Fluance RT80 vs Pro-Ject E1

Side-by-side specifications and a plain-English account of the recorded differences. Full profiles: Fluance RT80 · Pro-Ject E1.

Practical differences

Highlighted cells show a lower reference price, support for more listed speeds, or the presence of a convenience feature. They are not an overall score.

The Pro-Ject E1 undercuts the Fluance RT80 by $50 — $200 against $250, bearing in mind one figure is a current reference price and the other a typical used price that moves with condition.

Both are belt-drive, so that part of the experience should feel similar on either deck: a motor that's mechanically isolated from the platter by an elastic belt, which is the usual route to a quieter noise floor — the default choice across most of hi-fi.

The Fluance RT80 has a built-in phono stage. Skip the phono stage and you'll need one built into your amp, or a separate box, to play through normal speakers.

Operation differs: the Fluance RT80 is semi-automatic, the Pro-Ject E1 is manual.

The Pro-Ject E1 is discontinued, so that side of this comparison is really "used Pro-Ject E1 vs new Fluance RT80" — factor in condition, service history and the lack of a warranty against a fresh unit with manufacturer support.

Bottom line: $50 separates these reference prices. That difference is factual; this specification comparison does not assign an overall winner.

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