Better than audio technica budget turntable? - U-Turn Orbit Special turntable review !
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ย. 2024
- U-turn orbit offers superior sound quality and ease of use that may be better than Audio-Technica AT-LP120 or other turntables in the similar price rage.
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U-turn orbit offers superior sound quality and ease of use that may be better than Audio-Technica AT-LP120 or other turntables in the similar price rage.
@Christos Dimitropoulos it does have antiskate
Great info...I was doing research on turntables and bumped into your video...Almost bought me an Audio Technica yesterday.😁But some how my wallet got jammed up in my pocket.
What's the price range?...Thnx.
The Next Best Thing Studio This is no more than the continuing debate about which is better: belt drive or direct drive.
I had an AT LP120 for over 2 1/2 years, and I can say that it was a great turntable-and I never had to switch the belt to change speed. And it sounded fantastic!!!
So why did I move on from the 120? Simple: I moved up to the AT LP140, that’s why. And it’s even better than the 120!!!
So let’s stop bashing Audio Technica, OK??? If you haven’t tried one, then don’t bad mouth something you don’t know anything about. In other words: I’m willing to look at different turntables without trash talking them, so why can’t you???
Similar price? You are an idiot. That U-Turn table is literally twice as much as the Audio Technica.
@@blvckvv999 You're an idiot. That turntable is cheap, only thing that makes it so "expensive" is the garbage cartridge on it which makes the turntable itself cheap. The AT with the 2m Red is the exact same price.
I love this review. This guy cares more deeply about this turntable than most people do about their kids.
Hahaha thats too funny dude. 😅 I usually don’t lol when I read comments but I did when I read yours. hit my funny bone just right thanks for that.
@@nospoon17 I'll be here all week. Don't forget to tip your waitress.
So refreshing to see a positive review of a turntable
I'm a bit of an AR-XA collector, and wanted a new workhorse that was reliable and quiet. I was happy to see that they are a small company based in Woburn, MA. Not far from the New England audio mecca, where Acoustic Research is based. They're keeping New England audio alive, and have very similar design principles.
I love this review! I love that you actually take it there and compare it to other turntables that people with this price range are considering. I think your solidified my need for the u turn orbit custom:) thanks for the in-depth review
Man get in touch with Dave at Vinyl Nirvana and see if he will let you review one of his bad ass tables... DO IT!
great video brother:)
Just bought a Uturn Audio Special Maple based on your recommendation. Great review.
Like it 🤔
great review - really appreciate the insight into how this tt SOUNDS compared to others in terms of overall listening experience vs. a strictly technical analysis. probably the most compelling recommendation for this tt in all the reviews i've seen/read, which is most of them. uturn should send you a fruit basket or something.
enjoyed your review. in your opinion, how does this turntable compare to fluance rt series?
Agreed. I love my U-Turn Orbit turntable. Rich, quality sound without breaking the bank. Mine ran about $360 with the features and cartridge I wanted, same platter runs $399 in 2022.
Another great review! Awesome turntable, especially for someone just getting into hobby. I am a BIG fan of the Ortofon 2m cartridge. Great price, and a solid performer.
I believe the words you're looking for is "soulful" and "musically", right?
In my opinion that's the thing to go for when deciding on gear. I mean; No matter what, or how much you spend, it will never sound like the band is playing in the room, and even if you are tonedef you can tell the difference from the next room, or if you passing by on the street and the window is open. That's just the way it is. True hifi doesn't exist. Besides that, music is made for the soul. It was never meant to be dissected like a frog. When your gear send chills down your spine, make the hairs on your arms rise, and you can't help getting caught in front of the stereo just listening and listening, then you know you nailed it.
It's such an awesome experience when you have it all (details, soundstage..., and musicality/soul), but if you have to compromise - Go for musicality/soul, no matter the pricetag. Perfection without soul is boring, and you will discover that you lose the desire to listen.
Speaking of good and bad recordings, some recordings sound just awful, but in other cases the imperfections ads so much soul and atmosphere. For instance if you listen to Led Zeppelin 1&2, and then go straight to their third album (which was technically way better produced), I think you'll know what I mean. Personally I always start with their third album, because coming straight from 1&2, the third album sounds so cold and clinically, I can't bear to listen to it. But of course 99% of the time good recordings are preferable.
