Performance without the fuss: U-Turn Orbit Special turntable unboxing and review
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- čas přidán 18. 07. 2020
- Unboxing, setting up and reviewing a U-Turn Audio Orbit Special turntable. Bottom line? This plug and play turntable offers performance, without the fuss.
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Videos shot live on location near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada - Věda a technologie
I just bought one after my daughters starting buying vinyl without us owning a turntable. I went with the basic model, but upgraded the stylus to a Grado. I like that these turntable are upgradable over time. That way, if we decide to keep adding to the vinyl collection, we can upgrade the current one.
I have one in purple with the ortofan red. Easy to set up, and use. Sounds great, I love it.
I've had my orbit for about two years now and have made some upgrades. When I got it I had the white version w MDF platter and 2m red w/o the preamp, and also added on the queue lever. By now I have gotten the acrylic platter and it looks/sounds great! The only issue I've had with it is on 'hot' pressings the inner grooves where always skipping. After spending time trying to troubleshoot I finally reached out to them for assistance. My experience w cust service was amazing and flawless. They paid for shipping to and from the warehouse, as well as the repair! They had to replace the tonearm with a newer version that addressed my specific issue. My only gripe with the acrylic platter is the belt tends to slide off when changing from 45 to 33, but only takes less than a minute to put back once you get used to it. Other than that I absolutely love mine and would reccomend it! My next upgrade is the 2m blue. Thanks for the videos and always look forward to Sunday's. Today's video was a nice surprise!
Hi Nico! Thanks for the information, and thanks for watching!
Frank
You basically reviewed my TT. The only difference is I opted to forgo the built in preamp and had them install the Ortofon 2M Blue. The belt situation is tricky, and they tend to be a little slow to shrink back to size when going from 45 to 33, so I bought a couple of $5 spares (free shipping) and have dedicated belts for 33 and 45, which helps. I’ve also had motor problems twice, but customer service is awesome and they got me replacements.
Good tip on the belts!
Frank
@Jack Daw twice I had a motor that started making a clicking sound. Search for Uturn motor click on CZcams and you’ll find an example. They were great at replacing the motor and it was easy to install.
@Jack Daw had the Fluance been available at the time I would’ve gotten that. I was a year too early in upgrading, and at this point when I do upgrade again, I’d be more inclined to shop in the $1,000-$2,500 range. Hanging tight until I’m done paying for braces and other home improvements are taken care of.
I love acrylic platter. I have a Ortifon 2M red. It’s a great cartridge. This seems like a nice beginner table. I don’t really like that you have to change the belt when you want to listen to 45s. For its price it really does have a lot.
Looking forward to your comparison video between the Fluance 85 and this turntable. I am leaning towards getting the fluance, but they both look to be nice choices. Great video as always.
The thing that sold me on the U-Turn (I ordered mine custom plywood edition with grado cartridge) over the Fluance is that the U-Turn is built in a shop run and owned by audio nerds in America about 20 miles from where I live, rather than in a Taiwanese factory. supporting a small local business that can swing hard with the major manufacturers is a no-brainer to me.
Always the balanced discussion . Great job
Was thinking of upgrading my Audio Technica LP60, I checked out your videos on U-turn, it made my decision a lot easier, currently waiting for my own uturn, thanks frank! 😎
I've been a fan of the U-Turn for years. I still use mine with the acrylic platter as my normal table. The only con are those hinges, something I thought they would have solved by now (or at least an aftermarket solution).
I am glad it is not just me who felt that way about the hinges.
Looks like a really clean and stylish turntable. Love that wood, it reminds me of my Thorens.
It is a beautiful turntable.
I looked at this and opted for the Fluance RT-85. Includes the Blue at no extra cost, no need to fiddle with the belt, has an adjustable antiskate. At $500 I think the Fluance is a better value. Maybe do a shoot-off?
I love you and I could watch you read the yellow pages, damn it!
This was great for the children!!!! Toodaloo!
