It can automatically sense the type of record you are playing and adjust the platter speed to 33 or 45 rpm. It is also very adjustable with a pitch control knob, a well designed threaded weight for adjusting tracking force, and an automatic sensor that changes the platter speed for 33, 45, and 78 records. One of the biggest downsides of switching to analog music is that you have to deal with skipping, and not the fun playground kind. It produces the Orbit … We then moved on to bumping into the table with increasing force until each model finally gave in and skipped. In the sections below we discuss all the strengths and shortcomings we discovered while testing the Orbit. The only aspect of its construction that we aren't huge fans of is the aluminum platter, which is definitely on the lighter side. All trademarks property of their respective owners. While we didn't have any problems in our testing, many users complain of the Debut Carbon's anti-skate weight falling off. To assess relative quality, we had some of our in-house mechanical engineers examine all of our record players' components side-by-side. Note: This turntable does not have a built-in preamp. Tired of tinny earbuds? Having a turntable that automatically adjusts the platter speed based on what type of record you're playing adds a level of convenience. Not only does vinyl transmit all that precious musical information that is lost in digitally compressed files, but it also forces you to slow down and appreciate the music you're listening to. In many ways, turntables and vinyl records are an escape from this compression. U-Turn Audio is an American audio equipment manufacturer. First off, it has a well-designed cue lever; all you have to do is swing the tonearm into place and pull the lever, and the needle makes a controlled and gentle descent down onto the record. Because it lacks any sort of cue lever, we found the most challenging aspect of this machine to be the manual cueing. Two models, the Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB and the U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus, sat just behind the top scorer with scores of 8 out of 10. Though it looks minimalist from the outside, the U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Turntable is packed with features you’d usually find on more expensive equipment including an Ortofon OM5E … To test vibration resistance, we first shook the table that our turntables were sitting on. It also sports a fully automatic cueing function. The U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus' heavy acrylic platter was the most effective at reducing vibration in our testing. However, anything more aggressive, such as dancing or jumping around, and you could run into some issues. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Finding the Right Turntable for Your Vinyl Journey. The Fluance RT81 was the most adept at avoiding skips during our vibration resistance testing. Two models, the Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB and the U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus, sat just behind the top scorer with scores of 8 out of 10. Orbit Plus Turntable. With the Orbit, U-Turn has created a well-made beginner turntable with everything you need and nothing you don't. While the Fluance RT81 was even better in that regard, we'd still approve the Orbit for raucous dance parties. Details about U-Turn Audio - Orbit Plus Turntable (Black) 3 viewed per hour. It only has one button: a power switch located on top of the turntable. U-Turn Audio’s Orbit Special is the perfect audiophile turntable if you want your first taste of high-end gear. READ OUR REVIEW ▸ Key specifications for the U-Turn Orbit … The company is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts and was founded by Robert Hertig, Peter Maltzan, Benjamin Carter in 2012. The Orbit Plus did quite well in our overall testing, as you can see in the table above. The U-Turn is entry-level kit. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support, Good sound quality, high quality construction, good vibration resistance, Expensive, fully manual, some static distortion at higher volumes. This was not at all noticeable at low volumes, but when we cranked the music loud it was conspicuous but not overpowering. Not only is it a bummer, but it can also cause damage to your records. Not sure if vinyl is right for you? Follow the link to U-Turn … The main downside of the Audio Technica AT-LP60XUSB is its sound. Orbit Plus Turntable $289. Shop . Tired of tinny TV speakers? Three different models shared the third step on the sound quality podium, all with scores of 7 out of 10. This makes it a poor overall value, unless you just really fall in love with its aesthetics. The Orbit Plus is a good all around turntable, but its relatively high price makes it a poor value when compared to other models. The metal tonearm feels solid and sports a fairly nice AT95E Dual Magnet cartridge at the end. However, we didn't think the resulting mp3 files were of particularly good quality. The Orbit also forces you to manually select the speed at which the platter turns, whereas most models automatically detect whether a record is a 33 or 45 and adjust themselves accordingly. This turntable was gifted to me at an industry conference by … We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Finally, to test each player's resistance to skipping, we played a record and purposefully bumped into each model with progressively more force. The U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus also prevented skipping in our test quite well, falling just behind the Fluance RT81 with a score of 7 out of 10. That attention to detail extends to the sound quality, treating us to the fullest and most well-balanced sound of all the models we tested. No Interest if paid in full in 6 … A turntable's overall quality and longevity are largely determined by the quality of its components. Dynamic range and clarity are slightly short of the Debut Carbon, but this machine is still able to produce a sharp, warm, and fresh sound. Six different models fell into this category, including the Sony PSLX300USB, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB, the Audio Technica AT-LP60XUSB, and the Victrola Vintage 3-Speed. New In Box. Free delivery and returns on eligible orders of £20 or more. Earning a score of 9 out of 10, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon was the clear frontrunner in our sound quality metric. Two models, the Audio Technica AT-LP60XUSB and the Sony PSLX300USB, scored 6 out of 10 in our sound quality testing. Shop . Unfortunately, in our quest for a truly shoestring-budget record player, we listened to some discordant models. We used two identical sets of speakers so we could quickly switch between players and get accurate comparisons. The motor is separate from the platter and uses a belt drive, also to reduce vibration from making its way into the record. For comparison, this is the same sound quality score we would give to a standard mp3 played through our testing speakers (the kind of compressed audio file you might stream through Spotify or Pandora). The Audio Technica AT-LP60XUSB is built almost identically to its sibling, but the tonearm feels just slightly less stiff. We tested 9 of the best... Finding the Right Turntable for Your Vinyl Journey. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon offers sound and great performance, but at a high price. $265.00. This put it just behind the top score of 9. These models can stand up to general ambling about or even accidentally bumping a hip into the table without skipping. Both are around the same price and both have (mostly) great reviews. It offers impressive clarity through the mid and treble ranges, expressing more subtleties and nuances. The Victrola uses a slightly higher quality metal tonearm, but it still feels quite flimsy. The JTA-230 only offers manual cueing, and the tonearm tends to stick a bit as you move it, making the process much more difficult. Most of the models we tested earned an average score of 6 out of 10 in our vibration resistance testing. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific product reviews, Good sound and construction that is held back by a higher than average price point and less user friendly design. Great vinyl playback shouldn't be a hassle. It also does not have any adjustments for the tracking force. The U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus offers an average user experience, earning a 5 out of 10 in this metric. The Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB was the easiest model to use in our tests, earning the top score of 9 out of 10 in this metric. If you want to minimize record skipping while dancing with reckless abandon, the Fluance RT81 is a great choice. Compared to the melodious Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XUSB is a very small step down in terms of sound quality but a huge step up in affordability and convenience. Let us know! U-TURN: ORBIT PLUS TURNTABLE W/ BUILT IN PREAMP (OM5E) - WHITE. As a result we can help guide you toward your purchase, whether you're just dipping your toe into the world of vinyl or are looking to upgrade from your existing record player. Orbit Plus Turntable $289. U-Turn Audio - Orbit Plus Turntable (Black) Item Information. The Jensen JTA-230 was so sensitive in our vibration resistance testing that we felt like we had to slink around on our tiptoes in order to appease it. Although it does not have any type of pitch control, it does have a nice, threaded weight to adjust the tracking force. For example, the Jensen JTA-230 sounds incredibly thin and raspy (in a bad way, not a Stevie Nicks way). We researched more than 50 turntables, then purchased the best 9 available in 2020 and tested them side-by-side for more than 150 hours. And the Orbit Plus … Both of these turntables, however, do add some of that signature vinyl warmth, so they still provide a better listening experience if you like that flavor of sound. U-Turn Orbit plus Turntable with Ortofon OM5e Cartridge. The only minor difference we noticed amongst these models is that the Audio-Technica AT-LP3BK offers slightly more powerful bass than the other two. We found this to be much easier than having to lower the tonearm and needle by hand. It lost some points because it lacks some adjustability; there isn't any pitch control or tracking force adjustment. It also has a beginner-friendly cue lever that