You mentioned noise reduction av cables that took care of the humming in your Pluto 2 pre Amp. Do you know the name of these cables? I'm in a similar situation, my uturn has built in pre amp (w/Pluto 2 technology) and I'm hearing humming coming out my speakers. I've tinkered around to no avail but I'm interested in these cables. Do you know what brand they were? Thanks for all the helpful videos 👍
@@eversosleight There's no brand listed, but they were sent to me by U-Turn (I think they customized them to work). They didn't charge at the time, so it's worth sending them an email through the website. They are incredibly helpful.
I keep commenting on this video from a month ago 😅 Just a quick update, after some back & forth emails w/Uturn troubleshooting the humming issue, they decided to send the modified cables with ground plug 😃👍 and yes it has helped tremendously. I wouldn't have known this simple solution even existed had it not been for this video with you mentioning it, in passing, toward the end. Thanks again for the help. 2 yrs into this hobby and I'm learning a lot from this channel 👍👍
I had a first-gen Orbit Custom; acrylic platter, Grado Blue cartridge. I loved it. Great entry-level turntable. I recently updated to their Orbit Theory in walnut with the 2M Bronze cart. They addressed many issues and complaints customers had with the first-gen, switchable speed control, and now there's a groove machined in the platter which helps the belt stay on. Also the silicone belt which supposedly resists stretching. What I love about U-Turn is their focus on simplicity. No automatic features here, but it also makes it more engaging.
Nice hear you mention that the manual speed change is a pain. Good that Uturn and Pro-Ject are making electronic speed changes on new models. Even vintage models generally have this feature. But I think that they should have removable headshells.
I was incredibly pleased to see the inclusion of the speed change and the grooved platter. I can imagine there will be further improvements down the line.
Haha “the Close & Play”! Back in the early 80s there was a high-end stereo place called audio spectrum in Central Florida! They had hooked up a Close & Play to a pair of Klipschorns and it sounded amazing! Obviously they were trying to show how incredibly efficient Klipsch speakers were and I must say it was a very compelling display!
Thanks for the informative video. As someone who just recently got into vinyl, your channel has been one of my go-tos. I appreciate the knowledge share!
Love that they have such amazing service! Definitely a plus for when I decide to upgrade. Must be that good old Northeast attitude! Many great companies in this area of the U.S.!
Wow, the Close n Play was my first record playing device too! I also own a second gen. customized U-Turn Orbit. I have been hearing that buzz you described in my speakers too. It only happens when the record is spinning but the tonearm is snapped into the tonearm rest, not while playing the record. I thought it was odd that the deck came without a "ground" wire on the output cable.
@TheJoyofVinylRecords How long would you estimate the longevity of these belts? Had mine for little over half a year. Maybe I should buy a couple extra just to have handy?
@@eversosleight A rubber belt should last a couple of years. Depending on tension and if you don't touch them with sweaty fingers. Keep that belt clean! Silicon belts last longer.
@@eversosleight I bet you'll get a good three years out of it. Doesn't hurt to have a couple on hand. They weren't expensive if I recall (which is why I bought a handful at the time).
@TheJoyofVinylRecords thanks for that! I'll go ahead and grab a few. Sometimes I forget to change it over to 33 after playing at 45, not for extended periods of time but I'm afraid I've caused some undue tension in the belt.
@3:05 -- My turntable's belt needs to be manually moved up and down the motor's pulley, to change between 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM. But it has never fallen off, or given any hint of falling off. And my platter is smooth acrylic (has no groove). My belt is different than the U-Turn Orbit's belt, at least by color (hard to tell if it differs in other characteristics). My belt is close to the color of your U-Turn Orbit's acrylic platter. One possibility for my belt not slipping off is that my motor is not housed in the plinth. It is stand-alone. So perhaps mine has a bit more tension, based on where I plopped it down? I have been using the same belt for approximately 15 years, and I never moved the motor from where I placed it, so long ago. The belt change is easy and fast. In my case, I need my reading glasses, because my pulley has 1-off RPM rungs in the pulley, in case my utility company's electrical sine wave is inaccurate. So I have two speeds (33⅓ and 45), but three choices for each. So I need my eyeglasses to make sure I do not mistakenly use one of the rungs designed for speed correction. I would rather have a switch or button for speed changes. But it is what it is, and not a deal breaker. By the way, I do have 45s that are in somewhat crummy shape. I have them since I was 10 years old, and never cleaned them. So like your father's 45s, I do not play mine. Maybe I need to take another look and try a few? My VPI 16.5 record cleaning machine does not support 7" records. It has no way to clamp it down. There is a $50 clamp for my machine. But I am not spending that, because I doubt that I will play any of my 7" records twice. I also have a handful of 12", 45 RPM pressings, that I purchased throughout the decades, that are in great shape, and sound very good. So do have a legitimate use for spinning my platter at 45 RPM. The 12" 45s are usually for long-play singles.
It's the same with the Record Doctor and Pro-Ject vacuum machines. They were really made for 12" records. The vacuum slot is perfect for 12" but loses that suction on a 7".
