Performance without the fuss: U-Turn Orbit Special turntable unboxing and review

Unboxing, setting up and reviewing a U-Turn Audio Orbit Special turntable. Bottom line? This plug and play turntable offers performance, without the fuss.

#vinyl #turntable #VinylCommunity

Interested in sending an item to be considered for the mail time segment? Here is my address:

Frank Landry
PO BOX 99900 RE 899 513
RPO GARDEN CITY
WINNIPEG MB R2V 5A2
Canada

======================================================
ABOUT Channel33rpm: Your channel for #vinyl, gear and more, where I try to put the fun back in record collecting.

ABOUT ME: My goal is to inspire you to grow your music collection, improve your listening experience, discover new music and support artists (and have fun while doing it).
=====================================================

MUSIC CREDITS:
======================================================
Videos shot live on location near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

[catire]

I just bought one after my daughters starting buying vinyl without us owning a turntable. I went with the basic model, but upgraded the stylus to a Grado. I like that these turntable are upgradable over time. That way, if we decide to keep adding to the vinyl collection, we can upgrade the current one.

[nicothomas]

I've had my orbit for about two years now and have made some upgrades. When I got it I had the white version w MDF platter and 2m red w/o the preamp, and also added on the queue lever. By now I have gotten the acrylic platter and it looks/sounds great! The only issue I've had with it is on 'hot' pressings the inner grooves where always skipping. After spending time trying to troubleshoot I finally reached out to them for assistance. My experience w cust service was amazing and flawless. They paid for shipping to and from the warehouse, as well as the repair! They had to replace the tonearm with a newer version that addressed my specific issue. My only gripe with the acrylic platter is the belt tends to slide off when changing from 45 to 33, but only takes less than a minute to put back once you get used to it. Other than that I absolutely love mine and would reccomend it! My next upgrade is the 2m blue. Thanks for the videos and always look forward to Sunday's. Today's video was a nice surprise!

[vinylterry]

You basically reviewed my TT. The only difference is I opted to forgo the built in preamp and had them install the Ortofon 2M Blue. The belt situation is tricky, and they tend to be a little slow to shrink back to size when going from 45 to 33, so I bought a couple of $5 spares (free shipping) and have dedicated belts for 33 and 45, which helps. I’ve also had motor problems twice, but customer service is awesome and they got me replacements.

[vintageandvinyl]

I love acrylic platter. I have a Ortifon 2M red. It’s a great cartridge. This seems like a nice beginner table. I don’t really like that you have to change the belt when you want to listen to 45s. For its price it really does have a lot.

[dixielandfarm]

I've been a fan of the U-Turn for years. I still use mine with the acrylic platter as my normal table. The only con are those hinges, something I thought they would have solved by now (or at least an aftermarket solution).

[brandthavill]

Looking forward to your comparison video between the Fluance 85 and this turntable. I am leaning towards getting the fluance, but they both look to be nice choices. Great video as always.

[coryengel]

I looked at this and opted for the Fluance RT-85. Includes the Blue at no extra cost, no need to fiddle with the belt, has an adjustable antiskate. At $500 I think the Fluance is a better value. Maybe do a shoot-off?

[hofy]

I have lost track of how many of these I have recommended in the last couple of years. Only one person did not go with the Orbit. She went with the Fluance RT84. I am personally sticking with my vintage Technics Quarts Direct Drive.

[EddieJazzFan]

Looks like a great value. But I must say that for that amount of money, some sort of spring-loaded dust cover hinges should be standard. Looks like the same cheap plastic hinges that REGA uses.

[RoastBeefSandwich]

I've owned my Orbit for probably 6 or 7 years, love it.

[joangalvin]

I love mine. I have the basic model and painted my base gold. It sounds great with a basic receiver. The only thing I don't like it the belt. they say it is supposed to be loose, but if you barely touch it while flipping the record, it will fall off. If you change it to 45, you can't simply switch it back, it has to tighten up again and putting it back on is a tricky 2-person job.

[TheCardsharp]

My Fluance RT-85 is going to be difficult to replace. This looks like it would be a great secondary TT for me.

[Anthony-MK]

When I first got back into the hobby a few years back I picked up a U-Turn custom (Acrylic platter, cue lever, Grado Black) and it was a great turntable, no argument, . At the time it was running through a NAD 2 channel amp, and Vincent Pho-8 pre. Highly recommended, and as you mentioned, great starter (although it's more than ample for a one-and-done turntable) or secondary wood plinth is eye-catching :)
Edited: Apparently you can now run the Orbit acrylic platter naked.

[kappiiee]

Currently it's above my budget, but a great review! You seem to honestly name your pros and cons

[seanhagen]

Was thinking of upgrading my Audio Technica LP60, I checked out your videos on U-turn, it made my decision a lot easier, currently waiting for my own uturn, thanks frank! 😎

[marygirardin]

I have one in purple with the ortofan red. Easy to set up, and use. Sounds great, I love it.

[jeffreycrawford]

Would you be able to comment on any preference between this table and the Fluance RT85? These were my two finalists, so I am curious about any head-to-head comparisons or thoughts that you might have.

[TheVinylGuru]

I love you and I could watch you read the yellow pages, damn it!
This was great for the children!!!! Toodaloo!

[LowercaseKev]

Plan on upgrading to ortofon 2m blue stylus soon, best part is the blue is swappable with the red so it shouldn't require readjustment as I won't have to buy the entire cartridge and install it.

[santhony]

Love the look... not digging having to change the belt to change from 33/45 rpm... seems like it would stretch out or warp in that process.