My TT has an MDF platter too. Well, mostly MDF - with a thin aluminium pancake glued underneath. The whole stack is very thin, around seven millimeters - not counting the equally lighweight aluminium hub. And this toy rests on a direct-drive rotor weighing at least five kilos. That's the way they built "revolutionary high end" in the 1980s. This TT spent around twenty years in an unheated attic, and I expected that either the main bearing would seize or the MDF rot, but it survived and is still spinning.
Incredible turntable and stellar service. I added a cue lever after purchase which messed up the tracking a bit. They practically made me send it back, replaced/upgraded the tone arm, and sent me an extra belt to help with stretching. Just an incredible company and awesome sound.
Another great video, Record-ology, and U-Turn Audio certainly makes high-quality turntables and the fact that the cartridge is pre-aligned at the factory saves a lot of hassle right out of the gate. :)
I'm really going to look into this awesome turntable. A great starter for me. I'm a cd lover , but albums are nice second need . Thank you for a awesome video....
Enjoyed your informative review. When I was in the market for a turntable, I considered U-Turns. I bought an used Technics SL-1200 Mk II, for several reasons. The Technics has better quality, a removable headshell, electronic speed control, que lever, adjustable anti-skate and adjustable tonearm height and superior motor. But, I was lucky and found one in excellent condition for $450.
I have to give you much credit for sticking to you 'thing' here. There are really are beginners of all ages. I wish the following guy and others like him would find and watch your channel! I've just watched unboxing and poorly staged set up of an TT (you also reviewed back when) with a couple of including small speakers. Older guy who does auctions, reselling collectibles and is NOT into any audio or records at all though he said also had owned a 'music store.' He barely figured it out and went back and forth to booklet for every little thing. He got the belt on. Then stuck on counterweight on, turned it a bit and left it at that. Thin speaker wires did not make contact at first. He also pulled out stylus on first touch and had a hard time putting back, and tried to start it before power block was plugged in. Took a few moments to get things going.
Really like that color. Very nice basic turntable that is definitely a step up from the likes of the AT LP60 and similar, although you do lose the automatic features of the AT LP60 if going with this turntable, but there are folks that do prefer a fully manual turntable. Seems to sound very nice, at least what I can tell just listening through this TH-cam video.
Hi. I agree that the vinyl resurgence was due to the Cruiser and their ilk. I started buying vinyl again, several years ago, before I even had a record player. Then I was gifted an Ion Lp Player on my birthday. After numerous upgrades picked up from TH-cam It's pretty decent. I am now in the middle of setting up an old Project O.5 turntable. Which I shall use for my "quality" vinyl. But still use the Ion for my charity shop finds. As a btw. I have both turntables set up next to each other on an old upright piano which I have converted to a hifi/ vinyl storage stand. Looks pretty cool 😎 . If I do say so myself 😉.
I just returned to the USA after being away from the country for 7 years. I expected to see turntables and vinyl albums in a lot of stores. So far, I'm still looking.
Thank you for a great video. That is a very nice and decent turntable with a beautiful design and color choices. I like the prices too. It is a very good bargain. Have a nice day to you all.
I'm used to seeing slightly fast factory set speeds from both turn tables and cassette players in this day and age. I don't usually hear about things running a tiny bit slow.
HI, Hope your well. Enjoyed the video. When you mentioned that the turntable was blue I did not think I would like it at all but I Love the look of it. It does seem to be a impressive turntable. Enjoy it
The groove in the platter is a big improvement. A shame they didn't beef up those hinges though. Still, it looks great. I'm happy with my early model. Sounds and plays great.