The colored plinths are MDF. Only the natural wood plinths are solid. But I dig the video, you helped me decide to buy one for myself. Thanks! (I went with the green)
Great turntable and great video... U-Turn can also be purchased here in Norway. Good for me to know when the day comes that I'm ready to move on from my Audio Technica 😁 All the best from Kristiansand 🎸🎸🎸
Therirservice is fantastic. My power switch quit. I sent it to them and they had it fixed in 1 day and sent back. Total without the TT was 3 days including the shipping.
Uturn tables are pretty nice. Ive had a first gen for about 7 years now. It sounds pretty great with a Grado black cart too, not all bright. Many people dont know this, but they're also easy to work on. Was having a speed variation problem, which turned out to be a bad spindle bearing. Pretty sure Uturn sent it for free. A few screw turns later, and it was back in business. Pretty painless customer service experience. Love that! Now if they could buld a turntable with adjustable VTA and anti-skate..
About a year ago I bought the U-Turn Theory with the Bronze cart. I love it. I am very impressed with their customer service. Would recommend to anyone.
I actually popped my Bronze back in (been using the Black LVB250). I can't decide which I like better as they both provide slightly different experiences. I might actually say Bronze. Crazy hibby we live in!
Would you mind elaborating on that humming/buzz sound through your speakers? I just got the same turntable and their ethos speakers and been hearing this buzz sound whenever the speakers are on (coming from the powered speaker). Whether it’s connected to the turntable or not or even Bluetooth. I’m concerned I got a lemon but already reached out to their team. Did the grounded cables solve the noise entirely?
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords supper appreciative of the reply! Hope this isn’t too much: would you mind sharing which cable(s) (model?) they supplied? Getting anxious about this issue since it’s such a pricey setup that I otherwise very much enjoy! 🙏
@@marcobiotic Unfortunately the cable with the ground they supplied doesn't have a manufucturer indicated. It could very well be that they modified the interconnect themselves but I am only guessing.
Hi Rick, I am on my second Uturn table, Theory with 2M Bronze. May try the LVB 250 black when its time to replace my stylus. I agree about the customer service, they are extremely responsive and I appreciate their approach - - especially with those of us who are not techies. I may wait to upgrade my table when Uturn comes out with an upgrade for the Theory. Take care. Joe
I almost bought a U-Turn turntable to replace an old Sansui turntable. But, I wanted a turntable with a removable headshell and electronic speed control. The new tonearm looks great, but lacking a removable headshell is a deal breaker.
A fixed headshell is highly preferable from a mechanical and thus sonic perspective. If you want to swap cartridges instead of enjoying music, well, then stick to crappy headshells. I have 1 of my 3 arms equipped with a removable and it's much inferior to the others.
Great video Rick! I was really close to buying a U Turn turnable before I settled on my Fluance. I've been happy with the Fluance RT85, but I'm sure if had gone with the U Turn would have been happy with it as well. I think it was the speed control that was a factor in choosing the Fluance at the time. It just seemed odd to me to have to move the belt. I have a couple of 45 RPM LP's as well and I like having a speed control. Now that U Turn has that feature, I would consider them if I ever upgraded. But, I doubt I'll upgrade the turntable at this point only the cartridge. Cheers!
IMO it is a well made TT with huge potential if you want to modify and upgrade it. My DYI TT was made using U-turn parts! Their customer service always has been top notch!! My hat off for them.
Hey Rick, Thanks again for another great video. I have been a fan of the U-Turn Orbit for a long time, and I own two. I have a Custom, like yours, and I have a Orbit Theory. I bought my Theory with an Ortophon 2M Bronze cartridge, and it has speed control so no manual handling of the belt to change speed. It also has user adjustable anti-skate, so you can have control over that, if you want it. If you haven't checked out the Theory, you should.
That’s great to hear about the adjustable anti-skate, Joe! I missed that when I reviewed the specs on the new tables. That’s huge. As an aside -this week I’ve gone back to the Bronze just to see if my opinion of the LVB250 held up (and at the recommendation to do so by someone I was speaking with). It’s only been a couple of days but dare I say it’s a little “warmer” and more forgiving?
Before I bought my Rega Planar 2 I seriously thought about a U-Turn turntable. But their tonearm at the time looked a bit weak. I also like a tonearm with adjustable anti-skate, but my Rega is fixed also. Can't seem to win on this issue other than spend $445 to replace it with the newer version with adjustable anti-skate. That's about 3/4 of the price when I bought it!
And you listen to your subscribers too! My compliments. I don't and will not own a U-Turn since I'm in Europe and already own anout 10 TT's. But I always prefer and recommend them because of the smart engineering. That arm is really something special. You can put any cartridge on that you want. And its not 'stupid' to start with the great sounding AT3600. Get a good basic TT first and when its worn, upgrade the stylus. A solid real wood plinth for that money? Damping feet. Acrilic platter. Don't waste it on the Ortofon 2M cartridges.
I always recommend them to friends looking to spend a bit more. More on reputation than anything else. Ive never owned one personally. Hope to correct that one of these days.
2 questions for my favorite audiophile: Although I am subscribed, I don't get notifications for new videos from you, unlike other channels. Is that a setting on your end? I have been listening to the same album since yesterday and this morning it started looping - not sure how they call it - when it is stuck in a groove. Is there a way to fix it? How would it have happened when I did nothing? Is it a signed of warned out stylus?
