Long Term Review: U-Turn Orbit Turntable

The U-Turn Orbit has been the primary turntable in my main listening system for the last 3 years. Highly recommended entry-level player.
All music excerpts are from my ambient guitar channel:
/ @drippingbeets
My first ambient guitar EP is available here:
• song 1: muscas rolling...
twitter - / orbivision
#audiophile #turntable

[@10000spidersinatrenchcoat]

I’ve been eyeing one for when (if) that stimulus check hits to replace my cheapo Gemini turntable that I’ve never been in love with.

[@paulthurston2883]

I own this exact U-Turn also in red. I think the 'orange peel' paint finish adds to the overall uniqueness and character. The belt can be problematic. I ordered 3 spares so I'm good for a year or two. The belts are not cheap either.

[@nadiraudio]

Yeah, I've gone through a few belts too. It's a good idea to have some spares on hand.

[@essasolex]

the Marantz table is so pretty

[@eyelesscrown7346]

Seems like a reliable turntable. I've also heard a lot of good things about their customer service so I'm not too worried if something does go wrong. I cant wait to get my hands on one!

[@Andersljungberg]

you do not need an advanced rug when you have an acrylic plate because the acrylic plate should in principle be much more vibration dead than a cast iron plate

[@fif1]

thanks for the review

[@mannyg.forever5730]

Im glad i bought mines when it was $180. Now it's $200!!!

[@glenlockyer775]

Ditch the mat and get a clamp...acrylic platters work better that way as the material is as close to the same material of the actual record,and act as 1 piece

[@Andersljungberg]

It may be more economical to buy a turntable that has Ortofon's Red pre-installed or Ortofon's blue

[@MichaelKayin90Seconds]

Go ahead and buy extra drive belts. They stretch out really easily. There's a reason U-Turn sells them for only $5 with free shipping. You will be ordering a LOT of them.

[@DumbIdeaPresentedStupidly]

Dose it help if you take them off when not in use

[@mateonelson3862]

i’ve had the same belt for 4 years now and haven’t had any issues 😂

[@regfeg9855]

Should I get this? I don’t really care much for extremely high quality audio, I just want a turntable that can play well and is worth the price.

[@nadiraudio]

I've had good luck with the Orbit. It plays well, has been reliable, and in my opinion is worth the price.

[@legrandmaitre7112]

Get a 1210.

[@arizonafijiicedtea4204]

Perhaps the lp3 would be better. This one is manual and the lp3 is automatic.

[@richpaul6853]

I was considering this turntable until I compared it with the Fluance RT83. The Fluance has electronic speed change, the same Ortofon Red cartridge, as well as better tonearm that has cuing as standard equipment plus it has a decent anti-skating adjustment. The Fluance wooden plinth is stunning! I bought it and couldn’t be happier. It cost me less than $400 including shipping and tax.

[@nadiraudio]

If I was looking for an entry-level table now, the Fluance RT83 would definitely be on my short list. They look great and seem to get universally good reviews.

[@jasper1064]

So the U - turn doesn't come with a queue arm?

[@nadiraudio]

No, unfortunately it's still a $40 add on.

[@rockfan129]

The uturn orbit special comes with the queue arm

[@williambloomhuff3389]

Can use the output jacks to plug into my 15 yr old Bose loudspeaker? It has basic input jacks.

[@nadiraudio]

You'll need an amplifier to go between the Orbit and the speakers. And the amp will need to have a phono pre-amp as well (unless you get the Orbit + which includes the pre-amp).

[@CKdaGiftedOne206]

Do I need to get the pre amp if I usually connect it to surround sound system?

[@nadiraudio]

Yes, you'll still need a pre-amp to get the signal up to line level unless you buy the Orbit with the pre built in.

[@CKdaGiftedOne206]

@@nadiraudio Thanks!

[@bstrouble]

I was looking at this turntable but I found the Fluance RT81 which would cost me $240. For my custom U-Turn it would be $333 including the $20 shipping cost, $80 preamp , and the $40 cue lever. I am upgrading from a Crosley suitcase (I use a $30 iHome bluetooth speaker too lol) as I got that thing 2 years ago and I'm sure anyone of these turntables along with some real speakers will blow the Crosley out of the water. What is your opinion on this since I am just getting more into vinyl? It's basically $240 vs $333.

[@nadiraudio]

I don't have experience with the Fluance RT81, but it seems to be a well regarded player. The cartridge you select will probably make the biggest difference. I mildly upgraded the Orbit to the Ortofon 2M Red and have been very happy with it.

[@bstrouble]

@@nadiraudio Cool I actually just placed an order for an Orbit this morning without a preamp installed. If you don’t mind me asking, what else would I need to get started with vinyl? I am going to buy powered speakers & I think I will need an external phono preamp. Will the phono preamp need a ground cable to connect to the Orbit as well? So basically I need powered speaker, external preamp, & ground cables to get started?

[@nadiraudio]

Yes, the powered speakers, phono preamp, and cables are all you really need besides records, of course, and possibly a way to clean them. I use an inexpensive Audioquest brush which works fine.

[@strangedaysbook7370]

Funny. I never heard of Fluance until I read your comment, and it took me 10 minutes to realize that the RT-82 would be right for me. This is after spending years thinking about an Orbit, but being confused by the options. Thank you! But I'm sure your Orbit will be fine - and you're right about customer support.

[@bitcoinman9202]

Lol funny same here. The player looks great but the options are confusing and make me want to buy something else

[@puddleglumsmusiccollection9151]

Ortofon is easy to upgrade

[@legrandmaitre7112]

Whatever it's called, it's a Rega. I used to have a Rega Planar.... I wasn't too impressed tbh.

[@Ididntaskforahandleyoutube]

Interesting. I usually hear nothing but good things about Rega.