My point is not recommending people to go for cheap crap that distorts the sound. Infact my point is quite the opposite - Go for the good stuff. Just make sure the sound hit's you right in the heart, and remember a high price doesn't necessary get you there. Don't get fooled by snake oil, or dissection of the music - Soul is what counts.
I haven't had the chance to listen to the U-Turn, but I have had the oppotunity to compare the Rega P2 with the Carbon stylus to the Linn LP12 with the Ortofon 2M Black stylus on one of the bigger Linn systems, using Tracy Chapmans debut album. I must admit I was really surprised about just how little difference there was in detail and soundstage etc (and I have really good ears). Especially when looking at the difference in pricetag. When comparing musicality, Rega was the absolute winner. I guess either the Linn system was extremely forgiving (played everything the same), or The Linn LP12 is a scam for it's price. At least from that experience. The same cables, and pre-amp was used for the test, but besides that it wasn't at home, and one can always use more time listening to several records etc. That's the only factors I think maybe could have changed the outcome. I'm therefore pretty impressed by the Rega P2 (Not by the P1, which I also have had the chance to compare - that glass platter on the P2 makes a hell of a difference - better bass, timing, better everything on the P2). Since the U-Turn looks similar, and you (though using other words) clearly are aware of the importance of musicality, I believe you have made an awesome review.
Thanks mate.
Ps. I think the AT LP120 is a piece of.... Just to be honest - Not to offend anyone.
Hey Jack.
First of all, if you like it don't let my opinion stop you. What you think is the most important.
What I don't like about it is:
1. The preamp. To my ears it sounds horrible. Using a eksternal preamp doesn't help, because even on bypass the signal still passes through the build in preamp, which affects the soundquality. Many people chose to open their turntables, and completely disconnect the preamp. If you want to see how it's done there's loads of videoes about it here on YT.
2. Though it has quartzlock it's not as precise as one would expect from a direct drive quartzlocked turntable. It's not a dealbreaker, but it is disappointing.
3. Though it's kinda heavy, the weight is not due to good materials like for instance technics are made from. It's basically a resonant plastic box with a heavy platter loosely placed in the bottom to give the impression of quality. It's therefore sensitive to vibrations, and feedback.
I returned the first one to the store and got another, because I thought there was something wrong with it. I couldn't believe that it shouldn't sound better, but the next one was the same. I therefore chose to get my money back. Since then I have seen so many videoes from people who is complaining about the same, and other things as well, like the armbase can't be adjusted peoperly, some complain about the platter being skewed, and the list goes on.
If you decide to buy one I have my fingers crossed that you will be pleased with it, but just for safety reasons make sure you can get your money back before you buy.
Stay cool and safe.
@Jack Daw If you are looking at vintage amps, you could consider looking at vintage turntables as well. You can get some really kick ass turntables for a fraction of the price of a LP120. For instance Philips GA 212/312, or a Dual 1019 are pretty amazing machines which also look really good.
LAMF
U-Turn Orbit, Schiit Audio and Grado headphones are compmpanies that offer the best for your money, they punch way above their price range!
Have you reviewed the Rega Planar 1? If so, which sounded the best.
I have one in blue and it's a great table. Also have an Audio Technica AT-LPW30TK. Between the two I like the Orbit better personally. But the sound quality is really in the cart and because the Orbit has a higher quality cart obviously makes for a bit better sounding deck.
I have owned many Linn turntables. Believe it or not, the most important componant of the LP-12 is the structure on which you have the turntable placed. Your massive turntable block is completely wrong for the LP-12. Try a much lighter Sound Org ZO-28, or even a lightweight Target wall shelf to get the best sound out of your Linn. Lp-12's are finniky, and need experimentation to find the best sound in your system. A different cartridge may help as well. The LP-12 is a musical instrument that needs to be tuned to sound its best. It's like rolling tubes, some changes are good, some are bad. I wish they still made the K9 cartridge ! I think a Hana EL cart would be awesome on this table.
As someone who is checking out budget turntables, this video was perfect timing. Appreciated the comparison to the other turntables which I was kind of checking out too. Can I ask which Fluance you reviewed? Been eyeing their RT83 which has the same cartridge as this U-Turn.
I reviewed the rt81. Longgg time ago. But I no longer consider that a review hahaha. A dark past.
Fluance RT8x is way better value. I have an RT84 and I'm very pleased! Things like the cue lever, adjustable feet and the servo-controlled motor as a default made me lean towards Fluance. And they are very sturdy!