Hey there!! Not a setting here but maybe you have to click the bell for notifications? Good question. I checked my settings and all looks normal. As for the looping - you mean in the middle of a song it repeats? There may be something stuck in the groove. Odd since you've been playing it ok up until now but stranger things have happened. If you can tell where it is repeating, shine a light on the groove and see if you can spot anything white or otherwise. A toothpick will remove it if it's something new. How long have you been using that stylus?
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords thanks, great advice! I have been using the stylus for 2 years. Yes, too long. I am trying to find a way to buy used? Maybe that's a terrible idea. What I mean is cheap. I feel that if I can't upgrade I shouldn't buy the same cartridge/similar priced, stick with it until I have $. Maybe that's not a good logic. (current: Rega Elys 2 - which is actually pretty cheap - I didn't know. I could go to the next level but I really wish I had $900 for the Ania) I think I subscribed wrong, I just changed it. Thanks again!
Just merely a question is all. Can you give me a compelling reason to buy a turntable from Uturn with the Ortofon blue cartridge and an acrylic platter for $750 verses a Fluance RT85 with the same cartridge, platter, and knob to change speeds for $500? I only ask because I have not operated a uturn but I have a Fluance and need a 2nd deck for another room. Just curious about your thoughts since I think you have used both. Much appreciated and great video as always my friend.
That's a tough one, Victor. I like both turntables and recommend both for mid-level playback. U-Turn's customer service is incredible. To be fair I never had to contact Fluance's, so can't speak to theirs. I find myself gravitating to U-Turn, but I honestly can't tell you to spend the $250 when most anyone would be happy with Fluance as well. I hate to be on the fence on that one. If the price was closer it would be U-Turn hands down.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords No problem. And I certainly don’t mean to put you on the spot with that. I’m leaning towards U turn too. Customer service is very important to me. Not that Fluance doesn’t also offer that. But, selfishly admitted, I do like the idea of also supporting American companies. No offense if you reside in the land of our Canadian brothers. But I already have a Fluance so maybe it’s time to also try a U turn. Even if at an added cost. Unless for a bit more money you can recommend another turntable where I would notice a significant audible upgrade. Appreciate and respect your response. Thank you.
You didn't ask me but I'm going to answer anyway... The U-turn custom is a better choice. First: the Ortofon 2M is way overpriced. It's not that good. They make large oem deals to make buyers think they get a good deal. It's not. Second: the arm is fantastic and can handle much better cartridges and even sounds better with the cheapest cartridges. A removable headshell makes the Fluance lose a lot of rigidity. In fact cheap arms with detachable headshells are crap. You lose bass control, details and spatial definition. Third: the U-tirn custom with an AT91b, acrylic platter, speed control, iso level feet etc will cost $544. That is a much better basic table. ($474 without the feet upgrade) And lastly: you can simply upgrade the fine sounding AT91 to a much more refined sound with a better stylus from LP-Gear that costs only $40. (CFN3600LE spectra elliptical stylus Carbon fibre cantilever made in Japan). Or even higher. But the basic sound is more involving. And just slip it on, no need for mounting and adjusting. Even with the standard rubber feet you pay only $474 and still have a better, great basic table. The arm is a true steal. I have several tables, cartridges and arms to compare. I have two real MC cartridges with a hyper elliptic stylus that beat the crap out of that overpriced 2M blue yet cost the same or less. I also have refurbished a lot of TT and I always put an AT91 on. It is so underappreciated.
Excellent review. I considered U-Turn, but decided against them because I didn't want to have to.move.the belt to change speeds. Nice to know they now have a model with speed control for the future.
I am going to be narly Rick, your pronounced Woburn wrong (I think). With your irresistible New England accent, that's a delight. And the funniest part is: made by a local, caught by a Hungarian :) (Probably everyone outside of 128 pronounces it wrong) Otherwise lovely review as always!
In the words of cousin Vinny in customs in the Guy Richie film "Sn atch": "Anything to declare? - Yeah. Don't go to England" They have even more names like Worcestershire. That's the origin and name of the sauce btw. Not 'wooster' but 'woostershaire'. Oh, and don't even think about Wales or Eire. 😂
You know vinyl is back when they very often have a turntable system with lps as a prize on TV 's The Price Is Right. I think it's usually a U-turn turntable or Technics. One time the prize they had to bid on was a pair of those small KEF LS50 speakers. Really weird to see high end audio on a game show. A woman who looked like Oprah was the closrst one to guessing the retail price. She guessed $900 of the $1600 price, and got to come onstage for a chance to win a bigger prize. It would be funny if they had something really ultra high end as a prize, like Rockport or MBL speakers. Perhaps the closest bidders guess would be $90,000 off; on the low side.When I first saw the title and your expression my first thought was; maybe this video is about should you really care about good sound? Can good sound equal true happiness? Some say even winning the lottery can't buy happiness. They should speak for themselves. For me it would. But having sound quality to the rafters, I can say that, it doesn't do your mental health any harm. It gives you something extraordinary to look forward to. And without those kind of things, and without hope, your're pretty much done. I used to go gambling at the dog races. The bus was about 97% old people. The chance of winning big was their excitement and hope in life. Otherwise their life would be uneventful. A lot of audiophiles are older, and I imagine upgrading and the thought of upgrading to better sound, serves their psyche in much the same way as a weekly gambling trip to the casino serves some people. When your sound gets as good as the source (the true limit), then you have to seek out other things to bring hope and excitement. It's like they say, the thrill is the climb, not as much the actual getting there, once you are there. But it can make you happy while you are listening to music.
