First Look At New Fluance Ri71 Reference Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Fluance–the Niagara Falls-based audio brand that makes some of my favorite turntables-has a new product release aimed at discerning music fans. Powered speakers offer true stereo sound without the need for an amplifier or receiver. They make a great option when you want something more than a portable Bluetooth speaker, but don’t have the space or budget for a component stereo system. The new Fluance Ri71 Reference powered bookshelf speakers are designed to elevate the listening experience through the use of features like AMT tweeters, aptX HD Bluetooth and curved, MDF wood cabinets.

I’ve spent the past week putting the new Ri71 speakers through their paces, enjoying the stereo sound, wide soundstage and the detail that those AMT tweeters and 5-inch glass woven drivers can deliver. Whether streaming music over Bluetooth, listening to records spinning on a connected turntable, or enhancing the sound of your TV, these powered bookshelf speakers are designed to deliver a premium experience.

Here’s a first look at the newly-announced Fluance Ri71 Reference powered bookshelf speakers.

Built-in Amplifier Saves Space and Money

A key appeal of powered speakers like these is that the amplifier is built-in. So you get the full stereo sound of a traditional component stereo system without having to find the space for a separate amplifier. You also don’t need to pay for a standalone amplifier. In this case, it is 120W of power (60W per channel), which is sufficient to fill a large room with sound.

In addition, the bass reflex port on these speakers is front-facing, which means that they can be placed close to walls without risk of distortion.

Bluetooth aptX HD for Wireless Streaming Convenience

The speakers are equipped with Bluetooth aptX HD (with AAC) for high quality wireless streaming, regardless of whether you stream from an Android or iOS device. The inclusion of aptX HD means a maximum Bluetooth data transfer rate of 576kpbs, compared to the maximum of 320kbps that standard SBC Bluetooth supports. More data means better sound.

Wide Range of Inputs and Outputs, Including RCA for Turntables

Basic powered speakers are usually lacking in inputs and outputs. The Fluance Ri71 powered speakers are more like a traditional stereo amplifier or receiver in terms of the variety of inputs and outputs offered. With HDMI ARC, these speakers can be used as a home theater sound system, while RCA inputs mean that you can plug in any turntable that is equipped with a pre-amp (which is the majority of consumer turntables sold these days). There is also output for a subwoofer, if more prominent bass is your thing. Mind you, the 5-inch woofers on these speakers and DSP enhancement means they can effectively hit 46Hz, so bass response is hardly an issue.

Connect With Standard Speaker Wire

Powered speakers like these usually connect to each other with a cable. In many cases, that is a proprietary cable carrying audio signal plus power, that has the advantage of being a single plug-in on each speaker. It’s convenient. However, this approach has the disadvantage of limiting the distance between speakers to the length of the supplied cable. And if you lose or damage that cable, replacement can be a challenge. Fluance instead uses standard speaker wire to connect the Ri71s. The company includes 8 feet of speaker wire in the box and if you want to space them further apart than that, speaker wire is cheap and easy to find.

Customize Audio

The primary speaker in this set has a built-in volume dial on the top. In addition there are bass and treble controls on the back of the speaker so you can easily tailor sound to match your preferences. Fluance also includes a remote control, so you don’t have to leave your chair to make adjustments.

Reference: What Makes These Stand Out From Other Powered Speakers?

The Ri71 speakers are part of the Reference series from Fluance. So how do they differ from other powered speakers like the Fluance Ai61s I reviewed a few years back?

Fluance is aiming the Ri71 Reference speakers at those who are looking for more nuanced performance. Upgrades that earn these speakers the “Reference” designation include the AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter for superior high-end detail, aptX HD Bluetooth, HDMI ARC and curved speaker cabinets that help to reduce standing waves (which can distort low frequency sound in traditional rectangular speaker cabinets).

Fluance Ri71 Key Specs:

• 2-way active (powered) bookshelf speakers
• 5-inch woven glass drivers, 1-inch AMT tweeters
• Integrated Class D 120W amplifier (60W per channel)
• Frequency response (DSP enhanced) 46Hz – 30kHz
• Acoustically inert MDF wood cabinets with tuned front-firing bass reflex ports, interior bracing to reduce resonance and curved design to minimize standing waves
• On-speaker power, volume, source selection, bass and treble
• Bluetooth 5.0 aptX HD 192 kHz 24-bit, with AAC
• HDMI ARC, RCA line in, Subwoofer output
• 12.20 x 7.28 x 7.83 inches, weight 14.11 and 11.02 lbs
• Includes power cable, 8 ft. 18 gauge speaker wire, remote + batteries
• Available in black ash, walnut or white ash finish
• MSRP $399.99

Fluance Also Released Floor-Standing Ri91 Version

If the Ri71s have piqued your interest, but you are looking for something a little more powerful, Fluance has also released the new Ri91 Reference powered tower speakers. These will cost you more than the smaller Ri71s, but the Ri91s feature a floor-standing tower form factor housing 6.5-inch woofers in addition to AMT tweeters and 150W of power.

Disclosure: Fluance provided Ri71 speakers for evaluation purposes but had no input into this article.