The $150 Orbit Turntable from U-Turn Audio

Pick your answer:

It's a fad, like the intra-web.
Only for the true die-hards.
Euphonic distortions that are appealing to human ears.
Can't roll a joint on an IPod. (credit to Shelby Lynne).
It's all about ritual and tactile pleasure.

or,
It sounds good, I don't mind putting up with the trouble and it's fun.

Your choice.

 

The "intra-web?"

Oh no, I must be losing my hipster status!

 

http://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/u-turn-audio-orbit-turntable-reviews.331957/

A few people in this thread bought an Orbit.

 

I've got an Orbit...

 

U-Turn's factory is a few hours away from you, in Woburn, MA. Why not contact them about your documentary? I bet they'll jump at the chance for some promo.

 

I like it. It seems to work well and doesn't do anything weird or unexpected. I have the Plus with an Ortofon OM5E (the Kickstarter package). It's not my first turntable... I had a couple in the 70s and 80s (nothing special), a Dual CS-455 for a couple years (I think 1999-2002?) that I sold when I moved into a smaller place, and I still have an Audio Technica AT-LP240 that I got 2 years ago, that is not a good turntable (impressive looks, but poor build quality and is slightly slow).

 

I don't know where in CT you are exactly, but you're welcome to come to Lexington, MA and shoot my TD-124!

Of course, I'm not that much closer than Woburn.

 

Cool video interview with the three U-Turn founders at the RMAF by Michael Fremer:

http://www.analogplanet.com/content/meet-u-turn-audios-founders#comment-540832#eOrYpJrRbc7BW2uG.97

 

I had one but returned it. Luckily I live close enough to their factory to simply drive it back.
Something about it just did not resonate with me. I hate to say it, but I think a lot of it had to do with the dust cover they're using! It just seemed insubstantial and off-putting for some reason. I know, I know, it's not an integral part of the turntable, and it's not an auditory response, but a tactile one. What can I say, it soured my experience. The sound was fine, but I just did not feel that I was enjoying the experience of using it. YMMV.

 

It's an entry-level turntable. A better dust cover would not be appreciated by much of the target audience, and might have added $10 or more to the final price. They put the money where it matters.

 

Yes, I know that, but I still feel silly for dismissing it (at least partially) on that criteria.

 

So how is the documentary coming along? I am curious to see it. If I had known about the U-Turn 3 years ago I probably would've bought one but I have been quite happy with my AT-LP120.