That is an excellent observation. Now that I've lived with my system for a while I recently added a new component that changed everything again. I'm now thinking about the next cartridge purchase. I think it will be MC but then I'll need a step-up transformer. I love the research and, like you said, it's the chase for sound that provides the thrill - until after the purchase and the excitement dies down again. Until the next purchase.....
The main improvements of moving coil over moving magnet is transient quickness, more openess and the sensation of instrument layering (instruments behind instruments, and transparency. Although I think moving coils often have less warmth, and warmth and transparency are always at war. Decrease warmth and transparency is apparently increased. Increase warmth and it sounds like transparency has been lessened. When I make an improvement to my system, instead of being satisfied and feeling like doing no more, it always stimulates me to go further. Like the improvement spoils us and makes us want even more. The joy of the improvement doesn't seem to last that long before it starts getting taken for granted. It's fun for those of us who know how to mod, instead of spending. It's strange, some recordings improve by a mile, while others just sound a bit better. The recording that has made the biggest improvement out of all of them this year has been The Best Of R.E.M. One of the best "Best Of recordings."
@@sidesup8286 I like that - "The Joy of Improvement". I should rename my channel! But yes - warmth over transparency/detail. I mentioned this in another comment, but the other day I flipped from the Ortofon Black LVB250 back to the Bronze. Now I'm not sure which I prefer and it's for exactly the reasons you said. The Black is more detailed, and slightly accentuates the highs. It's not forgiving but it's clear as a bell. The Bronze is "warmer". It has a more classic, vintage sound. It's a constant journey of discovery and rediscovery - and sometimes having to be reminded what you really love.
No it was not you it is the design of the belt its round if it is used like in this case gravity will work against it ,it was so obvious you don't have to be a genius to see that thats one thing I saw about U-Turn now I like the company they are great and customerservice to me is great but you should not have to wait for a second generation to fix that problem my other thing which I believe that U -turn is very wrong ,is the cueing lever should be included ,they have a starter like turntable with a mdf platter which makes the TT cheaper as a first time person they might not be steady with tonearm hell I been playing TT's since the 70's nobody out there has a steady hand ,I can be carefull but I will drop a tone arm now and again but a newby will not be good at all even the cheap suitcase record players have a cueing lever I emailed them that one question as to why they do niot include them only if you pay extra ,I do not remember the answer they gave me but it made no sense but they did come back to me real fast so I will never not think of getting one if I needed one and they are made in america thats a great plus and I do like the second generation they look fantastic even the tone arm looks very impressive but I wish they would improve on the cover hinge it does not feel its that great it looks cheap and made out of plastic I still would not trust it one simple slight nudge and to me it would crash down hard that being said they are a great turntable to get in my opinion I have at least 7 turntables in use so I sm good for TT's but I will always recomend them to anyone who wants a good turntable thats fully manual I am a automatic type of guy so all of my TT's are automatic I have one manual Pro-Ject debut 3 which I got before I ever heard of U-Turn or else I would of gotten one especially when it is made in america JRo
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You mentioned noise reduction av cables that took care of the humming in your Pluto 2 pre Amp. Do you know the name of these cables? I'm in a similar situation, my uturn has built in pre amp (w/Pluto 2 technology) and I'm hearing humming coming out my speakers. I've tinkered around to no avail but I'm interested in these cables. Do you know what brand they were? Thanks for all the helpful videos 👍
@@eversosleight There's no brand listed, but they were sent to me by U-Turn (I think they customized them to work). They didn't charge at the time, so it's worth sending them an email through the website. They are incredibly helpful.
I keep commenting on this video from a month ago 😅 Just a quick update, after some back & forth emails w/Uturn troubleshooting the humming issue, they decided to send the modified cables with ground plug 😃👍 and yes it has helped tremendously. I wouldn't have known this simple solution even existed had it not been for this video with you mentioning it, in passing, toward the end. Thanks again for the help. 2 yrs into this hobby and I'm learning a lot from this channel 👍👍
@@eversosleight I'm thrilled to hear this. They really do care about their customer's experience. I'm glad the hum was eliminated!
I had a first-gen Orbit Custom; acrylic platter, Grado Blue cartridge. I loved it. Great entry-level turntable. I recently updated to their Orbit Theory in walnut with the 2M Bronze cart. They addressed many issues and complaints customers had with the first-gen, switchable speed control, and now there's a groove machined in the platter which helps the belt stay on. Also the silicone belt which supposedly resists stretching.
What I love about U-Turn is their focus on simplicity. No automatic features here, but it also makes it more engaging.
They are a company doing it right and they actually care about their customer's experience.
2M Bronze! 👍👌
@@billr.5808 I recently popped the Bronze back onto my Thorens. Great cart!
U-turns customer service is incredible, highly recommended.
They really are
Nice hear you mention that the manual speed change is a pain. Good that Uturn and Pro-Ject are making electronic speed changes on new models. Even vintage models generally have this feature. But I think that they should have removable headshells.
I was incredibly pleased to see the inclusion of the speed change and the grooved platter. I can imagine there will be further improvements down the line.
Haha “the Close & Play”! Back in the early 80s there was a high-end stereo place called audio spectrum in Central Florida! They had hooked up a Close & Play to a pair of Klipschorns and it sounded amazing! Obviously they were trying to show how incredibly efficient Klipsch speakers were and I must say it was a very compelling display!
That's wild. Would love to have seen that!
Thanks for the informative video. As someone who just recently got into vinyl, your channel has been one of my go-tos. I appreciate the knowledge share!
Made my day - cheers 🍺🍺🍺
Love that they have such amazing service! Definitely a plus for when I decide to upgrade. Must be that good old Northeast attitude! Many great companies in this area of the U.S.!
I wish there were more, Glenn! It seems that a majority of them are out west. Happy that U-Turn is right here in my backyard.
Wow, the Close n Play was my first record playing device too! I also own a second gen. customized U-Turn Orbit. I have been hearing that buzz you described in my speakers too. It only happens when the record is spinning but the tonearm is snapped into the tonearm rest, not while playing the record. I thought it was odd that the deck came without a "ground" wire on the output cable.
Hi Dominick. I experienced it with their external phono stage but it might be wort a quick email to them. They will most likely have suggestions.
I love my Gen 1 Orbit Plus. I wish the dust cover latches were metal and the spindle metal as well. Aside from those, I adore this turntable.
Adore is a good word for it. It is a well worth it.
@TheJoyofVinylRecords How long would you estimate the longevity of these belts? Had mine for little over half a year. Maybe I should buy a couple extra just to have handy?
@@eversosleight
A rubber belt should last a couple of years. Depending on tension and if you don't touch them with sweaty fingers. Keep that belt clean!
Silicon belts last longer.
@@eversosleight I bet you'll get a good three years out of it. Doesn't hurt to have a couple on hand. They weren't expensive if I recall (which is why I bought a handful at the time).
@TheJoyofVinylRecords thanks for that! I'll go ahead and grab a few. Sometimes I forget to change it over to 33 after playing at 45, not for extended periods of time but I'm afraid I've caused some undue tension in the belt.
@3:05 -- My turntable's belt needs to be manually moved up and down the motor's pulley, to change between 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM.
But it has never fallen off, or given any hint of falling off. And my platter is smooth acrylic (has no groove).
My belt is different than the U-Turn Orbit's belt, at least by color (hard to tell if it differs in other characteristics). My belt is close to the color of your U-Turn Orbit's acrylic platter.
One possibility for my belt not slipping off is that my motor is not housed in the plinth. It is stand-alone. So perhaps mine has a bit more tension, based on where I plopped it down?
I have been using the same belt for approximately 15 years, and I never moved the motor from where I placed it, so long ago.
The belt change is easy and fast. In my case, I need my reading glasses, because my pulley has 1-off RPM rungs in the pulley, in case my utility company's electrical sine wave is inaccurate. So I have two speeds (33⅓ and 45), but three choices for each. So I need my eyeglasses to make sure I do not mistakenly use one of the rungs designed for speed correction.
I would rather have a switch or button for speed changes. But it is what it is, and not a deal breaker.
By the way, I do have 45s that are in somewhat crummy shape. I have them since I was 10 years old, and never cleaned them. So like your father's 45s, I do not play mine. Maybe I need to take another look and try a few? My VPI 16.5 record cleaning machine does not support 7" records. It has no way to clamp it down. There is a $50 clamp for my machine. But I am not spending that, because I doubt that I will play any of my 7" records twice.
I also have a handful of 12", 45 RPM pressings, that I purchased throughout the decades, that are in great shape, and sound very good. So do have a legitimate use for spinning my platter at 45 RPM. The 12" 45s are usually for long-play singles.
It's the same with the Record Doctor and Pro-Ject vacuum machines. They were really made for 12" records. The vacuum slot is perfect for 12" but loses that suction on a 7".
Even my previous Clearaudio Performance (€3k) has a manual belt shift.
You just give it a nude with a pen and turn the spindle and it won't fall off.
The colored plinths are MDF. Only the natural wood plinths are solid. But I dig the video, you helped me decide to buy one for myself. Thanks! (I went with the green)
Awesome! Thanks for letting me know, Brad
I have a Rega Rp8 with the Audio technical 549 Rigby modification. It is astonishing.
I bet it is! Can imagine its sounds damned near perfect,Neil. 🍻
Great turntable and great video... U-Turn can also be purchased here in Norway. Good for me to know when the day comes that I'm ready to move on from my Audio Technica 😁 All the best from Kristiansand 🎸🎸🎸
Cheers, Kristiansand! 🍺
Therirservice is fantastic. My power switch quit. I sent it to them and they had it fixed in 1 day and sent back. Total without the TT was 3 days including the shipping.
They are truly customer focused!
Uturn tables are pretty nice. Ive had a first gen for about 7 years now. It sounds pretty great with a Grado black cart too, not all bright. Many people dont know this, but they're also easy to work on. Was having a speed variation problem, which turned out to be a bad spindle bearing. Pretty sure Uturn sent it for free. A few screw turns later, and it was back in business. Pretty painless customer service experience. Love that! Now if they could buld a turntable with adjustable VTA and anti-skate..
Hi David! I bet we see at least one of those features in a future product.
About a year ago I bought the U-Turn Theory with the Bronze cart. I love it.
I am very impressed with their customer service. Would recommend to anyone.
I actually popped my Bronze back in (been using the Black LVB250). I can't decide which I like better as they both provide slightly different experiences. I might actually say Bronze. Crazy hibby we live in!
Would you mind elaborating on that humming/buzz sound through your speakers? I just got the same turntable and their ethos speakers and been hearing this buzz sound whenever the speakers are on (coming from the powered speaker). Whether it’s connected to the turntable or not or even Bluetooth. I’m concerned I got a lemon but already reached out to their team. Did the grounded cables solve the noise entirely?
Hi Marco! Yes - the grounded cable they supplied took care of the hum. I believe the problem in my situation was the phono preamp.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords supper appreciative of the reply! Hope this isn’t too much: would you mind sharing which cable(s) (model?) they supplied? Getting anxious about this issue since it’s such a pricey setup that I otherwise very much enjoy! 🙏
@@marcobiotic Unfortunately the cable with the ground they supplied doesn't have a manufucturer indicated. It could very well be that they modified the interconnect themselves but I am only guessing.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords ah! appreciated regardless. keep your channel going, so happy i discovered it!
@@marcobiotic Let me know how it goes ok?
Hi Rick,
I am on my second Uturn table, Theory with 2M Bronze. May try the LVB 250 black when its time to replace my stylus. I agree about the customer service, they are extremely responsive and I appreciate their approach - - especially with those of us who are not techies. I may wait to upgrade my table when Uturn comes out with an upgrade for the Theory. Take care. Joe
I have no doubt they will continue to modify and improve as time goes by.
You take care too, Joe!
I almost bought a U-Turn turntable to replace an old Sansui turntable. But, I wanted a turntable with a removable headshell and electronic speed control. The new tonearm looks great, but lacking a removable headshell is a deal breaker.
A fixed headshell is highly preferable from a mechanical and thus sonic perspective. If you want to swap cartridges instead of enjoying music, well, then stick to crappy headshells. I have 1 of my 3 arms equipped with a removable and it's much inferior to the others.
Great video Rick! I was really close to buying a U Turn turnable before I settled on my Fluance. I've been happy with the Fluance RT85, but I'm sure if had gone with the U Turn would have been happy with it as well. I think it was the speed control that was a factor in choosing the Fluance at the time. It just seemed odd to me to have to move the belt. I have a couple of 45 RPM LP's as well and I like having a speed control. Now that U Turn has that feature, I would consider them if I ever upgraded. But, I doubt I'll upgrade the turntable at this point only the cartridge. Cheers!
Cheers, Neil! I'm starting to really eye an MC cart for my next move. So many choices!
Please tell us what you think. This isn't another rabbit hole is it? 😊
@@neilfisher7999 It is, and this one scares me only because of the costs involved. I'll need a step-up transformer too if/when I go that route,
IMO it is a well made TT with huge potential if you want to modify and upgrade it. My DYI TT was made using U-turn parts!
Their customer service always has been top notch!! My hat off for them.
You and me both. If only more companies were as customer focused at the level they are at.
Could you do a video on how to use the wally tool. I tried watching wally tool video on their site , and it just confused the hell out of me.
I've thought of that. I may have to do one soon. Thank you for the suggestion!
Hey Rick, Thanks again for another great video. I have been a fan of the U-Turn Orbit for a long time, and I own two. I have a Custom, like yours, and I have a Orbit Theory. I bought my Theory with an Ortophon 2M Bronze cartridge, and it has speed control so no manual handling of the belt to change speed. It also has user adjustable anti-skate, so you can have control over that, if you want it. If you haven't checked out the Theory, you should.
That’s great to hear about the adjustable anti-skate, Joe! I missed that when I reviewed the specs on the new tables. That’s huge.
As an aside -this week I’ve gone back to the Bronze just to see if my opinion of the LVB250 held up (and at the recommendation to do so by someone I was speaking with). It’s only been a couple of days but dare I say it’s a little “warmer” and more forgiving?
Before I bought my Rega Planar 2 I seriously thought about a U-Turn turntable. But their tonearm at the time looked a bit weak. I also like a tonearm with adjustable anti-skate, but my Rega is fixed also. Can't seem to win on this issue other than spend $445 to replace it with the newer version with adjustable anti-skate. That's about 3/4 of the price when I bought it!
I'm not a fan of fixed anti-skate either. They did set it accurately but I'm like you - I like to control these things.
And you listen to your subscribers too! My compliments.
I don't and will not own a U-Turn since I'm in Europe and already own anout 10 TT's. But I always prefer and recommend them because of the smart engineering. That arm is really something special. You can put any cartridge on that you want. And its not 'stupid' to start with the great sounding AT3600. Get a good basic TT first and when its worn, upgrade the stylus. A solid real wood plinth for that money? Damping feet. Acrilic platter. Don't waste it on the Ortofon 2M cartridges.
