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Orbit U-Turn opinions

bre's dad

bre's dad

I drank what?!?
I will soon be in the market for a turntable for a secondary system. I've been looking at some local shops for tables in the neighborhood of max $300 (I have some unexpected vehicle repairs that are eating into the budget.) Been looking at entry level Pro-jects (debut iii and a used debut ii), Music Halls, etc. I found this and it looks interesting, the Orbit U-Turn. The $180 entry point has my attention and it seems to get decent reviews though I am a bit skeptical. from what I've read so far. Anyone have any opinions or experience with these?
 
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More than that thread here on the U-Turn offering. Generally favorable. Keep in mind your getting more than your paying for but your paying a low sum...
 
I've stayed away from the U-Turn because of Michael Fremer's remarks related to the headshell/arm geometry. Although his review was generally positive, the effort he went through to mount a different cart/stylus was more than I'd want to deal with. However, I like to swap carts fairly frequently.

Fremer also describes the U-Turn as a "Crosley Killer", which I'm sure it is - but that still doesn't say much to me.

I got a Pioneer PL-512 for $25 and put a Denon DL-110 on it, and it was the right choice for me at the entry-level price points.

So the U-Turn is a great choice for some people - you can "buy it now" and it works well right out of the box. A great, short term, plug-and-play option. Looks kinda cool too.

I happen to think you can get the same (or better) performance (and features) on the used market, for less, and with more compatibility for standard alignments/carts/etc. which might carry you further into the future. However, it can take a bit longer to find the right table and used tables can have their little "surprises" as well.

Regardless, enjoy the hunt!
 
^Fremer also said this:

"I could have reviewed the $179 U-Turn Orbit turntable taking into account its low price...but after listening for a day I thought the ‘table should be reviewed on a level playing field with any product I get my hands on. It’s that accomplished."

Considering he reviews tables up to the 5 and 6 figure range (he owns a $200,000 Continuum Audio Labs Caliburn turntable), that at least says something to me about its performance potential within the entry level price range. With that said, I, too, would like to see a better headshell design and a larger counterweight to allow the use of heavier cartridges (if need be).
 
Hands down the U-Turn Orbit is the best of the bunch when it comes to new entry level turntables. It's turn key/plug n play right out of the box and was designed for the newbee or slightly more advanced buyer who is looking for a simple, reliable, well designed and well built turntable, it isn't for you if your looking for bells and whistles, constantly changing cartridges or doing all kinds of modifications. U-Turn has one of the best customer support systems of any mfg and very enthused owners. Many positive threads here on AK and other audio sites, also check out U-Turns web site. If anything I'd be skeptical of the other mfgs the OP mentioned.
 
majick47 said:
Hands down the U-Turn Orbit is the best of the bunch when it comes to new entry level turntables. It's turn key/plug n play right out of the box and was designed for the newbee or slightly more advanced buyer who is looking for a simple, reliable, well designed and well built turntable, it isn't for you if your looking for bells and whistles, constantly changing cartridges or doing all kinds of modifications. U-Turn has one of the best customer support systems of any mfg and very enthused owners. Many positive threads here on AK and other audio sites, also check out U-Turns web site. If anything I'd be skeptical of the other mfgs the OP mentioned.
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U-turn probably worth money they ask, but I wouldn't bother with vinyl playback at that price point.
 
Looks like I've got some reading to do. So far seems to fit the bill. However, looking over the options page I'd definitely want to at least go for the Ortofon over the stock AT cart (I'm not a huge fan of Grado). Wouldn't mind the acrylic platter either, but by the time you add those options up, I'm approaching the price of a Pro-ject Debut iii that would still have some things the Orbit. I keep bringing up the Debut iii because I had one a few years ago and generally liked it and can use it as a point of reference. There are two things that have me on the fence:

1. Lack of a que lever. Sure, you can add one on for an extra $40 (now or in the future) but that's over the price of the afore mentioned Debut iii
2. Lack of anti-skate: Not a deal breaker, but would be nice to be able to adjust it
3. Overhang not mentioned: Unless they now provide a protractor or detailed specs on the arm, one of the complaints I've read in some reviews is this data isn't provided making mounting a different cart guess work. That's not necessarily a deal breaker (I could order the OM5 and later upgrade the stylus) but wold make properly dialing a different cart or even remounting whatever I order for it guess work.
 
Don't discount the super cheap AT91B/AT3600/CN5625AL that comes stock on the Orbit, it's a really nice cartridge! If I had to take cartridge upgrade or cueing lever, I would vote cueing lever. They have saved my vinyl and styli time and time again. Also makes cartridge alignment much easier.
 
So I pulled the trigger and ordered one yesterday with the acrylic platter & Grado Black. Will order the que later.
 
The U-Turn is marketed to the newby entering the world of vinyl. It's clear that it isn't a giant killer and for the intended audience, it is a nice entry. NW, though you say your not trashing these, clearly you are. A newby shouldn't care about all the things an audiophile may THINK is important. They should have fun. Once they find the table can be improved, they have some options. Never owned one myself, and don't have a need for one, but looks like it's worth a look if that is something someone may want to get into. And in the new market, it has a very nice price.
 
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for_p1 said:
U-turn probably worth money they ask, but I wouldn't bother with vinyl playback at that price point.
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Why are some of you stomping all over the OP's excitement and enthusiasm? If you don't like the table for whatever damned reason, fine. Nobody is forcing you to buy it. But why trash it? The OP is clearly excited about buying the table, and he obviously wants something that is minimal fuss and will play his records without damaging them. And so what if the U-Turn "is not for most people"??? It is obviously a good fit for the OP. Let him have his excitement. Good grief.

Also, as OP clearly stated: the U-Turn is going into a SECONDARY system.
 
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Where are you in Indiana? If not far from Lexington, KY, you're more than welcome to check a U-Turn out at my shop. I don't care if you don't plan to purchase from me, just if you want to put your hands on one and see what you think, you're more than welcome. I've also got a used Rega RP-1 that you can compare it to, for the sake of comparing entry-level offerings.

EDIT: Sorry, I didn't see where OP had already purchased the TT. Hope to hear your impressions!
 
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