U-Turn Audio Orbit Special

[ukfan4sure!]

Check the website. This is listed in the features. "Features internal anti-skate and adjustable counterweight." So it does have anti-skate.

Agreed. But "factory adjusted anti-skate" is a joke. I'd like to see you adjust it for a different cartridge, like is the standard when you get a different one. Typically, you adjust the anti-skate the same as the counterweight pressure for each cartridge, which can be vastly different. BTW, how are you going to adjust the counterweight without engraved numbers unless you invest in a scale? They just made it more difficult than it had to be by being on the cheap.

 

[DavidTT]

I have had multiple carts installed on my Orbit Walnut in the last two years with zero problems. Stylus scales are $12 on amazon. I currently listen to a Grado Silver on my Orbit and it sounds remarkably good. So, no issues with the preset antiskate here. I also disagree about the turntable cover, which is well-fitted. I agree that the hinges themselves are less desirable than others I've had, but the cover itself is very nice.

 

[ukfan4sure!]

I have had multiple carts installed on my Orbit Walnut in the last two years with zero problems. Stylus scales are $12 on amazon. I currently listen to a Grado Silver on my Orbit and it sounds remarkably good. So, no issues with the preset antiskate here. I also disagree about the turntable cover, which is well-fitted. I agree that the hinges themselves are less desirable than others I've had, but the cover itself is very nice.

The OP asked opinions, these are mine. I've owned one and said I had no issues with it, but there were several things about it I felt were not worthy of the asking price. I cannot endorse paying that much for a table with a chintzy lid with flimsy plastic hinges that would not hold the lid up without pushing it and holding it up vertical long enough to avoid it crashing back down onto the plinth. The plastic lid is thinner than any table I've ever owned and had a slight bow in the center across the back that allowed slightly larger vinyl to rub on it. Unless anti-skate has become a constant for every cartridge (whereby they should stop publishing the numbers on every instruction sheet), the anti-skate on this table is woefully inadequate "in my opinion". The lack of a locking collar on the tonearm for headshell removal is an inconvenience at the least. Swapping them out has to be a chore, as you might know.

As you stated in another post in this thread, their customer service is about as good as it gets. I called them a couple of times and have NOTHING but good things to say. Truly service from a time gone by.

 

[gary7]

Agreed. But "factory adjusted anti-skate" is a joke. I'd like to see you adjust it for a different cartridge, like is the standard when you get a different one. Typically, you adjust the anti-skate the same as the counterweight pressure for each cartridge, which can be vastly different. BTW, how are you going to adjust the counterweight without engraved numbers unless you invest in a scale? They just made it more difficult than it had to be by being on the cheap.

Just stating a fact. Not debating the merits of the anti-skate.

 

[ukfan4sure!]

Just stating a fact. Not debating the merits of the anti-skate.

Ahh... Tricky aren't you?

 

[DavidTT]

I've had no tracking problems with the Orbit using multiple cartridges, so unless a user had problems with tracking I'm not sure I see the issue with the preset antiskate. In theory, yes, but actual use is the important thing in my mind.

 

[Jenkster]

I appreciate everyone’s input, especially now that I am back where I started, no table! I’m thinking I want a new table without the issues that often plague older ones. I will say, the old JVC worked fine for nearly 40 years. I really don’t need an audiophile grade table as it will not be my main source. I just want it to work without a lot of fussing and sound good. The basic Rega table looks promising.

 

[ukfan4sure!]

I appreciate everyone’s input, especially now that I am back where I started, no table! I’m thinking I want a new table without the issues that often plague older ones. I will say, the old JVC worked fine for nearly 40 years. I really don’t need an audiophile grade table as it will not be my main source. I just want it to work without a lot of fussing and sound good. The basic Rega table looks promising.

And the UTurn Orbit would probably be fine for you. Look, I purchased mine as a slightly used demo model that had a broken stylus for $200. I found a slightly used stylus for $40 on eBay. So, for the $240 I had invested in a "new" $485 retail unit, I was very happy. It is simple in function, has some pretty good engineering with really good looks, and it does the job with decent sound. But if I were buying one NEW, it certainly wouldn't be this table. There are too many fine tables out there that are better at that price point. They might even be used.

For example, I replaced my Orbit with a 1200M3D from a guy who bought it new exclusively for the intent of transferring over 1200 albums to digital format. Then, he held on to it for years and never really used it much. It literally looks like brand new. I cannot find a single mark on it except for a couple of slight scratches on the inside of the dust cover caused by hitting the target light when he removed the cover (the M3D does not come with hinges, just a removable lid). I paid $350 for it, cash in hand. Now that I remember what true quality and tactile feel is like again, I cannot imagine ponying up for a UTurn at their asking price, even with a solid walnut plinth.

Good luck with your search!

 

[ukfan4sure!]

I've had no tracking problems with the Orbit using multiple cartridges, so unless a user had problems with tracking I'm not sure I see the issue with the preset antiskate. In theory, yes, but actual use is the important thing in my mind.

I can't say I disagree, but I still feel it's a "catch-all" method that just rubs me the wrong way.... UNLESS someone from the company can convince me they engineered it in a way to account for the differences in different cartridges. That's possible, and I'm all ears.

 

[Jenkster]

A good friend of mine has a U-turn Oribit, not the special as that was not an option when he purchased his. It is upgraded and is basically a special with the higher priced Ortophon cart, blue I think. He uses it in a second system and loves it. The table in his main system is a Rega Planner 3. He does like it better but it has a much more expensive MC cart of some ilk. He did tell me the U-Turn special, in his opinion based on experience, would be the perfect table for my listening habits. I value his opinion but it's not Gospel so, I'm always wanting and appreciate input from fellow AK'ers, thanks!

 

[Jenkster]

I have no affiliation, but I hear good things about the Fluance tables. I have not heard one myself, but they look nice and seem to get good reviews. They came out with a "Reference" line which looked like a decent under-$500 table, but they have all been out of stock for months.

I just took a closer look at the Fluance tables. From what I have read, they seem to be a very good value with more traditional features. Like you pointed out, the ones I would be interested in are out of stock with no clear date of availability. There are a few scenarios of why this has happened, some good and some not so good. I wouldn't be a bit surprised if the cost goes up. As I am in no hurry, I will likely watch for awhile and see what, if anything, happens. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Jenkster]

Well, after the hassle of not getting the U-turn table, I did a lot more research and budget evaluation. I decided to try the Fluance RT-81. I like the option of a built in pre-amp, auto stop, removable head shell, anti-skate, smoked dust cover and overall looks. Plus, at half the price, I can upgrade the cartridge if I so desire.

I got it yesterday, hooked up to a Scott 345 tube receiver and Klipsch Chorus II speakers. I think it sounds pretty damn good and I love the looks. I will run it for a week or so and, if I decide I don’t like, plan C.

I would like to thank everyone for their valuable input!