The rhing that keeps mw away from u-turn is that the tone arm and headshell is one piece. I have multiple cartridges already mounted on headshells, which meansa i wouls have to remove them and mount it over and over if inwanted to change them out
This looks like a very nice turntable from Orbit and at $249, it is priced about where the Audio Technica AT-LP3xBT which is nowhere near as nice of a table (although more extra bells and whistles which the more serious vinyl-phile may find unnecessary or a hindrance). The one thing that U-Turn has fixed was that rather unremarkable arm that was on their original tables and the use of MDF in the platter is a very good idea that I am not sure why more companies don't use as it reduces the potential of a warped platter, more momentum from a heavy platter for better speed control and as you mentioned low resonance. I do think the lack of a standard cueing lever to be a little silly, however some people don't use them, so I guess better to cut the cost there rather than reduce the quality of the unit. I am very curious to see how this would compare to the Pro-Ject Debut III SB which is at the same price point, however it does include a speed selector, cueing lever and a better cartridge (Ortofon OM5e). I don't think either one is a bad choice and may actually be functional as someone's "forever turntable". I think U-Turn uses better tone arm wires as they look like the ones I used to rewire a Pro-Ject when one of them broke off when changing a cartridge. I do like the fact that they are made in the USA as not many things are nowadays. One interesting note, manual turntables like these are very upgradeable mainly because they are so basic. Funny enough U-turn's website does include a shot of the preamp board where the tone arm wires are soldered in, so if someone likes the performance of the motor and the platter bearing, upgrading the arm, as long it is the right length, should be pretty simple. Check out the Pro-Ject Debut III also for $249 as I would like to hear your thoughts on that one,
Great video! Just ordered a custom Orbit and excited to get it. Would love some feedback on three upgrades I added - 1. The Acrylic platter vs standard one. 2. Any feedback on the Pluto built in preamp and 3. Any feedback on the U-Turn/ Ethos speakers? Thanks in advance.
I‘be decided on buying the custom. But it’s so expensive after all the upgrades that I’m hoping that they will have a Black Friday sale. I’m definitely buying it then.
Just a word of caution re the supplied belt. They can be over stretched very easily and rendered useless. I had to order a few spares as I ruined mine trying to fit it.
I hope you're doing well just saw that you turn video really cool. Use the myself because I have a really bad here inspiration and the belt but they look cool stay well and keep recovering and is Wednesday, so I'm still on track with my viewing schedule
What pre amp or speakers do u have to connect the record player to? I’m new to this stuff but I really want a U Turn and don’t know what speaker or what to get for audio
I highly recommend this TT. I am making further mods to it soon. Even out of the box it’s wonderful. I am using a Douk Audio preamp but the basic comes with one built in. For speakers I can’t recommend the Fluance ai41 set enough.
Looks nice…. I don’t like that it doesn’t come with a cue lever. That should be a standard feature on all TTs. Did that platter wobble or was it just shadow? The msg platter is a nice feature for an entry level TT
Well depends on whether you want full auto or full manual. Either would be good, the U-Turn is a piece of handcrafted goodness, wood-metal-etc whereas the AT is plastic and metal but really slick as an auto tt.
I've had an LP60x for a few years now and have been thinking about upgrading to something else...but I don't have a steady hand and really like how it's automatic. Any suggestions? Thanks!
A really nice looking turntable. I considered an orbit, but I have to have a cueing lever. That and moving the belt to change speeds were not for me. Minor things though and a great turntable overall for $250. I still feel Audio Technica is more bang for your buck, but those are made in China.
If you look at the grey box description area above, you can click on "more" to expand the description and there is a U-Turn Audio link provided showing the price is $349 U.S. The company also makes other entry level turntables (as well as more upscale models) starting at $249 which is not bad for the quality and being made in the USA. :)
Well, I do like that slate blue color, but that tonearm/cartridge design is just ugly. I went on Crutchfield and put in a maximum $250 price and it came up with eight choices. There are full manual, semi-auto and full-auto available. With the U-Turn not even having a lift lever I can see a beginner easily damaging the stylus or a record, thus I think an automated unit would be a better choice. And an MDF platter?
Yeah, the lack of a cue lever is always what's throws me away from U-Turn. And having it be an optional $50 "upgrade" is laughable. The cheapest $40 Crossly suitcase has these built in. I honestly just don't get what U-Turn is playing at with that decision, it feels disingenuous.
Their customer service and support deserve a huge shout out. It's exemplary.
I bought a used one that had a ticking motor. Emailed them and they sent me a new motor and a new belt for free.
My TT has an MDF platter too. Well, mostly MDF - with a thin aluminium pancake glued underneath. The whole stack is very thin, around seven millimeters - not counting the equally lighweight aluminium hub. And this toy rests on a direct-drive rotor weighing at least five kilos. That's the way they built "revolutionary high end" in the 1980s. This TT spent around twenty years in an unheated attic, and I expected that either the main bearing would seize or the MDF rot, but it survived and is still spinning.
Wow very cool
Incredible turntable and stellar service. I added a cue lever after purchase which messed up the tracking a bit. They practically made me send it back, replaced/upgraded the tone arm, and sent me an extra belt to help with stretching. Just an incredible company and awesome sound.
1963: change speed at the touch of a button....
60 years later: change speed by grabbing a rubber belt and putting it on a pulley 😂 😂
Another great video, Record-ology, and U-Turn Audio certainly makes high-quality turntables and the fact that the cartridge is pre-aligned at the factory saves a lot of hassle right out of the gate. :)
A lovely turntable, beautifully made, with marvellous sound.
Yes speeds are great,a great turntable
I've got a decent system, but don't think I'll ever be much of a vinyl nut. This looks ideal for my needs, and it looks good.
Nice blue color and the rubber tonearm rest is a good idea. The rigid plastic type tends to crack and break after a while. U-turn is cool stuff.
I'm really going to look into this awesome turntable. A great starter for me. I'm a cd lover , but albums are nice second need . Thank you for a awesome video....
Enjoyed your informative review. When I was in the market for a turntable, I considered U-Turns. I bought an used Technics SL-1200 Mk II, for several reasons. The Technics has better quality, a removable headshell, electronic speed control, que lever, adjustable anti-skate and adjustable tonearm height and superior motor. But, I was lucky and found one in excellent condition for $450.
I have to give you much credit for sticking to you 'thing' here. There are really are beginners of all ages. I wish the following guy and others like him would find and watch your channel!
I've just watched unboxing and poorly staged set up of an TT (you also reviewed back when) with a couple of including small speakers.
Older guy who does auctions, reselling collectibles and is NOT into any audio or records at all though he said also had owned a 'music store.' He barely figured it out and went back and forth to booklet for every little thing. He got the belt on. Then stuck on counterweight on, turned it a bit and left it at that. Thin speaker wires did not make contact at first.
He also pulled out stylus on first touch and had a hard time putting back, and tried to start it before power block was plugged in. Took a few moments to get things going.
Really like that color. Very nice basic turntable that is definitely a step up from the likes of the AT LP60 and similar, although you do lose the automatic features of the AT LP60 if going with this turntable, but there are folks that do prefer a fully manual turntable. Seems to sound very nice, at least what I can tell just listening through this TH-cam video.
wow,what a perfect vlog! 🎥
Awesome video! I recently purchased the basic in black and this is one of the videos that helped make my decision. Can’t wait til it comes in!
Hi. I agree that the vinyl resurgence was due to the Cruiser and their ilk. I started buying vinyl again, several years ago, before I even had a record player. Then I was gifted an Ion Lp Player on my birthday. After numerous upgrades picked up from TH-cam It's pretty decent.
I am now in the middle of setting up an old Project O.5 turntable. Which I shall use for my "quality" vinyl. But still use the Ion for my charity shop finds.
As a btw. I have both turntables set up next to each other on an old upright piano which I have converted to a hifi/ vinyl storage stand. Looks pretty cool 😎 . If I do say so myself 😉.
I just returned to the USA after being away from the country for 7 years. I expected to see turntables and vinyl albums in a lot of stores. So far, I'm still looking.
What you think between the U-turn vs Fluance?
Thank you for a great video. That is a very nice and decent turntable with a beautiful design and color choices. I like the prices too. It is a very good bargain. Have a nice day to you all.
I'm used to seeing slightly fast factory set speeds from both turn tables and cassette players in this day and age. I don't usually hear about things running a tiny bit slow.
Record ology I learn lot from you about bying quality turntables new and used turntables my friend 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
That U-Turn looks nice, although I am not too crazy about the belt being on the outside of the turntable.
This may be my next turntable, thanks!
HI, Hope your well. Enjoyed the video. When you mentioned that the turntable was blue I did not think I would like it at all but I Love the look of it. It does seem to be a impressive turntable. Enjoy it
The groove in the platter is a big improvement. A shame they didn't beef up those hinges though. Still, it looks great. I'm happy with my early model. Sounds and plays great.
It's good to see made, or at least assembled using imported parts here in the United States, but an MDF platter really, really.
The rhing that keeps mw away from u-turn is that the tone arm and headshell is one piece. I have multiple cartridges already mounted on headshells, which meansa i wouls have to remove them and mount it over and over if inwanted to change them out
I would want a cue lever and a thing that raises the arm at the end of each side.
Record ology your u turn obit stereo turntable is awesome my friend 🎉🎉🎉🎉
With out headphones I think it sounds good
Cool
Can you do an anti skate test on this one? Quick vid. Just seems weird seeing turntables with no anti skate dials. Weighing options.
This looks like a very nice turntable from Orbit and at $249, it is priced about where the Audio Technica AT-LP3xBT which is nowhere near as nice of a table (although more extra bells and whistles which the more serious vinyl-phile may find unnecessary or a hindrance). The one thing that U-Turn has fixed was that rather unremarkable arm that was on their original tables and the use of MDF in the platter is a very good idea that I am not sure why more companies don't use as it reduces the potential of a warped platter, more momentum from a heavy platter for better speed control and as you mentioned low resonance. I do think the lack of a standard cueing lever to be a little silly, however some people don't use them, so I guess better to cut the cost there rather than reduce the quality of the unit. I am very curious to see how this would compare to the Pro-Ject Debut III SB which is at the same price point, however it does include a speed selector, cueing lever and a better cartridge (Ortofon OM5e). I don't think either one is a bad choice and may actually be functional as someone's "forever turntable". I think U-Turn uses better tone arm wires as they look like the ones I used to rewire a Pro-Ject when one of them broke off when changing a cartridge. I do like the fact that they are made in the USA as not many things are nowadays.
One interesting note, manual turntables like these are very upgradeable mainly because they are so basic. Funny enough U-turn's website does include a shot of the preamp board where the tone arm wires are soldered in, so if someone likes the performance of the motor and the platter bearing, upgrading the arm, as long it is the right length, should be pretty simple. Check out the Pro-Ject Debut III also for $249 as I would like to hear your thoughts on that one,
No arm lift? That can give some problems.
Great video! Just ordered a custom Orbit and excited to get it. Would love some feedback on three upgrades I added - 1. The Acrylic platter vs standard one. 2. Any feedback on the Pluto built in preamp and 3. Any feedback on the U-Turn/ Ethos speakers? Thanks in advance.
Beautiful music Enoch Light on a nice turntable !!
Indeed!
Record ology your utube videos are awesome my friend 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I‘be decided on buying the custom. But it’s so expensive after all the upgrades that I’m hoping that they will have a Black Friday sale. I’m definitely buying it then.
How is there no anti skate? Did you test that? Or could you? For me? A fan? Haha. Thanks so much
Just a word of caution re the supplied belt. They can be over stretched very easily and rendered useless. I had to order a few spares as I ruined mine trying to fit it.