makes getting the needle on the record an easy and stress-free experience. Buy U-Turn Audio - Orbit Plus Turntable With Built-In Preamp (White) at Amazon UK. The Orbit starts at $179 for the basic model, but we highly recommend you upgrade to the Orbit Plus or Orbit Special which include an acrylic platter. The AT-LP120XUSB has a heavy aluminum platter and a nice felt mat material. Searching through the TechGearLab vinyl library for the perfect sound quality testing tracks. Both of these models have solid, lightweight metal … U-Turn Orbit Turntable Vinyl Record Player Black. Using a stylus force gauge to dial in each turntable's tracking force. To top it off, the build quality is more robust than with most other models in its price range. Although not overly expensive, it certainly isn't cheap and might be a bit pricey for vinyl newcomers. The Fluance RT81 withstood impressively hard bumps to the table it sat on without skipping in our testing. Orbit Special Turntable Expressive and uncompromised playback. However, the rubber mat material that it's fitted with isn't quite as nice as the felt on other models. This maneuver isn't super tricky to master, but it can add a bit of stress, especially if you're trying to play an old, treasured, and irreplaceable record. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon was the best sounding turntable we tested. U-Turn Audio’s Orbit Plus is a fabulous effort for a new startup, and worthy of consideration by anyone who wants a good, very basic, but very capable turntable for getting back into vinyl or for trying it for the first time. Condition: Used. It is the only model we tested that sports a carbon fiber tonearm. Buy U-Turn Audio - Orbit Plus Turntable With Built-In Preamp (White) at Amazon UK. Condition is "New". The simple act of placing the needle on a record can be a somewhat stressful task, especially for a beginner. ; Features the award-winning Ortofon 2M … The Victrola Vintage scored the lowest in this metric. The ORbit has a nice stiff tonearm, but the tracking force adjustment can be a bit finicky. With a premium acrylic platter, get enhanced … Second, the RT81 was the best performer in our vibration resistance testing, warding off skips even when we forcefully bumped the table on which it sat. Though its platter is sturdy, the aluminum makes it a bit lighter and thus less vibration-resistant than some of the top-scoring models. The U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus offers an average user experience, earning a 5 out of 10 in this metric. Audio-Technica builds even their budget models fairly well. How can we improve GearLab? There is generally a positive correlation between price and sound quality when it comes to record players, but that doesn't mean you can't be smart with your money. We played the same records using the same speakers with each of them. I purchased the U-Turn Orbit plus in blue. However, the tracking force is adjusted via a sliding weight. Today I added a small LED strip behind the platter just for fun. The Orbit lacks any sort of cueing lever, which means you must pick up the tonearm, move it into the right position and gently rest it onto the record yourself. It was crystal clear in our testing and had a broad dynamic range that gave the music emotional resonance and room to breathe. The Orbit Plus earned a 7 out of 10 in our sound quality testing, putting it well above average but just behind the top performers. Our journey through the world of vinyl has been and continues to be a joyous one. We experienced no issues with this weight, but many online customer reviews mention issues with it falling off. Still, overall it offers a fully-featured experience for vinyl newcomers and veterans alike. U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Turntable Green Brand New. For sale is a U-Turn Orbit Plus Turntable. One can only imagine why the principles chose the name U-turn… The company is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts and was founded by Robert Hertig, Peter Maltzan, Benjamin Carter in 2012. GearLab is reader-supported. The Audio-Technica AT-LP120BK is nearly as good but costs significantly less. Joining him on our team were GearLab audio specialists Michelle Powell and Max Mutter. Otherwise, it lacks any adjustments for pitch and tracking force, cannot digitize records, and utilizes a relatively flimsy cue lever that makes touching needle to record more precarious than it needs to be. Fully automated cueing makes that process foolproof. Its aluminum platter has a good, hefty weight to it, but we weren't huge fans of its rubber mat and somewhat flimsy tonearm. Both of these models use lightweight plastic platters and plastic mats that don't provide very much vibration resistance. Modern life is fast-paced, and as a result, everything gets compressed. The Jensen uses a flimsy plastic tonearm. Sporting a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon looks great on almost any table or shelf. The Orbit was above average in our vibration resistance testing, earning a score of 7 out of 10. And the Orbit Plus and Grado Prestige Black1 go together like coffee with cream. