ConsFirst / Turntables / Compare
Fluance RT85N vs Angels Horn H019
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Fluance RT85N ranks higher (#1 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on sound quality, gentle on records, easy setup, upgradability, build & reliability.
The biggest complaint about the Fluance RT85N is no built-in preamp; for the Angels Horn H019 it's light bass. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Fluance RT85N | Angels Horn H019 | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in turntables | #1 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Manual | Suitcase / all-in-one |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 5% | 11% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Sound quality | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Gentle on records | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Easy setup | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Upgradability | 3.0 | 2.0 |
| Build & reliability | 5.0 | 3.5 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–400 · $$$ over $400. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Fluance RT85N
- No built-in preamp
Wirecutter and Engadget both note that you'll need a separate phono preamp if your receiver or speakers lack one. Wirecutter says Fluance offers its PA10 for about $100.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Engadget - Glossy finish shows fingerprints
Wirecutter says all the finishes are glossy and quickly collect fingerprints, and Engadget says the glossy finish isn't for everyone.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT), Engadget - No 78s; limited upgrades
Wirecutter notes there's no 78 RPM setting and that you can't easily upgrade it beyond the cartridge, though it already has the cartridge and acrylic platter you might upgrade to.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
Angels Horn H019
- Light bass
Wirecutter says it doesn't have as much bass as its testers would like, and that Andover Audio's SpinPlay all-in-one plays about 10 dB louder.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Tonearm balance and skipping
Amazon's review summary says balance gets mixed feedback, with several owners finding the tonearm impossible to balance, and that it has skipping issues, especially on new records.
- Missing features
Wirecutter notes it can't stream your vinyl to Bluetooth devices and has no radio or CD player. It also doesn't play 78s, and it needs a small amount of setup.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT)
Who should pick which
Pick the Fluance RT85N if
Building a real hi-fi system around vinyl
Accurate sound across every genre
Buyers who don't want to upgrade parts later
Skip it if: Your amp or speakers have no phono input and you don't want to buy a preamp; You own 78 RPM records; You want Bluetooth or push-button play
Pick the Angels Horn H019 if
One box with speakers and no separate stereo
A gift for a kid or a new vinyl fan
Streaming from your phone to its speakers
Skip it if: You want deep bass or room-filling volume; You want to stream your records to Bluetooth headphones; You don't want to adjust a tonearm at all
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