U-Turn Audio Announces First-Ever Updates To Orbit Range Of Turntables

U-Turn Audio is an independent US-based manufacturer of turntables for playing vinyl records. The company has just announced its first-ever refresh of the brand’s Orbit lineup of turntables.

The new generation of Orbit turntables features high-tech magnesium tonearms, electronic speed control, a revamped drive system, and several new customization options. In a press release to mark the launch of the new generation of turntables, U-Turn Audio stresses that it is still putting sound quality first but won’t compromise on craftsmanship or style.

Orbit is a customizable turntable platform with a modular design that lets users specify various components, such as a cartridge, preamp, speed control, platter and even isolation feet. The company claims this makes it easy for users to upgrade their turntable over time.

All the turntables are hand-assembled in the USA. The new generation consists of four new turntables: Orbit Custom, Orbit Basic, Orbit Plus and Orbit Special. All will be available from uturnaudio.com, with prices starting at $249.

Some of the innovations in the new range include U-Turn Audio’s new OA3 tonearm made from a single-piece magnesium arm tube designed to track records with precision and reduced wear, delivering a high level of musical detail. The tonearm has an adjustable counterweight and internal anti-skate device and is standard with all-new Orbit turntables.

Orbit’s new electronic speed control option enables users to switch the turntable speed between 33 and 45 RPM with the turn of a knob. This feature is available on Orbit Special and Custom models. The turntables now have an updated drive system featuring Orbit’s new grooved platter designs, combined with a unique and seamless silicone belt, making manual turntable operation easier.

The refresh of the company’s products introduces new colors and hardwood options with a choice of five colors and two hardwood options. U-Turn Audio’s wood turntables are made using 100% sustainably harvested US hardwoods rather than veneers.

The turntables are also available with optional Iso-Level Feet. These premium height-adjustable aluminum feet incorporate Sorbothane to reduce external vibrations for more precise playback.

Another new option in the range is the addition of a built-in preamp. Users can add a built-in Pluto 2 Phono Preamp that connects the turntable directly to powered speakers or an amplifier without a phono stage.

U-Turn Audio’s website lets buyers customize their bespoke Orbit Custom to configure the ideal turntable. Users can also choose from three pre-configured models built for different price points.  

Offering a simple design, the Orbit Basic is suggested as an ideal starting point for anyone new to vinyl or looking for a basic turntable. Orbit Basic is an entry-level model and the latest version features the magnesium OA3 tonearm, grooved MDF platter with seamless silicone belt, plus new color and wood options. The Orbit Basic is available exclusively from U-Turn Audio’s website.

U-Turn Audio’s best-selling model is the Orbit Plus. This turntable is designed for everyday vinyl listeners and offers premium audio quality and stylish design details. As well as providing the same spec as the Orbit Basic, the Orbit Plus has an upgraded acrylic platter precision machined for optimum flatness for improved speed stability and lower resonance. The Orbit Plus is also fitted with an Ortofon OM5E cartridge with an elliptical diamond stylus.

The Orbit Special turntable adds electronic speed control that enables users to switch between 33 and 45 RPM playing speeds with the turn of a knob. The Special also has a cue lever for precise tonearm operation and an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge with an elliptical diamond stylus.

U-Turn Audio designs and assembles all its turntables at its Woburn, MA, factory. A three-year warranty and lifetime customer support back the turntables. Every Orbit ordered via the company’s website is built specially to order. U-Turn Audio installs the cartridge and balances the tonearm before shipping, making it easy and quick to set up and use.

Pricing & Availability: The Orbit lineup consists of four models: Orbit Custom starting at $249; Orbit Basic starting at $249; Orbit Plus starting at $399. The Orbit Special starts at $549.

More info: uturnaudio.com