I am looking towards moving to MC coils either later this year or next. Always open to suggestions. I will need a step-up transformer as well.
Have you tried Rega turntables..?
I always recommend them to friends looking to spend a bit more. More on reputation than anything else. Ive never owned one personally. Hope to correct that one of these days.
2 questions for my favorite audiophile:
Although I am subscribed, I don't get notifications for new videos from you, unlike other channels. Is that a setting on your end?
I have been listening to the same album since yesterday and this morning it started looping - not sure how they call it - when it is stuck in a groove. Is there a way to fix it? How would it have happened when I did nothing? Is it a signed of warned out stylus?
Hey there!! Not a setting here but maybe you have to click the bell for notifications? Good question. I checked my settings and all looks normal.
As for the looping - you mean in the middle of a song it repeats? There may be something stuck in the groove. Odd since you've been playing it ok up until now but stranger things have happened. If you can tell where it is repeating, shine a light on the groove and see if you can spot anything white or otherwise. A toothpick will remove it if it's something new.
How long have you been using that stylus?
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords thanks, great advice! I have been using the stylus for 2 years. Yes, too long. I am trying to find a way to buy used? Maybe that's a terrible idea. What I mean is cheap. I feel that if I can't upgrade I shouldn't buy the same cartridge/similar priced, stick with it until I have $. Maybe that's not a good logic. (current: Rega Elys 2 - which is actually pretty cheap - I didn't know. I could go to the next level but I really wish I had $900 for the Ania)
I think I subscribed wrong, I just changed it. Thanks again!
Just merely a question is all. Can you give me a compelling reason to buy a turntable from Uturn with the Ortofon blue cartridge and an acrylic platter for $750 verses a Fluance RT85 with the same cartridge, platter, and knob to change speeds for $500? I only ask because I have not operated a uturn but I have a Fluance and need a 2nd deck for another room. Just curious about your thoughts since I think you have used both. Much appreciated and great video as always my friend.
That's a tough one, Victor. I like both turntables and recommend both for mid-level playback. U-Turn's customer service is incredible. To be fair I never had to contact Fluance's, so can't speak to theirs. I find myself gravitating to U-Turn, but I honestly can't tell you to spend the $250 when most anyone would be happy with Fluance as well. I hate to be on the fence on that one. If the price was closer it would be U-Turn hands down.
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords No problem. And I certainly don’t mean to put you on the spot with that. I’m leaning towards U turn too. Customer service is very important to me. Not that Fluance doesn’t also offer that. But, selfishly admitted, I do like the idea of also supporting American companies. No offense if you reside in the land of our Canadian brothers. But I already have a Fluance so maybe it’s time to also try a U turn. Even if at an added cost. Unless for a bit more money you can recommend another turntable where I would notice a significant audible upgrade. Appreciate and respect your response. Thank you.
You didn't ask me but I'm going to answer anyway...
The U-turn custom is a better choice.
First: the Ortofon 2M is way overpriced. It's not that good. They make large oem deals to make buyers think they get a good deal. It's not.
Second: the arm is fantastic and can handle much better cartridges and even sounds better with the cheapest cartridges. A removable headshell makes the Fluance lose a lot of rigidity. In fact cheap arms with detachable headshells are crap. You lose bass control, details and spatial definition.
Third: the U-tirn custom with an AT91b, acrylic platter, speed control, iso level feet etc will cost $544. That is a much better basic table. ($474 without the feet upgrade)
And lastly: you can simply upgrade the fine sounding AT91 to a much more refined sound with a better stylus from LP-Gear that costs only $40. (CFN3600LE spectra elliptical stylus Carbon fibre cantilever made in Japan). Or even higher. But the basic sound is more involving. And just slip it on, no need for mounting and adjusting.
Even with the standard rubber feet you pay only $474 and still have a better, great basic table. The arm is a true steal.
I have several tables, cartridges and arms to compare. I have two real MC cartridges with a hyper elliptic stylus that beat the crap out of that overpriced 2M blue yet cost the same or less. I also have refurbished a lot of TT and I always put an AT91 on. It is so underappreciated.
@@VictorEnnis-n1w Anytime! I live about 50 minutes from the U-Turn HQ - so it's easy for me to be biased 😎
Very cool 😎 👍
Cheers,Carmine! 🍻
@@TheJoyofVinylRecords I’ve gotten a quote to get the LP12..back to spec …roughly $3500CDN…ouch ….but that’s a piggybank 🐷 project
@@carminedesanto6746 That's not a price to sneeze at!
Have a turntable 😮
In the back bedroom
Excellent review. I considered U-Turn, but decided against them because I didn't want to have to.move.the belt to change speeds. Nice to know they now have a model with speed control for the future.
A great example of the company listening to their customers and making a good product even better.
I have my turntable and preamp grounded to a water pipe in my basement. No buzzing allowed in my music.
I am going to be narly Rick, your pronounced Woburn wrong (I think). With your irresistible New England accent, that's a delight. And the funniest part is: made by a local, caught by a Hungarian :)
(Probably everyone outside of 128 pronounces it wrong) Otherwise lovely review as always!