Frank, great info! I currently own a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Esprit SB since January 2017. I love the sound, however in October the cuing lever stopped working. I had it repaired at a local audio shop and was happy to have it working again. Now it's December 2020 and the speed box began malfunctioning. I can no longer play 45s. Not that I have many, but would like that option. I'm very disappointed as I expected a longer life span with Pro-ject. I'm anticipating that it will one day stop spinning. So, your video was very informative and I am now sold on the U-Turn brand. I subscribed to your channel and also began following you on IG. Best wishes!
Loved the wood plinth reminded me of a rotel tt I had back in the 70s along with an yamaha amp and wharfdale speakers great times.
Yeah, I love the look of it as well.
Very close to my setup, except I don’t have the hardwood plinth. It’s been a wonderful turntable so far. I ended up upgrading to the 2M Blue from the Red (based on another Chan 33 video and my own research), and it was worth it! Much less inner groove distortion, though the Red is still a fine starting point.
Currently it's above my budget, but a great review! You seem to honestly name your pros and cons
Glad it was helpful!
Always enjoy your reviews, Frank, including this one. A nice looking turntable for sure but I got hooked on Fluance tables quite some time ago so I aim to stick with my RT83 and RT85.
How’s your RT85 holding up? Can’t decide between that and a Debut Carbon Evo from Pro-ject.
@@emilianomonreal7214 It sounds great and it’s as beautiful as ever. You can’t go wrong should you decide to choose it.
@@davidgena2667 I’ve got the order in place on Amazon for the next in stock shipments. I think I may keep it after all. I appreciate the timely response and feedback!
I've had an Orbit Plus for about five years now, and love it. I just upgraded the cartridge to a 2M blue, and it sounds great! Also, gotta say I love seeing KISS The Originals II in the background!
@Jack Daw Yeah, I've replaced it once because it got a stretched out. U-Turn sent me three or four of them as replacements. Any time I have needed something, they have been great to deal with. At one point the motor started making a humming noise and they sent me new one, no questions asked.
Great review man!
Thanks a ton!
Great video as usual Frank! I'm saving up for a 2M Blue myself! Keep on spinning!
Thank you! You won't regret the 2M Blue.
Where are you located?
I heard one of these being used at a record store in Traverse City, Michigan. I'd say it performs just as good as any other high quality turntable. I'd get one of these if I didn't already have my prized Technics SL-QL1 linear tracking turntable which fits my needs perfectly.
Hello Frank, thanks for the review! I’m thinking about getting a turntable (first time). This one might be the one as it’s in my budget. Does the turntable turn off when the last song of the record ends?
I love mine. I have the basic model and painted my base gold. It sounds great with a basic receiver. The only thing I don't like it the belt. they say it is supposed to be loose, but if you barely touch it while flipping the record, it will fall off. If you change it to 45, you can't simply switch it back, it has to tighten up again and putting it back on is a tricky 2-person job.
Hi Frank! Nice looking turntable. Looks like nice construction, comes with an awesome cartridge. The 2M Blue is a great way to upgrade. Like that it has an acrylic platter, great for vibration control. Dig that wood plinth, nice looking. Have a great day man!
And you as well!
Looks good! Good review!
Thanks!
My friend/neighbor bought one (with built in preamp) three years ago. Had a small problem with the tonearm but as you mentioned THEY GAVE HIM EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE 👍👍
What was the problem with his tone up? it's bad to ship or move or even store a turntable with the counterweight connected a no no bad idea.
John sweda - tracking across the LP was bad. It stopped about 1/2-inch from the end of the record all of the time. They had some design issue they solved so they fixed it and sent it back to him. I tried to help (level the table, platter, balance tone arm etc.) but no luck.
Glad to hear the issue was resolved.
Great 👍 review 👍 ! I just purchased a Project Evo turntable in red here in Canada 🇨🇦. I am looking @ getting a Uturn turntable as a second unit to complement my old Pioneer system.
Got the turntable in Ultraviolet with the grado black and upgraded the stylus to a grado red and sounds great :)
Nice review, love the T-shirt!!.
