U-Turn Audio Today Launches "Gen 2" Orbit Line-up
first lineup "refresh" in a decade during which time the company says it's sold "hundreds of thousands of turntables!
BOSTON - (Aug. 23, 2023) - U-Turn Audio, an independent American maker of award-winning turntables, announces their first ever refresh of the beloved Orbit Turntable lineup. Building off a decade of success, the next generation of Orbit takes turntable design and technology to the next level with a range of new features like its high-tech magnesium tonearm, electronic speed control, revamped drive system, and more customization options than ever before. U-Turn Audio continues to put sound quality first without compromising on craftsmanship or style. The next generation of Orbit Custom, Orbit Basic, Orbit Plus, and Orbit Special will be available for purchase on uturnaudio.com and at select retailers with prices starting at $249.
The Orbit Theory, introduced last year as the first "Gen 2" in the lineup was reviewed on this site October, 2022.
“Our mission is to make great analog audio more accessible,” said Bob Hertig, U-Turn Audio co-founder and Orbit designer. ”Over the last decade, we’ve built and shipped hundreds of thousands of Orbits across North America and have earned a reputation for high-level performance and quality craftsmanship that doesn’t break the bank. This new generation of Orbit represents a decade of experience, learning, and turntable development. We were able to take something that was already great and make it even better.”
Orbit is a uniquely customizable turntable platform. Its modular design enables users to customize various components - such as their cartridge, preamp, speed control, platter, and isolation feet - to suit their preferences. This also makes it easy for users to upgrade their turntable over time. Hand-assembled in the US, the new generation of Orbit Turntables feature impressive new technology and options such as:
● OA3 tonearm: U-Turn Audio’s new, high-tech OA3 tonearm with single piece magnesium armtube tracks records precisely with very little record wear, delivering a high-level of musical detail. Adjustable counterweight and internal anti-skate are included. OA3 comes standard with all new Orbits.
● Electronic speed control: Orbit’s new electronic speed control option allows users to change playing speeds between 33/45 RPM with the turn of a knob. Available on Orbit Special and Custom.
● Revamped drive system: Orbit’s new grooved platter designs, combined with an all-new seamless silicone belt, make manual turntable operation easier than ever.
● New colors and hardwood options: Orbit comes in a choice of five stunning colors and two hardwood options. U-Turn Audio’s wood turntables are constructed from 100% sustainably-harvested US hardwoods, not veneers.
● Iso-Level Feet: Users have the option of adding U-Turn Audio’s premium adjustable-height aluminum feet, which utilize Sorbothane to reduce external vibrations for clearer turntable playback.
● Built-in preamp: Users can add a built-in Pluto 2 Phono Preamp that allows them to connect the turntable directly to powered speakers, eliminating the need for a traditional amplifier or receiver.
U-Turn Audio’s website empowers users to fully customize their own made-to-order Orbit Custom for a highly individual audio experience. Users can also choose from three pre-configured models, each built for listeners at different stages in their vinyl journey:
ORBIT BASIC
Offering simple design and brilliant sound, Orbit Basic is a perfect starting point for those new to vinyl or looking for a simple turntable system. Orbit Basic has long been a go-to entry level turntable for vinyl listeners, winning numerous awards along the way. It gets a refresh with U-Turn Audio’s new magnesium OA3 tonearm, grooved MDF platter with seamless silicone belt, and new color and wood options. Orbit Basic starts at $249 and is available exclusively through www.uturnaudio.com.
ORBIT PLUS
U-Turn Audio’s best-selling model, Orbit Plus is designed for everyday vinyl listeners and offers both premium audio quality and stylish design details. In addition to everything that makes Orbit Basic great, Plus comes standard with an upgraded acrylic platter, precision machined for perfect flatness, which delivers improved speed stability and lower resonance. It also features an Ortofon OM5E cartridge with elliptical diamond stylus that provides well-balanced sound. Orbit Plus starts at $399.
ORBIT SPECIAL
Packed with premium features, Orbit Special makes exceptional turntable performance easier than ever. Orbit Special adds electronic speed control that allows users to adjust between 33/45 RPM playing speeds with the turn of a knob. It also comes with a cue lever for precise tonearm operation and features the dynamic Ortofon 2M Red cartridge with elliptical diamond stylus for improved musical detail. Orbit Special starts at $549.
ASSEMBLY, SHIPPING, AND WARRANTY
U-Turn Audio designs and hand-assembles all their turntables at their Woburn, MA production facility. Their products are backed by an industry-leading three-year warranty and lifetime customer support provided by their own inhouse turntable experts. Every Orbit purchased through U-Turn Audio’s website is built to order. U-Turn Audio installs the cartridge and balances the tonearm before shipping, which makes Orbit remarkably easy to set up and use, even for first-time vinyl listeners.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The Orbit lineup includes four unique models: Orbit Custom starting at $249; Orbit Basic starting at $249; Orbit Plus starting at $399; and Orbit Special starting at $549. All turntables are available for purchase now at uturnaudio.com and select retailers.
ABOUT U-TURN AUDIO
Founded in 2012 by Benjamin Carter, Robert Hertig, and Peter Maltzan, U-Turn Audio is an independent American maker of award-winning audio equipment. Its primary products are turntables, phono preamps, and speakers. U-Turn Audio is recognized for its turntable design and for hand-assembling products in the US. For more information, visit U-Turn Audio and follow @uturnaudio on Instagram.
This one is on its way here for review.
