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The Fluance RT87 is a roughly $800, dual-plinth turntable that Tom’s Guide reviewer Tammy Rogers judged a strong value and called a possible best turntable under $1,000. That is her review verdict, not a category-wide ranking based on controlled comparisons. The RT87 also has no built-in phono preamp, so its real cost depends on whether your amplifier already has a suitable phono input or you need to add a phono stage.
What does the RT87 cost, and what does that price leave out?
In her August 20, 2026 review, Tom’s Guide listed the RT87 at $799 in the US, £630 in the UK, and AU$1,200 in Australia. The page later showed an Amazon US listing for $799.99; retailer prices and stock can change, so treat those figures as the review’s dated prices rather than guaranteed current offers. The turntable has no built-in phono preamp. You will need either an external phono stage or an amplifier with a suitable phono input; if you do not already have speakers and amplification, those add to the system cost as well.
Rogers’s value case is that the substantial construction and listening performance justify spending more than on an entry-level deck. She wrote: “The RT87 makes a great case for its loftier price — and then you pull it from its cardboard prison, assemble it, plug it in, and drop the needle. Suddenly, $799 starts to feel like something of a bargain.” That is the reviewer’s assessment, not a price-performance measurement.
What are the RT87’s listed specifications?
| Item | Tom’s Guide review listing |
|---|---|
| Turntable design | Dual-plinth reference turntable |
| Playback speeds | 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM |
| Connectivity | RCA |
| Built-in phono preamp | No |
| Weight | 21 pounds |
| Cartridge/stylus configurations | Ortofon 2M Blue or Audio-Technica AT-VM95ML |
The review lists two cartridge configurations, but does not establish which is included with every finish or retailer listing. Confirm the exact configuration for the unit you are considering. Although 78 RPM is listed as a supported speed, Rogers says 78s need a compatible cartridge: their wider grooves are not suited to a standard stylus.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
What stands out in the build and setup?
Rogers describes a carbon-fiber tonearm, acrylic platter, vibration-dampening feet, electronic speed control, and switchable auto-stop. These are details reported in the review, not an independently verified manual specification. The auto-stop stops the record at the run-out groove but does not lift the tonearm. Rogers found that limitation a reason to leave the feature switched off.
The review’s setup description includes balancing the tonearm, removing transport screws, installing the platter and belt, fitting the cartridge, and attaching the dust cover. The reviewer notes that the anti-skate weight can be irritating and that the deck requires assembly and setup; it is not a plug-and-play automatic turntable.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How does the RT87 sound, according to the review?
Rogers reports a lively, wide presentation and praises its detail retrieval, build, and value. Those are subjective listening impressions from her review, not laboratory measurements or a guarantee that every listener or system will produce the same result. Her verdict was: “This is a five-star deck through and through.” That is her review rating, not a consensus score or proof that the RT87 outranks every turntable below $1,000.
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The review makes a persuasive case for the RT87 as a premium-feeling option near the top of a $1,000 budget, but it does not establish a definitive category winner. Rogers briefly names the Rega Planar 3 RS, Goldring GR3, and Technics SL13000G: she describes the Rega and Technics as substantially more expensive and the Goldring as similarly priced with fewer premium features. The review does not provide a shared test protocol or detailed model-by-model comparison, so those references cannot support a comprehensive ranking.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For your own shortlist, compare the complete system cost, cartridge configuration, setup effort and automation, speed and cartridge needs for 78 RPM records, vibration-control construction, and the sound character you prefer. The practical question is not only “Should you spend your hard-earned $800 on a turntable that needs extra stuff to make it work?” It is whether the RT87’s build and manual setup suit your system and listening habits. Likewise, “But is it one of the best record players?” is a matter of criteria: Rogers’s review supports a strong value recommendation, not a universal ranking.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