Thanks!
Love the look... not digging having to change the belt to change from 33/45 rpm... seems like it would stretch out or warp in that process.
Maybe just own more than one for each ? :)
Great review Frank. Makes me want to get one. I think the straight tonearm would be beneficial to me playing my Van Halen album with a small lip warp that makes it unplayable on my S-shaped tonearms. Maybe someday I will pick one up.
The shape of the arm is not going to make any difference to be fair. The tracking of a decent cartridge would help, so would a record clamp of some sort
I'd want to drill out some holes through the base and add some LED lights to light up the platter. It'd look pretty funky. Nice that it's pretty much ready to go out of the box. I wonder if they'd go further up the line in the wood and attempt to make one out of iron wood. Because everyone would want a 200 pound turntable (or whatever it would weigh in the end)
I have almost the same setup except I didn't need the pre-amp and I got the Grado Black cart and the standard platter. The only thing I wish was different about this table is the tonearm. I just feel having an adjustable counterbalance and S-shaped arm is more appealing but can't complain about the performance. I also have an early '70s Sansui so both ends of the spectrum. I enjoy both.
Since you are in the place which builds Fluance, I was interested in your unvarnished take on this turntable. I just got started with my Audio technica AT-LPGO-BT (Wal-Mart AT-LP60XBT). I would like to upgrade in the future.
Messing with that belt and pully would make me nervous. But your review makes this one I would consider.
Frank, curious how you would rate this table in comparison to the Fluance?
A felt mat comes with it, but I thought that with an acrylic platter you'd place LPs directly onto the bare platter (like the Fluance RT85).
Great review Frank.
I’m a fan of your channel.
Uturn is a great table, if possible review the
Rega tables P1 and P2 they come with a Rega Carbon cart (Audio Técnica AT 3600L) but the sound is incredible they say it’s all in the arm.
Stay safe!
That $19 cartridge still sounds quite good on the Rega's. If you spend the $300 on the Elys 2 then you'll only have to adjust the tracking force. Most other cartridges will not track their best without removing and adjusting the tonearm's antiskate and possibly adding height spacers to the arm base. IMO this is worth the hassle.
Hi Lawrence. I hope to get my hands on a Rega at some point. I only hear great things.
Frank
The Rega cart and arm track old and newer vinyls very well.
I guess that’s what I enjoy.
To change from 33-45 you have to lift the platter which is a small inconvenience.
@@1mctous As long as the other cartridge will track at 2gms, there should be no problem. I have a Nagaoka on my P2 and it works fine and sounds great.
I'm waiting for mine ship. My biggest pro of this turntable was that it's Made in America. I also have a Technics 1200 MK2 used primarily when I deejay.
Plan on upgrading to ortofon 2m blue stylus soon, best part is the blue is swappable with the red so it shouldn't require readjustment as I won't have to buy the entire cartridge and install it.
I'm not a fan of acrylic platters since they tend to deaden the sound. But a Funk Firm Achromat would solve that issue real nice. 6 years ago I would have recommended this over any at this price, but the Fluance RT85 I think betters this in most ways. Get the Achromat for that too.
Looks like a great value. But I must say that for that amount of money, some sort of spring-loaded dust cover hinges should be standard. Looks like the same cheap plastic hinges that REGA uses.
Yeah, the hinges are not great.
I have lost track of how many of these I have recommended in the last couple of years. Only one person did not go with the Orbit. She went with the Fluance RT84. I am personally sticking with my vintage Technics Quarts Direct Drive.
I prefer the Technics gallon.
@@keithb6717 At least it isnt a Technics Liter! Dang autoincorrect
Frank, I currently have the Fluance RT 83 and absolutely love it...this U Turn looks pretty bad a** ... I hardly play 45s anymore, so the manual belt switching doesn't really come into play....I would consider listing the Fluance on Ebay to parlay the money to get the U Turn....what do you think is the better turntable??
It looks sharp ! I like the simplicity. Let's Spin Candy-0 MO FI ! See how it holds up.
