U-Turn Orbit Theory

[JimEGR]

Just received mine. Solid walnut plinth/Ortofon Bronze cart/no pre-amp. Worked my way up the Orbit line over the last couple of years. Super happy with the looks, build and performance of the Theory. Went with the Ortofon Bronze cartridge. Picking up subtleties in the music my Special w/Blue missed or had trouble communicating. The Theory w/Bronze presents noticeably better separation and multi dimensionality in the sound field - amazing and fun. The only negative so far is more sensitivity to surface contamination - needing to be more diligent about record prep and cleaning. Anyone else picked up a Theory?

 

[cgallery]

Nice looking setup!

 

[Montycat]

Very nice. Thanks for the report.

One thing I noticed is that the slots for the cartridge seem very short; is that true? Probably no issue but it might limit alternative alignment options.

 

[JimEGR]

Very nice. Thanks for the report.

One thing I noticed is that the slots for the cartridge seem very short; is that true? Probably no issue but it might limit alternative alignment options.

Thanks. I haven't measured the slots, but they appear to be the same size as their other head(shell). Here are a few comparison shots -

Plus with Grado Black -


Special with Ortofon Blue -


Theory with Ortofon Bronze -


A couple of my Sansui tables, significantly longer slots:

SR-838 Sansui headshell with Grado Black -


SR-222 mkii with unknown? headshell and lower end Sure -



Listening to an interview with the U-Turn owner/engineer it sounds like they spent a couple of years on this new Theory tonearm/head design. They must have considered the slot size(s).

The Theory one piece tonearm/head + short slots + magnesium = greater rigidity and lighter weight?

It also looks like they carved out some material from the original headshell shape to the Theory head -

 

[HPMguy]

Those short slots may limit your cartridge range. Not a problem if you like Ortofon though!

 

[Montycat]

Yeah, U-turn don't expect their users to be too much into tweaking and that's fair. Most won't have anything to worry about.

 

[JimEGR]

Those short slots may limit your cartridge range. Not a problem if you like Ortofon though!

I'm definitely a fan of the higher end Ortofon cartridges . Grado runs fine on my Orbit Plus and Audio Technica is an option too.

 

[JimEGR]

Yeah, U-turn don't expect their users to be too much into tweaking and that's fair. Most won't have anything to worry about.

Agreed. Variants of engineering philosophies too - where the art of engineering enters the conversation. As an owner of numerous tables with different features and flexibilities (and challenges), I can definitely appreciate what U-Turn is doing with their reliability/minimalist/performance ethos.

 

[MisterDK]

Yeah, U-turn don't expect their users to be too much into tweaking and that's fair. Most won't have anything to worry about.

You can say that again. I ordered a part from them and got three emails - asking if I was sure I wanted that particular part, and why. Finally told them it was for another brand table I’m repairing before they were willing to send it.. Guess they expect their customers to just play records..

BTW - the Theory belt works fine on my Transcriptor Saturn..

 

[ripblade]

Most cartridges today have standardized the tip/mounting screw distance to around 3/8" or 10MM. There are still exceptions, but fewer today than in the past. Short slots is preferable to long ones in terms of shell rigidity. I call that a plus on U-turn's behalf.

 

[JimEGR]

You can say that again. I ordered a part from them and got three emails - asking if I was sure I wanted that particular part, and why. Finally told them it was for another brand table I’m repairing before they were willing to send it.. Guess they expect their customers to just play records..

BTW - the Theory belt works fine on my Transcriptor Saturn..

I've owned 6 different U-Turn Orbits and have experienced exceptional support and service from U-Turn for the few issues I have run into. Including them sending me parts as well as dealing with an exchange. Their support and service is a large part of how they've earned my continued business (and I think their woody tables are gorgeous ). I am guessing their slow response and maybe even reluctance with your inquiry had to do with you ordering a part for a brand new model, that is sounds like you don't own. It's great they supported your endeavor.

Maybe a future product from U-Turn could be an even more granularly featured A La Carte table system - "The Tweaker". I can imagine as their customer base moves through the lineup there may be demand for more technical features and setup challenges.

Their thoughtful and conservative approach to product development seems smart for a newer company. Hope to see U-Turn continue to thrive and evolve.

 

[DavidTT]

GREAT to see your review and congrats on a beautiful table. I owned a Walnut Special and was very happy with it. I've been looking to see Theory reviews and yours is among the first I've seen. Tell us more. How quiet is the motor when operating with your head close to the platter/plinth? How does the arm feel in the hand? Any surprises so far?

