaning the Turntable 13 Replacing th
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 4 What’s Included Dust Cover & Turntable Platter with Rubber Belt Turntable Mat Headshell with Stylus Counterweight 45 Adapter Power Adapter RCA Audio Cable with Ground LIFETIME Customer Support Dust Cover Hinges User Manual Lifetime Customer Support 2 Year Warranty
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 5 Components and Connections 8 1 9 2 10 3 11 4 12 5 6 13 7 19 20 15 14 1. Platter 17 16 18 11. Tonearm Lock 2. Rubber Belt 12. Tonearm 3. Motor Pulley 13. Headshell & Stylus 4. Spindle 14. RCA Audio Outputs 5. Turntable Mat 15. Ground Terminal 6. Speed Selection 16. Preamp Switch 7. 17. Auto Stop Switch Power LED 8. Counterweight 18. Power Input 9. Anti-Skating Control 19. Hinge 10. Cueing Lever 20.
Fluance RT80/RT81 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. Motor Pulley Metal Platter Installation Ribbon Spindle 3.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 7 Step Two: Installing the Counterweight 1. Secure the tonearm using the tonearm lock. 2. Slide the counterweight onto the end of the tonearm with numbers facing forward until it clicks on. Counterweight Tonearm Tonearm Lock Step Three: Installing the Headshell 1. Remove the headshell from the protective packaging and insert into the end of the tonearm. 2. Tighten the locking nut until the headshell is secure.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 8 Step Four: 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.fluance.com/support to watch a tutorial video for this process 1. Remove the stylus protector. 2. Unlock the tone arm and lift the cueing lever. Lock 3. Position the tonearm over the platter. Cueing Lever 4.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 9 Step Four (Continued): Balancing the Tonearm 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.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 10 Step Six: 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 Seven: 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.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual Step Eight: 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. The turntable setup is now complete! Enjoy your Fluance turntable.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 12 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.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 13 Maintenance Cleaning the Turntable 1. Use a soft dry microfiber cloth to wipe dust from the turntable surface. 2. Keep the dust cover closed to ensure the turntable components remain dust free. 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.fluance.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 14 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.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 15 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 User Manual 16 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 four of the first time setup instructions to confirm the tonearm was balanced and set to the correct tracking force of 2 Grams.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 17 Specifications Specifications RT80 RT81 Material MDF MDF Finish Painted High Gloss (Black) High Gloss Walnut Dust Cover Yes - Tinted Yes - Tinted Drive System Belt Drive Belt Drive Motor DC Motor DC Motor Speed 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM 33 1/3 RPM, 45 RPM Wow and Flutter 0.2% 0.2% Speed Variation +/-1.00% +/-1.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 18 Specifications RT80 RT81 Channel Separation 18dB at 1kHz 20dB at 1kHz Channel Balance 2.5dB or less at 1kHz 2.0dB or less at 1kHz Load Impedance/Capacitance 47k Ohms/100pF 47k Ohms/100pF Output Voltage 2.5mV +/–3dB 2.5mV (+/–3dB) Weight 5.0g (+/- 0.5g) 5.7g (+/- 0.5g) Headshell Weight 10.7g 10.7g Recommended Tracking Force 2.0g (+/–0.5g) 2.0g (+/–0.5g) Vertical Tracking Angle 20 degrees 20 degrees Thickness 0.6mm 0.6mm Width 4.5mm 4.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 19 Warranty Fluance gives the following warranty to the original customer of each new Fluance product purchased from a dealer authorized by Fluance. Fluance warrants that each new product, under normal use, is free from defects, subject to the terms and conditions set forth.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 20 Important Safety Instructions WA R N I N G 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.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 21 FCC & IC Information WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Electrical equipment should NEVER be kept or stored in damp environments. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 22 Cartridge Alignment Protractor Correct cartridge alignment ensures the stylus is positioned properly relative to the grooves on the record. Incorrect alignment can cause distortion and can also cause unwanted wear and tear on your stylus. Follow the instructions below to ensure your cartridge is mounted correctly. Instructions 1. Cut out the Cartridge Alignment Protractor* and carefully cut out the spindle hole (S). *See page 23 for cutout. 2.
Fluance RT80/RT81 User Manual 23 Cartridge Alignment Protractor Cutout Note: Only 1 protractor is required for the cartridge alignment process. 3 cutouts have been provided for convenience. S S S C C C A 66mm (2.6”) A 66mm (2.6”) A 66mm (2.6”) C C C D B D D D 120.89mm (4.76”) D B 120.89mm (4.76”) D B 120.89mm (4.
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