#U turn orbit upgrade#

For the casual vinyl listener, the audio quality is sure to please. Despite how delicate it looks on the outside, the motor is reliable, maintaining consistent speed for either 45 or 33 RPM records. Without a doubt, the U-Turn Orbit Basic sounds great. And if you’re confused by this dizzying assortment of upgrades and features, U-Turn’s well-written, user-friendly FAQ and setup page make it easy to figure out everything you need as a beginner.

#U turn orbit upgrade#

But you could also be perfectly happy with the $200 Orbit Basic, and not need to upgrade any of the components. You can upgrade the cartridges to Ortofon or Grado, upgrade the slipmat to a cork, and replace the included MDF platter with an acrylic one. You can choose the model with a built-in preamp (which adds $70 to the total) or you can buy an external preamp, which costs $99. It’s a fully manual, fully analog turntable, so you’re making the most of the hands-on experience of listening to the best vinyl records. The great appeal of the Orbit is the ability to buy everything you want in a turntable, and nothing you don’t. On the U-Turn turntable, the motor is located entirely separate from the platter, and there’s a very thin belt that wraps around the pulley and the outside of the platter. Many high-end audiophile turntables are belt-drive, whereas direct drive is preferred by DJs for the ability to scratch without damaging the belt and motor. The pedals turn (ie, the motor) which in turn pulls the chain (ie, the belt) which causes the wheel to turn (ie, the platter).īy comparison, a direct drive turntable has its motor under the platter, directly driving it, hence the name. One way to visualize the difference is to think of a belt-drive turntable as a bicycle. A belt-drive turntable has a motor that’s off-center from the middle of the platter. As an average (non-audiophile) vinyl enthusiast, here are my thoughts on what makes this a great turntable, but not necessarily the best turntable for everyone.įor those unfamiliar, there are two kinds of turntables that are most common: direct drive and belt drive. I had a chance to review the U-Turn Orbit Basic, the most simple, budget-friendly model the brand offers. While a brand like Audio-Technica gives you everything you might need in one box, U-Turn’s turntables are designed to be upgraded as you go, and the brand offers upgraded cartridges, platters and mats that you can buy (or not buy) as your collection grows.

Of these budget-friendly brands, U-Turn stands out for its unparalleled simplicity. Audio-Technica, Fluance and Pro-Ject are among the most cited brands. In the world of sub-500 dollar turntables, a handful of brands come up consistently. Its Biggest Draw Is Also its Biggest Flaw If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission.