Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Fluance RT85N
Best OverallRega Planar 1 Plus
Best Premium PickPrice
$250-$350
$500-$650
Summary
Wirecutter's top pick and a strong performer in CNET's lab tests — the RT85N delivers accurate, neutral sound that lets your records shine without coloring the audio.
Tom's Guide calls it the best turntable around — the Rega Planar 1 Plus is a serious audiophile deck with a built-in phono stage, making it a complete, no-compromise setup.
Pros
- Best-sounding turntable in CNET's $300 comparison, beating Music Hall MMF-1.3 and Orbit Plus
- Wirecutter's top pick — easy to set up and adds very little of its own sound coloration
- User-replaceable cartridge allows future upgrades (e.g., Ortofon 2M Red)
- Belt-drive design with solid build quality that looks and feels premium
- Tom's Guide's top-rated turntable after extensive hands-on testing
- Built-in phono preamp (the 'Plus' version) means fewer boxes and cables
- Rega's renowned belt-drive engineering delivers exceptional speed stability
- Upgradeable cartridge path for long-term investment in sound quality
Cons
- Costs significantly more than entry-level options like the AT-LP60X
- Requires separate speakers and possibly a phono preamp depending on setup
- Overkill for casual listeners who just want background music
- Significantly more expensive than mid-range options
- Manual operation only — no auto-return or auto-stop
- Minimalist design means no USB output for digitizing records
Our take
If you're serious about vinyl and want a turntable that will grow with you, the Fluance RT85N is the sweet spot between price and performance. It punches well above its weight class.
If you want the best sound quality without building a full separates system, the Rega Planar 1 Plus is the turntable to beat. It's what serious vinyl listeners actually use.
Buy