U-Turn is a nice example of an American manufacturer that pays great attention to service and I'm excited to see them come out with what seems a really sophisticated table.

 

[Andre Garcia]

Thanks for the report.
To have a electronic speed changer is a big improvement.
The whole tt looks pretty attractive!
AG.

 

[JimEGR]

GREAT to see your review and congrats on a beautiful table. I owned a Walnut Special and was very happy with it. I've been looking to see Theory reviews and yours is among the first I've seen. Tell us more. How quiet is the motor when operating with your head close to the platter/plinth? How does the arm feel in the hand? Any surprises so far?

U-Turn is a nice example of an American manufacturer that pays great attention to service and I'm excited to see them come out with what seems a really sophisticated table.

Thanks. I had a hard time finding reviews too - not much out there yet. The specs seemed to add up and my past experience with U-Turn was quite positive so I went for it. I’ve only had it a few days but for me, so far, the value is there. I love how it looks, interacts and sounds. Everything about it feels like high quality intention.

The motor is nearly silent with ear close - with and without belt and no change with belt. A barely perceptible slight bushing? or bearing? noise - really though, almost nothing. Not audible standing in front of the table or sitting near.

The tone arm feels really stiff and this is very apparent departing the friction hold of the clamp. The swing is super smooth and light.

Other than needing to be more diligent about my record cleanliness there haven’t been any surprises or negatives.

 

[Andre Garcia]

Hi,
Is the motor AC or DC? Probably doesnt say.
(Reading now their website, DC sine wave PWM i guess)
I guess is fixed too and no floating like previous one.
Andre.

 

[Taketheflame]

Nice looking table!

Seems like a substantial step up from the regular Orbit models. Maybe also a sign of the times (in a good way) that a company doing more of a "plug and play" approach to turntables is offering a premium model now.

 

[JimEGR]

Nerding out a bit here. A couple of comparison videos.

These cell phone recorded videos obviously do not capture everything (Iphone 14 Pro), but if you open each video in separate windows and play like sections back to back you can definitely hear real differences.

Theory with Bronze, to my ear, delivering the greatest detail. The Custom/Special with Blue sounds fantastic, and multiple steps above my Plus with Grado Black which is certainly pleasant to listen to. All good listening experiences for their respective price points.

Hopefully this thread will be helpful for anyone researching the Theory. I know I've consumed everything I could find online before purchases to try and make the most informed decision I could. The AK thread library has been invaluable to me.

 

[justjed2]

Nice deck! It's nice to see them making a real step up, thanks for the review! It's going to be even more impressive when the Bronze gets about 50-ish hours on it.
The Bronze is pretty much my favorite modern MM cart, fwiw. Looking forward to your longer-term assessment of the Theory.

 

[JimEGR]

Nice deck! It's nice to see them making a real step up, thanks for the review! It's going to be even more impressive when the Bronze gets about 50-ish hours on it.
The Bronze is pretty much my favorite modern MM cart, fwiw. Looking forward to your longer-term assessment of the Theory.

Thanks! And looking for the post cartridge burn in!

 

[PowerGranted]

Just received mine. Solid walnut plinth/Ortofon Bronze cart/no pre-amp. Worked my way up the Orbit line over the last couple of years. Super happy with the looks, build and performance of the Theory. Went with the Ortofon Bronze cartridge. Picking up subtleties in the music my Special w/Blue missed or had trouble communicating. The Theory w/Bronze presents noticeably better separation and multi dimensionality in the sound field - amazing and fun. The only negative so far is more sensitivity to surface contamination - needing to be more diligent about record prep and cleaning. Anyone else picked up a Theory?

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Hi Jim,

I found your post through a (long) series of Google searches trying to decide on which turntable to get. Right now my shopping cart at U-Turn has 3 orbits in it: a custom with the Grado Black3 cart, a custom with the Ortofon Blue, and a theory with the blue. This means the price range is $469-$999. In truth I can "afford" any of the three, but I know I wouldn't be considered an "audiophile" at this point in life. My concern is getting bitten by the upgrade bug. I'm upgrading now from an Audio Technica LP60 and I would prefer not to do this again hahaha. I went too far down the rabbit hole.

Musically, I listen to a lot of "rock"- Alabama Shakes, Dave Matthews, Tom Petty, Ryan Adams, Wilco, Kings of Leon, Pink Floyd-those are the most listened to in my collection, but I will certainly throw on some Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre or even Norah Jones, so a bit of difference types of music.

It seems like you have exactly the kind of experience that could help me pull the trigger on one of these three. Which do you think is the way to go, having so much experience with this brand's products? Thanks so much!