I own three of these. Different cartridges on each for different listening experiences. I also own multiple vintage tables. The Orbit wins. Simple. Affordable. Customizable. Clean. Nothing to service or maintain. And the best customer service in the industry. $180 entry point for a US designed and built turntable. Free shipping. Get outta here. Smart money buys Orbit.
Were the other noted TTs also running the ortofon red when reviewed?
I’m not new to vinyl, but new to turntable ins and outs. I’m curious if swapping between the two speeds with the belt ever creates an issue since you have to do it by hand. It’s a cool feature but I’m worried repeated changes will stretch the belt or off the timing
I had the same concern. My turntable adjusted speeds the same way but was hidden under the platter. I also had a bit of wow and flutter, so I bought a Pro-Ject Speedbox S for my Music Hall mmf 2.2le turntable. That solved the wow and flutter and kept me from removing the platter and manually changing the belt. I just bought a U-Turn Custom turntable for my daughter's first system. I know she'll love it.
I would hope reviewers stop saying "for the price"
How abaout antiskating?
Another great video
Sold.
Fantastic Video.
I’m a beginner, excellent review. I’m considering the U-Turn Special. Do you suggest I get the preamp built-in or is it best to have as a stand-alone?
You should consider using a separate pre-amp due to having far more options to change around your sound. I have a Schiit Mani pre-amp which works well as the second turntable input on my Rotel RC-1572.
@@Splashadian what does that mean 🤔
It sounds like describing digital recordings, Its great but can't get better.
hello, do u know can u-turn orbin use in taiwan? Thanks
Great review. I've been considering this turntable for a while now. Question: What made you choose the ortofon red vs the blue? Was it just the price?
The red was what was included
@@Jayiyagi It would be really informative to us if you compared the two cartridges on the U-turn.
To each his own.
My 2011 Audio Technica
turntable is still playing.
@@toneyisaiah408 so what
Do you know if the one you have would sound different against the basic model assuming the platter and cart is the same?
Hi The Next Best Thing, what camera and microphone do you use for your videos?
This is a great video
To be honest as a old guy who owns at least one turntable since the late seventies i cant see
anything noteworthy on this one. Its the typical unergonomic and comfortless minimal quality
construction that counts as entry level audiophile deck since decades now,while in fact its
just the same cost optimised construction from yesteryear in updated cosmetics.
CAN U BUY ADJUSTABLE FEET FOR IT. WHAT IS IN THE SAME PRICE RANGE THAT YOU WOULD SAY Equals the sound quality of this one but has adjustable feet ?
Nice review. Turntable looks nice but I can’t deal with having to manually move the belt and lack of cueing lever doesn’t cut it. I shouldn’t have to pay extra for a lever.
Setup can chang from shipping movements. The reason you like it is that Ortofon 2M Red cartridge I have a 2M Red and a Blue which is even better. I have the blue on my Vintage Thorens. Sounds like you need a equalizer for those bad records. Most of those audiophile recordings are mostly over engineered digital recordings and not really analog and sound more like cds. Just buy the cd. This is why I hate most new records. Average pop and rock is digital. My Thorens sounds great with the 2M Blue. I have an equalizer but rarely use it.
What’s the turntable shown in the short intro?
Vintage entry level Technics sl-220. I used to see them around 60$, now people are trying to get more for them. It will outperform these newer budget players.
is that a 2m red cart ?
the belt on the outside is an eyesore that would get on my nerves.
It’s limited to only two speeds, isn’t it ?
Do you need the pre amp to use it
Not if you run it through a receiver on the phono channel. The preamp is needed if the TT is connected directly to speakers. I love this table.
Optioned out U-turn or a rega planar 1? Thanks!
Jon Berg U Turn. Rega has some interesting grounding issues best left to the more experienced. A Rega will hum unless you earth ground your system .
@@royyounger6074 does it scale well with high end cartridges? I have a high end set up for playing digital and I want to make sure its it's worth the investment or if I need to spend more I will. Thanks
Jon Berg Both Rega and U-turn should match fine with all MM on the market but you may need a heavier counter weight on the Rega. Grado cartridges are a issue on just about all tables . Those carts have no shielding and hum. I just want you to be satisfied with as little issues a possibility. I personally cant get my head around a glued in motor to go very high up on Rega models . I am a SOTA fan boy and you can find those used in your price range.
@@jonberg469 Neither will scale with high end cartridges. The Planar 1 is made to only work with the cart it comes with as it doesn't have adjustable anti skate. I say look at the Fluance RT85, it'll come with an Ortofon blue for practically free considering the price.