Sweet turntable for the price that is for sure! I think I like that there is no anti skating adjustment on it!. Good for simplesimons like myself!! See you put your blue on it says a lot about how you like it I'd say!
I dig the plug and play simplicity of the turntable. It performs well too!
Cheers Gil
Hi Frank, do you think that this UTurn is equal, or better than a Marantz Model 6300? I already own the Marantz but I'm wondering if i should just buy one of these nw TT in this price range or have the Marantz a good restoring session...?
Great video. I’m getting the Fluance RT-85
A solid turntable, for sure.
I chose the 85 as well.
Cory Engel what do you think of it so far ?
I had one with the acrylic platter and built in preamp. It was great. However I am lazy. I prefer fully automatic turntables and got a vintage Denon DP-37f. I do not mess with 45's often but that is another problem with this TT, the belt will stretch a little and its hard to get it back to 33 once you played 45s. It snaps back but you have to get the belt back on and it can be frustrating at times.
When I first got back into the hobby a few years back I picked up a U-Turn custom (Acrylic platter, cue lever, Grado Black) and it was a great turntable, no argument,. At the time it was running through a NAD 2 channel amp, and Vincent Pho-8 pre. Highly recommended, and as you mentioned, great starter (although it's more than ample for a one-and-done turntable) or secondary deck.............the wood plinth is eye-catching :)
Edited: Apparently you can now run the Orbit acrylic platter naked.
U-Turn chooses its supplied cartridges based on their mass, tracking force, and height. They are level with the felt mat in place which is about 3 mm thick. If you run the acrylic platter naked you'll affect the vertical tracking angle which may affect the cartridge performance. The narrower the stylus profile the more it will affect the resulting sound.
@@1mctous That was my original comment before I edited it, but going to the U-Turn FAQ it now reads the following, which doesn't make any sense to me -
"Do I need to put a mat on top of my turntable's platter?
The Orbit’s tonearm is optimized for use with a ⅛” thick platter mat. All of our turntables come with a standard ⅛” felt mat included. Some folks with acrylic platters prefer to forego the mat and instead place their records directly on the acrylic, which is totally fine."
Unless I completely missed it in the box somehow, this unit did not come with a felt mat. I just went and double checked, and did not see one in the packing materials.
Frank
@@Channel33RPM That is a bit odd.....
It was under the acrylic platter.
Love mine!
I have a U-Turn Orbit basic with an upgraded cartridge and I love it, although I would like to upgrade my cartridge again, but the unfriendly counterweight has put me off doing so. It's probably just me being not very brave. I actually had a Pro-ject 1.3, and I like this much better. And five dollar replacement belts are awesome! Enjoy yours. Take care...
As long as you pick a cartridge between 5 and 7 g and it tracks between 1.5 and 2 g you're good to go. You'll be able to apply the correct tracking force and the antiskate will be close enough. You will need an alignment protractor ($5 from U-Turn) and a basic scale (digital scales start at about $10).
I've owned my Orbit for probably 6 or 7 years, love it.
So have I. I'm trying to get them to send me the newly designed tonearm
Hi Frank,, great review,, 👍,, is the Technics up next for a review..😁
Thanks Paul! Stay tuned...
@@Channel33RPM Cool! MK2, MK5 or a modern GR?
sharp looking unit, hope it provides lots of quality record spinning . cheers my friend/Lee
Always good to hear from you, Brother Lee!
Is this turntable, with the pre-amp, compatible with a receiver that has phono inputs with their own built-in pre-amp?? Great review. I have a Marantz NR 1200 receiver and a Sansui 9090DB. Thanks for any reply.
So, I considered this and the Fluance for my son for Christmas. I went with the Fluance. I know you have both - what is your opinion between the two?
I will do a comparison video in the coming months.
Thanks for mentioning the xposed belt, which I've never liked. The tonearm lever looks like something found on a sub $200 turntable. Seems like they stuck it on with plastic clips. You also mention that the overall weight is light and I have always considered light being a sign of something cheap. I don't think it would be something I would purchase.
The tonearm lever is actually pretty decent.
Light does not necessarily mean cheap. Rega tables are light and sound great. Even their high-end ones. They are made with light, rigid materials deliberately. UTurn may have the same idea. It's all in the design philosophy and material quality. Some company's tables are thick and heavy. It's what sounds good to you that counts.
This or the fluance rt85? I’m leaning more toward that one.
What acrylic platter do you recommend
I'm worried about that platter, it does not have a cutout/sink for the center label portion of the record as far as I can see. That is a pretty serious omission in a turntable. Of course a good mat could remedy that. But then you need VTA adjustment too...
It comes with a felt mat. But you can just set the record on the acrylic platter?
I'd have to watch the video again, but I don't recall mine coming with a felt mat. I just put the record right on the acrylic platter.
Thanks Frank, I've been watching a lot of your videos for quite a while now on our tv which is logged in on my sisters account so I haven't actually subbed until now via phone.
My deck is utter rubbish, just a stepping stone really, something to see me through until I feel that it is actually worth upgrading as I didn't think it was worth buying a good system when I only have four albums.
I did have a few thousand albums up until 1997, it took me about 15 to 20 years to accumulate, an then I went on holiday for a month at which point my home was burgled and ransacked.
Whoever did it totally trashed my home, stole all of my guitars and amps, my keyboards, my organ am my synths, they broke my violin, stole my entire vinyl collection, my cassette tapes, and my reel to reel player and spools which also includes my very own master tapes and so I totally lost all of my own orihinal 1980's music recordings that I recorded with my friend who passed away around 1993 of a heart attack in his late 20's so I was never able to get replacements for "our music".
I digress, as I mentioned, thousands of vinyl albums were stolen and since then I just never had the heart to collect them all all over again, until now!
A friend gave me four Hawkwind albums last early December (2019), they were not in particularly good condition, and not having anything to play them on he also sold me a ION Audio Pure LP USB Conversion Turntable for £10.00p to see me through.
Well, since early January (2020) I have now acquired well over 200 albums, mostly used but mostly in good to very good condition, but excellent condition whenever possible, I do have some modern vinyl, and for me the jury is still out as to whether modern vinyl is as good as old vinyl although the new albums that I do have (Santana's Santana IV, The Mothers of Invention's Uncle Meat, Weasles's Ripped My Flesh, Hot Rats and Roxy & Elsewhere, Gong's I See You, Rejoice! I'm Dead, The Universe Also Collapses and Kate Bush's The Red Shoes) are all very very good quality albums.
I have lived for music and not much else which is at aged 51 (soon to ve 52) is basically my entire half a century of life dedicated to music in one form or another, but I lost heart with vinyl addiction due to others actions 23 years ago, and now I feel I am able to reconnect with my formerly lost self, and although I do feel not only reconnected, but also at home (like this is not a new or an alien experience to me like it would be for someone who has never owned vinyl before), but I also feel really grateful for folk like your good self for all of the informative stuff that you all post all over youtube that basically offers born again vinyl junkies a much needed "refresher course" in vinyl etiquette".
Thank you very very much and kindest regards.
Joanna.
Edit:-
Just liked on facebook (Joanna Deerfield).
Wow, so much effort in to posting this comment and not even a slight acknowledgement, how does it feel to be totally blown out and ignored?
It must be a bind thinking about what to do with these review pieces when the video is over. Tell you what Frank as it's you I'll take it off your hands this time, I'll even pay the postage to the UK (er as long as it's less than $459... lol). Great review as always Frank, appreciate your honesty with these! That is a thing of beauty! I also love it gave you a haircut.
Haha, yeah, the turntable can do everything! :)
The motor spindle only provides the correct speeds with 60 Hz AC power. It would run far too slowly on 50 Hz AC even at the correct voltage.
ill say i cant pick up my at 120xusb with one hand lol the u turn does look nice great video frank
the atlp120x also has adjustable anti-skate, but the uturn doesn't.
I like to know how this compares to the project dc.
I have the Pioneer 5LX-500. I understand it's not really a HIGH END turntable but I love the direct drive and also the switch from 33 to 45 is much easier then a belt switch. Mine was $300 I believe. I've wanted to upgrade to a more traditional home turntable, something that doesnt look like a DJ equipment as I'm not a DJ. LOL. Buuuuut I have yet to come across anything
I belt driven turntable without a pitch adjustment? Belts tend to stretch over time and without that strobe light it's hard to tell. Growing up, I'd use that as an indicator for when it's time to replace the belt. FWIW, I've always been a fan of direct drive. I know audiophiles don't care for them.
The belts on these are pretty bad. I have to buy 3 or 4 belts every year. I have a Uturn that I bought 3 years ago. The belt gets looser and looser until it just falls off anytime I try to switch the speeds
I've had both belt and dd turntables as my main table and I never noticed any 'rumble' in dd's. Especially the Akai 307 and Technics Sl 1210 MK 2 are extremely quiet.
I have not noticed any rumble in my DDs either.
I have both belt and direct drive too. A Denon DP300F and a Denon VL12. Both are very quiet tables. The direct drive VL12 has less wow and flutter than the belt drive DP300F, but that seems to be the only difference.
Anything is better than idler wheels
Yeah the cogging issue is blown way out of proportion, the only time I've ever actually heard it was on a 1200 that was taken all over the country and abused for years at shows.
Would you be able to comment on any preference between this table and the Fluance RT85? These were my two finalists, so I am curious about any head-to-head comparisons or thoughts that you might have.
I'm also interested in this comparison. From what I see Fluance would be a better value with an adjustable anti-skate, better and sturdier dust cover, aluminum S shaped tone arm and the balancing gauge has the numbers that let you see exactly how to balance it with more precision. Also speed change dial is included instead of changing the belt position, which seems cumbersome.
Sound wise and performance wise would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for a great video!
I ended up getting the RT85, I initially liked the Uturn orbit but for the reasons listed as well as a ground connection, the Fluance is heavier, the feet are nicer on the Fluance and it has an auto stop feature. Had it for a few months and no complaints.
@@mattwilkie5696 These were also factors for me going with the RT85. I feel like the acrylic platter is heavier, as well.
Hi Frank, is it possible that you could also review the COVID sucks turntable that you have advertised on your t shirt. I have heard it is sick. Thanks.
It is VERY sick.
Hey there loved the video and I like your shelf companion he looks like a cool guy to be around ,I lke this turntable it is very nice looking the only thing that just slightly maybe perhaps bothers me is the cover I do not like the hinges I thought they would not stay up very well they look a little cheap just plastic it b others me a little to see that and the fact the anti-skate is set at factory ,what happens when you switch out the cartridge and the tracking force is different how do you know it will match up ,the tone arm is very decent looking and solid wood base (sorry I cannot say plinth I grew up in the 70's we always called it a base ,plinth to me sounds a little and I apologize for saying this a little snooty sorry again) the real wood base is unique ,it slightly bothers me just a little that the wow and flutter spec has gone up the other TT's I had were like .o12 like my old onkyo CP1055FII TT it was a comp.controlled automatic my project TT is if I remember is at .12 I may be off but I noticed that todays TT's spec wise have not gotten better in the old days and these were mostly automatics they were always trying to keep wow & flutter as low as possible just a little note to add ,I loved your review and I would keep this TT in mind if I need to buy a new one thanks for a great review JRo
I have the one you just showed on order, to be delivered next week. I chose the blue cartridge. Give me a month or so and I'll give an update opinion
Congrats on the purchase!
Would I need the preamp version if connecting to Denon AVR-2700H?
That's a nice looking deck! However I will never get rid of my KAB upgraded SL-1200 with a Nagaoka MP-200 cart. That shirt rocks! Cheers.
KAB is quality.
Installed a KAB tonearm damper about a year ago and I'm still very happy with it.
Yeah man! You can buy one, check the description. Cheers.