I’m not worthy of being born in Mass apparently. I always say it wrong but get “Wooster” right (probably because of all the concerts) 😂
th-cam.com/video/AckzNzbF5E4/w-d-xo.html
@@rofgabor Now THAT's hilarious 🍺
In the words of cousin Vinny in customs in the Guy Richie film "Sn atch":
"Anything to declare?
- Yeah. Don't go to England"
They have even more names like Worcestershire. That's the origin and name of the sauce btw. Not 'wooster' but 'woostershaire'.
Oh, and don't even think about Wales or Eire. 😂
You know vinyl is back when they very often have a turntable system with lps as a prize on TV 's The Price Is Right. I think it's usually a U-turn turntable or Technics. One time the prize they had to bid on was a pair of those small KEF LS50 speakers. Really weird to see high end audio on a game show. A woman who looked like Oprah was the closrst one to guessing the retail price. She guessed $900 of the $1600 price, and got to come onstage for a chance to win a bigger prize. It would be funny if they had something really ultra high end as a prize, like Rockport or MBL speakers. Perhaps the closest bidders guess would be $90,000 off; on the low side.When I first saw the title and your expression my first thought was; maybe this video is about should you really care about good sound? Can good sound equal true happiness? Some say even winning the lottery can't buy happiness. They should speak for themselves. For me it would. But having sound quality to the rafters, I can say that, it doesn't do your mental health any harm. It gives you something extraordinary to look forward to. And without those kind of things, and without hope, your're pretty much done.
I used to go gambling at the dog races. The bus was about 97% old people. The chance of winning big was their excitement and hope in life. Otherwise their life would be uneventful. A lot of audiophiles are older, and I imagine upgrading and the thought of upgrading to better sound, serves their psyche in much the same way as a weekly gambling trip to the casino serves some people. When your sound gets as good as the source (the true limit), then you have to seek out other things to bring hope and excitement. It's like they say, the thrill is the climb, not as much the actual getting there, once you are there. But it can make you happy while you are listening to music.
That is an excellent observation. Now that I've lived with my system for a while I recently added a new component that changed everything again. I'm now thinking about the next cartridge purchase. I think it will be MC but then I'll need a step-up transformer. I love the research and, like you said, it's the chase for sound that provides the thrill - until after the purchase and the excitement dies down again. Until the next purchase.....
The main improvements of moving coil over moving magnet is transient quickness, more openess and the sensation of instrument layering (instruments behind instruments, and transparency. Although I think moving coils often have less warmth, and warmth and transparency are always at war. Decrease warmth and transparency is apparently increased. Increase warmth and it sounds like transparency has been lessened.
When I make an improvement to my system, instead of being satisfied and feeling like doing no more, it always stimulates me to go further. Like the improvement spoils us and makes us want even more. The joy of the improvement doesn't seem to last that long before it starts getting taken for granted. It's fun for those of us who know how to mod, instead of spending. It's strange, some recordings improve by a mile, while others just sound a bit better. The recording that has made the biggest improvement out of all of them this year has been The Best Of R.E.M. One of the best "Best Of recordings."
@@sidesup8286 I like that - "The Joy of Improvement". I should rename my channel!
But yes - warmth over transparency/detail. I mentioned this in another comment, but the other day I flipped from the Ortofon Black LVB250 back to the Bronze. Now I'm not sure which I prefer and it's for exactly the reasons you said. The Black is more detailed, and slightly accentuates the highs. It's not forgiving but it's clear as a bell. The Bronze is "warmer". It has a more classic, vintage sound.
It's a constant journey of discovery and rediscovery - and sometimes having to be reminded what you really love.
😊
No it was not you it is the design of the belt its round if it is used like in this case gravity will work against it ,it was so obvious you don't have to be a genius to see that thats one thing I saw about U-Turn now I like the company they are great and customerservice to me is great but you should not have to wait for a second generation to fix that problem my other thing which I believe that U -turn is very wrong ,is the cueing lever should be included ,they have a starter like turntable with a mdf platter which makes the TT cheaper as a first time person they might not be steady with tonearm hell I been playing TT's since the 70's nobody out there has a steady hand ,I can be carefull but I will drop a tone arm now and again but a newby will not be good at all even the cheap suitcase record players have a cueing lever I emailed them that one question as to why they do niot include them only if you pay extra ,I do not remember the answer they gave me but it made no sense but they did come back to me real fast so I will never not think of getting one if I needed one and they are made in america thats a great plus and I do like the second generation they look fantastic even the tone arm looks very impressive but I wish they would improve on the cover hinge it does not feel its that great it looks cheap and made out of plastic I still would not trust it one simple slight nudge and to me it would crash down hard that being said they are a great turntable to get in my opinion I have at least 7 turntables in use so I sm good for TT's but I will always recomend them to anyone who wants a good turntable thats fully manual I am a automatic type of guy so all of my TT's are automatic I have one manual Pro-Ject debut 3 which I got before I ever heard of U-Turn or else I would of gotten one especially when it is made in america JRo
It's pronounced "Woo" burn. C'mon, I thought you were a northeast guy.
lol. I say Wooster right but always get Woburn wrong!