I hope you're doing well just saw that you turn video really cool. Use the myself because I have a really bad here inspiration and the belt but they look cool stay well and keep recovering and is Wednesday, so I'm still on track with my viewing schedule
Impressive turntable.
Record ology I like the u- turn orbit stereo turntable my friend it looks user friendly 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Nice turn table. Would have been nice to have had a cue lever but yes nice turn table.
Looking forward to the new MDF dust cover. 🤪
You and me both!
What pre amp or speakers do u have to connect the record player to? I’m new to this stuff but I really want a U Turn and don’t know what speaker or what to get for audio
I highly recommend this TT. I am making further mods to it soon. Even out of the box it’s wonderful. I am using a Douk Audio preamp but the basic comes with one built in. For speakers I can’t recommend the Fluance ai41 set enough.
Sure is pretty.
I WANT ONE!!!
Looks nice…. I don’t like that it doesn’t come with a cue lever. That should be a standard feature on all TTs. Did that platter wobble or was it just shadow? The msg platter is a nice feature for an entry level TT
It sounds Good...
Like your work
At that price I would want a cueing arm. It does look beautiful though. I'm not a fan of changing the belt for different speeds.
I'm debating between this and the fluance rt85. Any thoughts?
The U-Turn is handmade in the US. I don’t dislike the Fluance though.
Was thinking of getting one of these for a while but it seems like the prices have gone up since I was looking a month ago
I prefer the auto change record players. Put a stack of records on and leave it to do it's job.
How do you like this compared to the New LP70? I’m between the two
Well depends on whether you want full auto or full manual. Either would be good, the U-Turn is a piece of handcrafted goodness, wood-metal-etc whereas the AT is plastic and metal but really slick as an auto tt.
@@Recordology I deciding on the UTurn I’m ordering it Friday thanks for the advice!
I've had an LP60x for a few years now and have been thinking about upgrading to something else...but I don't have a steady hand and really like how it's automatic. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Same here. I much prefer automatics. I would recommend the Audio Technica LP-3. It’s fantastic. A great next step from the lp60.
@@Recordology great! I'll definitely check that one out, thanks!
It looks nice apart from the wires showing from the back of the cartridge. It looks dreadful and is open for someone to pull at them.
A really nice looking turntable. I considered an orbit, but I have to have a cueing lever. That and moving the belt to change speeds were not for me. Minor things though and a great turntable overall for $250. I still feel Audio Technica is more bang for your buck, but those are made in China.
They have a cue lever. You have the option of getting the turntable for a little less money without one. Changing the speed literally takes one second
They also now have an upgrade option where you don't have to move the belt
What's the price again?
$249 - $449. Depending on color and if you want preamp or not
If you look at the grey box description area above, you can click on "more" to expand the description and there is a U-Turn Audio link provided showing the price is $349 U.S.
The company also makes other entry level turntables (as well as more upscale models) starting at $249 which is not bad for the quality and being made in the USA. :)
Well, I do like that slate blue color, but that tonearm/cartridge design is just ugly. I went on Crutchfield and put in a maximum $250 price and it came up with eight choices. There are full manual, semi-auto and full-auto available. With the U-Turn not even having a lift lever I can see a beginner easily damaging the stylus or a record, thus I think an automated unit would be a better choice. And an MDF platter?
No frigging way would I pay for the "Theory"
Why would you not include a cueing lever? It’s not a kids’ toy! Hope you’re feeling better! Peace.
The paint is Orange peeled.
Yeah, the lack of a cue lever is always what's throws me away from U-Turn. And having it be an optional $50 "upgrade" is laughable. The cheapest $40 Crossly suitcase has these built in. I honestly just don't get what U-Turn is playing at with that decision, it feels disingenuous.
I think there are many who don’t mind manual cueing and that helps keep the cost low.
It´s crazy everpriced
Not for this level of quality. It’s a good value.
So it's not made in China....Wow!
Proudly made in Massachusetts.