You’ve seen it on Instagram. The minimalist plinth, the pop of color, the frosted platter that looks like it belongs in a modern art gallery. Most people assume the u turn audio orbit plus is just a "beginner" turntable that looks good in a studio apartment.
Honestly? That’s kind of a lazy take.
While U-Turn Audio started as a Kickstarter darling in 2012, they’ve spent the last decade quietly obsessing over things that most entry-level brands ignore. The Orbit Plus isn't just a Basic with a fancy platter; it’s a specific tuning of components designed to hit a very narrow "sweet spot" of price and performance. If you're coming from a suitcase player, it’ll blow your mind. If you're coming from a vintage Technics, it might surprise you with its clarity.
The Secret Sauce: It’s All About That Acrylic
Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or rather, the frosted plastic disc in the room. The defining feature of the u turn audio orbit plus is the acrylic platter.
Why should you care? Most turntables in this price range use aluminum or MDF (compressed wood). Metal can ring like a bell, and MDF is fine but lacks "life." Acrylic is basically a resonance sponge. It has a high density and low stiffness, meaning it doesn't vibrate much when the motor is spinning.
Because the acrylic platter is so heavy and dimensionally stable, it provides better speed consistency. In technical terms, it lowers "wow and flutter"—that warbly sound you hear on cheap players when a piano note is supposed to be held steady. On the Plus, that note stays flat and firm. It’s a massive upgrade over the Basic’s MDF platter, and honestly, it’s the main reason this model exists.
Not Your Average Tonearm
U-Turn recently updated their lineup to the "Gen 2" specs, and the star of the show is the OA3 tonearm. It’s a one-piece magnesium tube. Magnesium is incredibly light but dampens vibrations better than the aluminum tubes you see on almost everything else under $500.
Most people don't realize that the tonearm is basically a microscopic earthquake sensor. Any tiny vibration in the arm gets added to the music. By using magnesium, U-Turn keeps the "background" of your records quieter. You hear more of the singer’s breath and less of the mechanical hum of the machine.
Putting the u turn audio orbit plus to the Test
I’ve spent a lot of time with this deck, and the first thing you notice is the lack of "stuff." There are no extra buttons. No "auto-stop" (unless you buy the separate lifter). It’s a manual machine.
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To change the speed from 33 to 45 RPM, you literally have to move the silicone belt from the top groove of the motor pulley to the bottom one. Some people hate this. They want a switch. But U-Turn’s philosophy is basically: every dollar we don't spend on a switch goes into the bearing and the needle. The bearing is an inverted design with a stainless steel shaft and self-lubricating polymer bushings. It’s the kind of over-engineered part you usually see on $1,000 turntables. It’s why the platter spins so smoothly you can barely tell it's moving at all.
The Ortofon Edge
The "Plus" model comes standard with the Ortofon OM5E cartridge. In the world of vinyl, the cartridge is where the rubber meets the road—literally.
- The Stylus: It’s an elliptical diamond. This means it’s shaped like a football, allowing it to sit deeper in the record groove than a cheap conical (round) needle.
- The Sound: It’s neutral. It doesn't "warm up" the sound with fake bass. It just tells you what's on the record.
- The Path: One of the coolest things about the OM series is that you can upgrade it later just by swapping the stylus. Want it to sound like a $300 setup? Pop an Ortofon Stylus 20 on there. No alignment required.
What U-Turn Doesn't Tell You in the Ad
Look, I love this company, but the u turn audio orbit plus isn't perfect for everyone. It’s built in Woburn, Massachusetts, by a small team, and that means it feels "hand-made" in both good and bad ways.
The belt is external. This looks cool, but if you have a cat, that cat will try to swat the belt while it's spinning. I’ve seen it happen. The belt will fly across the room. Also, because it's a manual table, if you fall asleep while listening, the needle will just stay in the "run-out" groove, clicking forever until you wake up and lift it.
Another thing: the anti-skate is pre-set at the factory. For 95% of users, this is a blessing. It means the turntable is basically "plug and play." But for the hardcore nerds who want to swap out different cartridges every week, the lack of an adjustable anti-skate dial might be a dealbreaker.
Is It Better Than a Pro-Ject or Fluance?
This is the question that keeps people up at night.
Pro-Ject’s T1 is a beast, but it often feels a bit more "industrial." Fluance (like the RT82) offers an auto-stop feature and a speed-control dial, which is undeniably convenient.
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However, the u turn audio orbit plus wins on pure resonance control. That acrylic platter is a heavy-hitter. When you compare it side-by-side with a metal platter, the U-Turn sounds "blacker"—meaning the space between the notes is quieter. If you value that "inkiness" in your music, the Orbit is the clear winner. Plus, the 3-year warranty is one of the best in the business. Most electronics give you a year if you're lucky.
The Pluto 2 Factor
You can buy the Orbit Plus with or without a built-in preamp. If you already have a receiver with a "Phono" input, save the $80 and buy the version without it. But if you’re connecting this to powered speakers (like the Kanto YU4 or U-Turn’s own Ethos), get the built-in Pluto 2.
The Pluto 2 isn't some cheap $5 chip. It’s a high-quality circuit with a subsonic filter that cuts out low-frequency rumble that you can't even hear but can stress your speakers. It’s remarkably clean.
Actionable Tips for Your Orbit Plus Setup
If you’ve decided to pull the trigger on a u turn audio orbit plus, don't just throw it on a shaky IKEA shelf and call it a day. Here is how to actually make it sing:
- Level the Plinth: Use a bubble level. If the turntable is even slightly tilted, the needle won't sit perfectly in the center of the groove, and you'll get more wear on one side of your records.
- Ditch the Felt: The Orbit comes with a felt mat. It’s fine, but it attracts static like a magnet. Since you have that gorgeous acrylic platter, try playing your records "commando" (straight on the acrylic). It’s designed for it, and it sounds tighter.
- Check Your Belt: If you notice any speed issues, check the belt for dust. A quick wipe with a damp cloth can restore the grip.
- Wait for the Break-in: The Ortofon OM5E needs about 20 to 30 hours of play before the suspension in the needle softens up. If it sounds a little "thin" at first, don't panic. Give it a week.
The u turn audio orbit plus is a rare beast in 2026. It’s a piece of tech that isn't trying to be "smart." It doesn't have an app. It won't connect to your Wi-Fi. It’s just a very well-machined tool for spinning plastic circles. For a lot of us, that’s exactly the point.
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To get the most out of your new setup, ensure your speakers are at least two feet away from the turntable to prevent acoustic feedback. If you're placing everything on the same surface, consider adding a set of ISO-Level feet or a simple isolation platform. This prevents the vibrations from your speakers from travels back into the sensitive needle, preserving the clarity that the acrylic platter worked so hard to provide.