Fluance RT82 vs Sony PS-HX500

Side-by-side specifications and a plain-English account of the recorded differences. Full profiles: Fluance RT82 · Sony PS-HX500.

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.

On price alone the Sony PS-HX500 costs less, coming in £119 (about 66%) below the Fluance RT82, bearing in mind one figure is a current RRP 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 Sony PS-HX500 has a built-in phono stage and a USB output for ripping vinyl. 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 RT82 is semi-automatic, the Sony PS-HX500 is manual.

The Sony PS-HX500 is discontinued, so that side of this comparison is really "used Sony PS-HX500 vs new Fluance RT82" — factor in condition, service history and the lack of a warranty against a fresh unit with manufacturer support.

Bottom line: £119 separates these reference prices. That difference is factual; this specification comparison does not assign an overall winner.

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