Technics and Nagaoka... 2 great brands!
If you are interested, check out the tees >>>>> channel33rpm.bigcartel.com
Cheers
Frank
I really wanted to buy a U-Turn Orbit, since in it’s made the U.S.A. After watching earlier CZcams reviews, the tonearm and fixed headshell were deal breakers. The tonearm does not look like a high quality arm and the counterweight design is poor. It looks like the headshell is press fit onto the tonearm. I agree that the walnut plinth with the acrylic platter are beautiful.
So how do you deal with the VTA? Let's say you switch the cartridge to a Nagaoka MP-110, would that work without any VTA adjustment? Most cartridges have the same VTA
Except the ridiculously high Ortofon 2M series
I wish you would have stated if you like this one better than your Project debut.... due a comparison....
I like that simple look. Interesting is that nobody isn't selling it in here. Not at least in my country.
mr. Finglish (Bäd English Recs)
They haven't built the larger motor spindle required for 50 Hz operation. One French customer, Oli Milleneufcentquatrevingtun [1981], had one 3-D printed then bought the appropriate 230 V wall wart for the motor.
My 1980 direct drive turntable is .0125 wow & flutter. I think DD is the best and cheapest way to go. Almost any 80's DD table has super spec's to modern belt drives and are under $300.
Do some research on phono preamps and RIAA equalization.
So you won't buy the Technics SL-1200 now? Where will it live? Looking quite crowded there at the moment!
He probably will. Guesses are he got this one for free.
Yes, crowded. And yes to the 1200. The Technics would be my main turntable.
Correct, this was provided to me for review.
My Fluance RT-85 is going to be difficult to replace. This looks like it would be a great secondary TT for me.
I like the Fluance RT 84 better it has a switch to adj. 33 to 45 dust cover is stronger and has a great sound weight is heaver a very solid turntable
Great video. The only deal breaker on the Orbit TT is the tonearm....not sure why but they always just look pretty cheap...looks "Crosley" like.
Hopefully you did not get rid of your Hitachi...have had mine for almost a year and it is a beast 👍 Cheers
Edit: Crosley comparison was a little unfair....Just think they should use a carbon tonearm as I think it would give it a higher perceived value in my opinion.... But have to admit the all wood model is a definite upgrade in looks
Hi Dan! Yes, I still have the PS-48... 40+ years old, and still hold at 33.33. I will never get rid of that one. Glad you are digging yours.
As for the Orbit, sure the aluminum tone arm is not a carbon fiber, but I do think it holds its own. A world apart from the suitcase-style ones.
Thanks for tuning in!
Frank
I don't own one. But the one thing I see that the belt should be lower on the platter so that you don't accidentally grab it when removing the album.
To anyone that may read this, I need help! I inherited an used one that has the preamp and ortofon 2m red stylus. Had it a week, played 20 records or so. Perfect, no problems. But then, the stylus starts getting stuck [lack of a better term] on tracks and keeps repeating the same part of songs. I cleaned the stylus, cleaned the lps, still having issues. I adjust the counterweight and that seems to help. But I don't know if it's too much weight? And it still gets stuck occasionally. There has been some static issues at times too. Does this mean I need a new stylus? Should I take it in somewhere to have it looked at? If anyone can help, it would be greatly appreciated!
Frank I've had U turn the special is just a waste of money you're better off just going with the basic model upgrade the cartridge and getting a decent phono preamp also put on a simple mat that used to be sold by the needle doctor works wonders improves the sound immensely. Although I have to say the wood base looks really nice😀
The basic model is a surprisingly good performer.
So if we have a receiver that has a PHONO input, we're good?
Yes, should be just fine.
I’m a direct drive person myself. But if I were to get a belt drive turntable, I would choose the Fluance. I’m not saying this turntable is bad, but the Fluance appears to be better built. And I also would get the Ortofon blue, which I have on my AT LP 140.
Is your 140 motor run quiet unlike the early 120?
vaughn tonkin I hear no motor noise on my 140.