@@TheHammerofDissidence i had no idea this existed. Seems to check all the boxes at $500. Thanks
So your selling your lp-12 ?? 🤔🤔
Hey boris. No. They serve different purposes as said in the video.
When you bring up that the Orbit being customizable as a positive over the Audio Technica (assuming the LP120/X since you never specified), it seems odd to me since the customization of the Orbit is only adding features the LP120/X already has (except for the platter), and even then the LP120/X still has more features than the Orbit overall. If you like the sound of the Orbit more, fair enough, but being able to customize the Orbit (which adds to the price) to get it closer to the features the LP120/X has stock (but doesn't match them) being a point for the Orbit over the LP120/X seems strange to me.
Jeff Wiesneski I can’t agree with you more!
Anyone who would place the U Turn over the LP 120X is just showing their ignorance about the LP 120X and also their prejudice against direct drive TTs. This guy may think, to his ears, that the U Turn sounds better, but thousands of AT LP 120 and 120X owners would strongly disagree. You get what you pay for. And with the AT LP 120X, you get everything out of the box that you need and want. The U Turn, on the other hand, is just a bare bones player that you have to keep adding on to (and consequently adding on to the price) in order to get the features that you want.
A feature of the U Turn that particularly drives me crazy is that you have to move the belt to change speeds. Not so on the AT LP 120 or 120X. Pushing a button is far easier and less hassle.
And I have to bring up the never ending debate of belt drive vs. direct drive. Their are people who will swear up and down that belt drive sounds better. One point they always make is how direct drive TTs have audible rumble, especially with the LP 120. I had a LP 120 for over 2 1/2 years and never heard any rumble of any kind. And that’s true also with the LP 140X that I upgraded with as well-no rumble, EVER.
And lastly, the feature that the LP 120, LP 120X, LP 140 and LP 140X have that you will never find on a U Turn is a pitch control. Being an audiophile, I’m picky about hearing my music as close to exactly the way it was recorded and mastered as I can. The pitch control allows me to do that without having to turn the TT upside down to fiddle with motor trimmers to adjust the speed.
Since I have admitted to being an audiophile, please take my points accordingly.
looks like it is playing at 16 speed...lol
Load of rubish ... look at the table wobble about just opening the lid . is th AT the best around ? Course not but its tone arm pivet isn't plastic and can guarantee its speed ac and wow and flutter specs destroy the u turn . I can think of at least 5 tables for the same money which have better mass, feet, and tone arms for same money as the speced
out one he is using in the video .... the price he mentioned at beginning is for basic model. What he is hearing is not the table its the cart 2m red . Same cart on even the 2 basic tables he mentions will be better
👊
Does it sounds good?
Are you sure?
cueing lever is a friggin option???? Thats pathethic in this price range, ive seen turntables half this price or less with a damn cuieng lever -- nope yer not conning me with that crap
@ 2:10 - Wait a minute... " I don't expect any manufacture setup is perfect because every house is different ". What does the house have to do anything or impact the setup? May be frist thing is check your table making sure it level as it may give the turner arm off level.
Great review. I've been considering this turntable for a while now. Question: What made you choose the ortofon red vs the blue? Was it just the price?
I am thinking about ordering one of these soon….
Loved your descriptive breakdown of the quality.
I had a Linn LP12 that was manufactured in the early 1980's. Great table, don't know why I sold it. Anyway, I know have a heavily modified Technics SP25 direct drive. Anyway...
there is something to be said about Orbits, Project Carbon, etc. That "good enough" is good enough and just quit fussing and chasing holy grails, sit back, and enjoy the intellectual content of the music. I feel the Regas are good tables too (P1, P2, P3), but getting way too expensive for what they are. Thanks for the video. Enjoy all of yours.
Which one did u get? If custom what was your setup? thanks.
Having to move the belt to change speeds + no cueing lever as a standard option is a deal breaker for me. They look nice but I'll pass. They're solid turntables, though.
You are right. Vinyl preservation.
Thanks for proving that the U Turn has superior sound with plenty of evidence to back up your claims.
Oh wait. That didn't happen.
Let’s hear it
Looks nice, But I have 500 albums that I would like to make into CD and you cant do that with this one.
You get a Spotify account and a piece of software called Noteburner and you will have all those albums in a very short time in 320k and many more.