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Finally, the tonearm is balanced with a sliding weight, making it much harder to make fine adjustments than with models that use threaded weights that can be moved very slightly by turning them. News stories are compressed into easily digestible sound bites, ideas are shared in 280-character chunks, and the music we listen to is warped and mashed into small digital files that can easily be beamed across our wireless networks. If you are someone who doesn’t like boring colors and want to add more flavor to any room than the Orbit Plus … $309.00 + $19.00 shipping . We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. To test user friendliness we examined every aspect of each model's user experience, from the control interface to the cueing process. We’ve also heard that U-Turn Audio is working on more color options. The Orbit Plus did quite well in our overall testing, as you can see in the table above. Solid hardwood plinth in your choice of flatcut maple or rift walnut. Somewhat surprisingly, all of them passed this test. It can play both 33's and 45's and will automatically adjust the platter speed based on which type of record you are playing. It will automatically adjust the platter speed whether you're playing a 33 or a 44. The Debut Carbon also has a heavy aluminum platter, a felt mat to insulate the record from vibrations, and a high-quality Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. Disenchanted with digital music? This is largely due to its simplistic design which places more of an onus on the user. Consequently, this may be more of an investment than most vinyl newcomers will want to make. No matter how much we adjusted the tonearm and cartridge we could not get this distortion to go away. Beautiful hardwood bases. The Orbit Plus sounds great, but there are less expensive models that sound better. Even the high end Audio Technica AT-LP120XUSB and the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon have aluminum platters that are noticeably lighter. The Sony PSLX300USB also earned a score of 5 out of 10 in this metric. At Hotdeals you can find the latest active deals and coupon codes that contain wonderful discounts of U-Turn Audio. Let us know! Bottom line, both of these models sound worse than listening to a low-quality mp3 with a cheap Bluetooth speaker. Orbit Plus Turntable $289. We've laid out the... the most in-depth and scientific tech reviews, Exceptional sound quality, high quality construction, easy to use, Great sound, high quality construction, easy to use, Good sound, fully automatic cueing, great vibration resistance, Good sound quality, fully automatic cueing, Susceptible to skipping if bumped, expensive, A good model that lacks some ease of use touches that beginners would appreciate, and is priced relatively high, Superior sound for a model in this price range, a perfect first player for discerning listeners looking to start their vinyl journey, Great sound and user friendliness make this turntable great for almost anyone, Great for those that want good sound and something that won’t skip if the vinyl inspires some dancing, Great for those that want fully automatic cueing and good sound. The Orbit starts at $179 for the basic model, but we highly recommend you upgrade to the Orbit Plus or Orbit Special which include an acrylic platter. When listening, we focused on each model's overall clarity and dynamic range — the volume difference between the softest and loudest notes played, which gives music depth. Post by _86_ » 28 Nov 2017 20:54 Hi! It is so beautiful, and it got stellar reviews. You may also need to make some adjustments to your turntable if it does not sound good, so things like adjustable needle tracking force and pitch control are great features to have. Free shipping . If your budget is at the lower end of the spectrum, the Audio Technica AT-LP60XUSB offers relatively good performance without a triple-digit price tag. Orbit Custom from $179. First, the fully-automated cueing eliminates the chance that a slip of the hand will cause a catastrophic scratch. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, The world's most in-depth and scientific product reviews. Again at the bottom of this metric were the Victrola Vintage 3-Speed and the Jensen JTA-230, which scored a 3 and 2 out of 10, respectively. It withstood even a fairly strong hip check to its table without skipping. The Orbit Plus has the best platter of any of the models we tested, a heavy acrylic number that dramatically reduces vibration. This metric's clear frontrunner is the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, which earned the highest score of 9 out of 10. We would classify the AT-LP60XUSB's listening experience as enjoyable but not memorable. READ OUR REVIEW Key specifications for the U-Turn Orbit Plus/Orbit Special: We could get it to skip, but we really had to throw some force into it. Connect to your favorite components. It is available in three different colors – black, blue and green. If you’re looking to explore the wonderful world of vinyl and you want to invest on a turntable, the Orbit Plus … Just light grazes against the table it sat on caused it to skip, and even some rigorous dance moves 6 feet away from that table managed to induce the same. 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