@@7JANEWAY It is way expensive, it would have to be way better than 120, the other thing I'm not sure of is how well shielded it is, the 120 has only a metal bottom plate, the tech 1200 are 100% shielded, 0 buzz with vol knob maxed
vaughn tonkin The 140 overall is better built than the 120 (higher torque motor for one).
Your original question was about how quiet the 140 was, which I answered.
Your response to my response sounds as if you took my response as a way to sell you on it, in a way that feels like I’m shoving this down your throat.
Even in my original comment, I was talking about the Fluance, first of all. I only mentioned that I suggested an Ortofon 2m blue, which I have on my AT LP 140. That’s the only mention I made of the 140. So why are you acting so defensive? I don’t understand.
@@7JANEWAY The 120 picks up some buzz due to inadequate shielding, I get dirty mains power at random that gives a strong midrangey buzz, probably a plasma TV up the road, I also have a 1200 Mk4 which is 100v powered, Aust has 240v, I found that a normal transformer won't physically fit in the 1200, I just don't want to piss around with sep step downs. vinyl rescue has a few vids flogging on the 120, he no longer uses the POS. I never accused you of pushing the 140, I only said it expensive being Australia priced at $670, I do want to get one when the price drops.
would the ortofon Black cartridge work on this? what is your opinion on it please, really considering it but its almost $800 I think. (I have not heard it in person to know!)
I have not heard the black, but would certainly be curious.
@@Channel33RPM would have any recommendations on a great cartridge that might be great for all sorts of music genres. I would love to get the best sound out of my system. I have a kenwood A-s701 and run the heresy IV's with a Klipsch 15" sub
How does it compare to the Fluance reference series? Does it have anything the Fluance does not?
I will do a shoot-out video, comparing these two, in September.
Frank
@@Channel33RPM Wow you replies I never expected that to happen!
I prefer the more modern look like my project primary e
How would you compare it to the Fluance RT85 (or RT84)?
I think I will do a comparison video in the future. I like the semi-auto features on the 85, along with its additional weight and the removable headshell, but the Orbit performs a bit better overall (I consistently got better wow and flutter readings on the Orbit Special as compared to my 85).
@@Channel33RPM Thanks for the reply. That'd be awesome to do a comparison video. My guess is that many lthers would also be interested: two beautiful turntables aroumd the same price with wood plynths, acrylic platters and an Ortofon 2M cartridge...I look forward to it. I love your videos, by the way.
Are the styli "elliptical " on all the models, or you don't know?
The only conical stylus they have comes with the orbit basic, the Audio-Technica AT91B otherwise everything else is an elliptical stylus
I have a technics sl-23
hey man I have an audio Technica lp60 and I see that audio isn't that loud do I need a preamp or a receiver? Thanks
You need a receiver anyhow. If it has a build in preamp, then you don't need a seperate preamp. But chances are the receiver doesn't have a build in preamp, in which case you need to get one.
Kappie is correct. You need a receiver with a dedicated phono stage, or an external phono preamp. Good luck!
Frank
Thank you guys much appreciate!
Actually the counterweight fixing is a better process I'm not sure what you don't like about it ?? I suppose they could have put markings along the shaft to give you an estimate of weight that will cost more money in production and not really necessary you should always use a scale they could have supplied a plastic scale considering for beginners
I prefer this old school dial, but this one works.
Why would any one use a receiver? a Receiver is an Amp with an integrated tuner. I do appreciate the review as it high;ights every thing that is wrong with the TT. I wouldn't go near that TT with a 10 foot pole. At the price you quote a Thorens TD160 ( second hand) would be a much better buy.
Why can’t these manufacturers make a small groove in the platter for the belt to sit in? That would make the belt way easier to put on.
"stock tonearm lever...more heavy duty than what you would typically get in this price range". ?For $469 buckaroos it better be made out of titanium with gas shocks!
I agree with Half MT. I have tried a few turntables in the price range, and have noticed it is common for the lever to be made from plastic, or just feel cheap. This one felt solid, which was refreshing.