ConsFirst / Turntables / Compare
Fluance RT85N vs Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Fluance RT85N ranks higher (#1 vs #2 of 8) and scores better on sound quality, build & reliability.
The biggest complaint about the Fluance RT85N is no built-in preamp; for the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB it's built-in preamp adds distortion. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Fluance RT85N | Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in turntables | #1 | #2 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Manual | Manual |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 5% | 4% |
| Overall score | 4.3 | 3.7 |
| Sound quality | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Gentle on records | 4.5 | — |
| Easy setup | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Upgradability | 3.0 | — |
| Build & reliability | 5.0 | 4.0 |
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)
Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB
- Built-in preamp adds distortion
Wirecutter says the built-in preamp added the most distortion by far of any turntable it tested, though it's the loudest and fine for DJ use. Using an external preamp avoids the problem.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Big, heavy and plastic
Wirecutter calls it a plastic turntable that is larger and heavier than its picks.
Source: Wirecutter (NYT) - Fully manual
Audio-Technica's listing describes it as fully manual, so you place and lift the tonearm yourself.
Source: Amazon.com product page
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 Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB if
Beginner DJs (quick start-up, wide pitch control)
Digitizing records over USB
Owners who'll add an external preamp later
Skip it if: You want automatic play; You'll rely on the built-in preamp for the cleanest sound; You have limited shelf space
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.