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U-Turn Orbit or Pro-Ject Elemental

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spud1532

New Member
Hey everyone!

I'm finally buying my own turntable, used my dad's while at home, but now that I moved out I need something to play my records! My gut tells me to go for the Orbit, I like their old school approach to its design and quality but Pro-Ject has the history (though I don't know about the look).

Has anyone had any experience with these two turntables?
 
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I would say vintage if your budget is only in the range for these models, though if you can spend $300-$400 then look into a Pro-ject Debut III or Carbon.
 
Follow your gut go with the Orbit and if you need any support the young guys at Orbit are a phone call/email away.
 
Thanks majick and redcoates, and that's a good point about customer service, I've heard nothing but good things about their response to concerns or issues!

If I were getting a Crosley I could undrstand the "toy" comment but really? I'm not looking for a biased comment here mr. silver. I did look into going vintage though, actually found a Thorens TD180 in pretty good condition, but there's something to be said for not having to worry about whether or not I can find a replacement part if something goes wrong.

Anything wrong with getting a cheaper preamp, at least for now? I found several in the 50-70 price range.
 
If I was in the market for a turntable I'd buy an Orbit. I've been into audio for over 50 years. My 2 cents.
 
Older Thorens would be my vote! It's what I will do when I ever have extra money.

Lorenzo, you just posted your 666 post! Yikes! :sigh:
 
Lorenzo...thank you for your input, as someone who's been in the industry for a while your thought does carry weight.

And I'll second that... Yikes!
 
spud1532 said:
If I were getting a Crosley I could undrstand the "toy" comment but really? I'm not looking for a biased comment here mr. silver. I did look into going vintage though, actually found a Thorens TD180 in pretty good condition, but there's something to be said for not having to worry about whether or not I can find a replacement part if something goes wrong.
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It's just something you have to put up with on AudioKarma, any thread asking for recommendations will have a small group of people shouting "buy vintage!" wether you asked for it or not. Don't take it personally.

The Orbit is a great option for a new, low cost turntable and the support staff at U-Turn is excellent. The Pro-Ject is probably a solid choice as well but I don't know much about it.
 
Do you want any automatic functions (ie. auto-return), removable headshell, speed selector via a switch/button, pitch control, etc..? The Orbit and Pro-ject lack many conveniences that older turntables had. Well the LP120 actually has some of them, and is one of the few for new turntables that do.

If I had to only have one turntable, the lack of removable headshell would be a deal breaker for me. I love to swap out cartridges. Plus mounting and setting up the cartridge is far easier when you can take the headshell off. I do own a Pro-ject, which lacks the things I listed above. I really like it, but in the context of it being a companion to my other (vintage) turntables. It would be difficult to live with just the Pro-ject.
 
Vintage turntables do have their place and I own a few of them. Seeing this is the OPs first turntable and like many other first time buyers I feel a new Orbit is the more suitable choice until they get their wings and gain the knowledge, skills and money to move on to a more advanced turntable either new or vintage. At this point I got a feeling the OP just wants a reliable simple to use good sounding turntable to listen to the music without any complicated tasks. Check the U-Turn site for their new phono pre.
 
I owned the u-turn orbit for a good while and i can definitely recommend it. It sounded good, and the service at u-turn is excellent. My only con was that changing cartridges could be easier. There is not a removable headshell, and the weight on the back can be annoying if you have to add washers or blue-tac. But for it's price, that is really a minor detail.

I can't comment too much on the Elemental, but some of the reviews i have read indicate a lack of quality.

If you go the vintage route, there are literally hundreds of great deals from technics, yamaha, sony, pioneer, sansui etc etc etc... You'll definitely get the most variety and probably the best bang for your buck.
 
I just recently picked up the U-Turn Orbit and love it. The ability to customize and upgrade where big with me. The fact it's made in America with American sourced parts is impressive. Last but not least the customer service is top notch. They like helping people and really enjoy what they do.

My Orbit is the basic. I did however have the cue lever added with the Ortofon cartridge. Sounds great and came fully adjusted and ready to play. I was literally up and running in just under 5 minutes. :banana:
 
Congrats on getting your orbit! Glad you like it! What speakers are you using? I have some Bose Companion 2 series iii speakers that I use for my computer that I may use until I can save for something better.
 
Tom, I did come here for advice, on a specific question between two turntables, if I wanted an opinion on a vintage turntable as well I would have asked, "should I get the Orbit, Elemental, or go vintage?" but I didn't. As far as the crosley, I was mainly referring to the crosley cruisers I've seen popping up at retail stores targeting younger listeners who are just in it for the novelty.

Saxdude, I know the Orbit is a minimalist design and that's one of the things I like, I'll get the optional Cue and ortofon cartridge.
 
There is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting a newer turntable. In fact, for a lot of folks, it is absolutely the right decision. While you may get more "bang for your buck" going vintage, you also have more risks and more work. Some people want a plug and play option for vinyl and that should be encouraged, especially when someone indicates that is there preference.

Between the two, I would go with the Orbit. As a Pro-ject owner, I really like their turntables but the Orbit is a nice quality turntable that is really hard to beat at that price. If your budget were a little more (like $300+), the decision would be harder but just between these two, go with the Orbit. It is certainly not a toy.
 
I haven't heard or seen the Orbit yet but I applaud the efforts of the guys to bring this to market. Only thing I wonder about is lack of anti-skate.

What about a Rega RP1? Or, a not-so-old used RP1? Mind you a not-so-old Pro-Ject might allow you to move up the scale a bit as well.

Any 'brick and mortar' audio stores in your area that might have trade-ins or consignments? Might get you some warranty.

Or on a different tack, a kabusa refurbished Technics SL-BD20 is $170 with new stylus and belt and 6-month warranty. Sure it's a p-mount and has it's limitations but in terms of hassle-free set-up and operation and considering what similar typical craigslist offerings are going for it's a pretty good deal in my mind.
 
tnsilver said:
These are called 'entry' level turntables because you'd always note the 'I had a Pro-Ject Debut', and 'I had a UTurn Orbit' comments just because people buy them for outrageous money, wear down the 'entry' thing in 4 weeks and move on.
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Really? Move where to? :scratch2: If someone has no bag full of money, and wants to buy something decent now, new and with the warranty, why not?!

I'm for both worlds, vintage and new but always looking for good deals.
Had Pro-ject RPM1.3, and still have it modified though. It was bargain when bought. Debut Carbon DC bought in January, very good deal on the auction site. Upgraded with the acrylic platter and the excellent Acutex cartridge, and have no intentions to sell it any day soon - it's great TT!
But I also love my vintage gear; an Beogram TT, and two Sansui SR-222MKII.
But to go vintage could be tricky and slippery world, as we all know- don't we?

To the OP - go for Orbit, it looks nice, already proven, and you always have better chance for a service (if needed) :thmbsp:
 
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