U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Gen 2 Turntable Review: Who It Fits and Who Should Skip It
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This u turn audio orbit plus gen 2 turntable review covers the Orbit Plus Gen 2, a belt-drive unit designed for straightforward vinyl playback. It features an OA3 precision gimbal tonearm with a one-piece magnesium armtube for accurate tracking. The platter is made of grooved acrylic to improve speed consistency. These two core specs define its performance profile. The turntable also includes an integrated Pluto preamp with a bypass switch, allowing you to connect it to various audio setups. This model comes in a red finish, though other colors are available.
What stands out
- OA3 precision gimbal tonearm with one-piece magnesium armtube
- Ortofon OM5E cartridge with elliptical diamond stylus
- Integrated Pluto preamp with bypass switch
- Grooved acrylic platter for improved speed consistency
- External belt drive with seamless silicone belt
Who it fits
Good fit for
You will like this turntable if you want a simple setup with built-in amplification. The integrated Pluto preamp lets you connect directly to powered speakers or amplifiers without a dedicated phono input. The bypass switch offers flexibility for different system configurations. If you value accurate tracking and low distortion, the magnesium tonearm and Ortofon OM5E cartridge provide a balanced sound. The external belt drive keeps motor noise low, making it suitable for quiet listening environments.
Who should skip it
You should look at another option if you need variable speed control beyond 33 and 45 RPM. This model does not support 78 RPM playback. If you prefer a heavy, solid platter for maximum inertia, the grooved acrylic construction may not meet your expectations. The external belt drive requires manual speed changes, which might be less convenient than electronic switching. Additionally, if you do not want a built-in preamp, you must choose the variation without one.
Verdict: The Orbit Plus Gen 2 offers reliable performance with its magnesium tonearm and acrylic platter. It suits users who want a flexible, preamp-equipped entry into vinyl.
Key specs explained for this model
Integrated Pluto preamp with bypass switch
This built-in phono stage lets you connect directly to powered speakers or amplifiers without needing a separate preamp. The bypass switch lets you disable it if you use a receiver with a dedicated phono input. This adds flexibility for your setup, letting you adapt the turntable to different audio systems without extra gear or complex wiring.
OA3 gimbal tonearm with one-piece magnesium armtube
The tonearm uses a gimbal pivot design, which reduces friction and improves tracking accuracy compared to traditional bearing arms. The one-piece magnesium armtube is lightweight and rigid, helping to minimize resonance and distortion during playback. This construction supports precise stylus movement, ensuring your records are read accurately with less wear on the grooves over time.
Ortofon OM5E cartridge with elliptical diamond stylus
The Ortofon OM5E is a well-regarded moving magnet cartridge known for balanced sound reproduction. The elliptical diamond stylus shape allows for better contact with record grooves than spherical tips, capturing more detail from the sides of the groove. This combination offers a reliable performance level for everyday listening, providing clear highs and defined mids without requiring advanced setup skills.
Grooved acrylic platter
The platter is made from acrylic with a grooved surface, which helps dampen vibrations and improve speed consistency. This material choice reduces wow and flutter, leading to more stable playback. The grooves may also assist with belt grip and noise reduction. This design aims to deliver a cleaner audio signal by minimizing unwanted resonances that can color the sound during rotation.
External belt drive with seamless silicone belt
An external belt drive connects the motor to the platter via a rubber belt, isolating motor noise from the rotation. The seamless silicone belt eliminates joints that can cause noise or wear, ensuring smooth operation. This setup allows for easy manual speed changes between 33 and 45 RPM. It is a practical choice for listeners who value quiet operation and straightforward maintenance.
Design and build overview
The listing describes the U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Gen 2 as a compact unit measuring 16.8 inches in width, 12.5 inches in length, and 4.25 inches in height. This footprint allows it to fit comfortably on most desk or shelf spaces without dominating the area. The listing notes a variation option that lists a height of 10 inches, which likely accounts for different base configurations or packaging states, but the primary unit stands at 4.25 inches tall. You can choose from several colors including Red, White, Blue, Oak, Green, Walnut, and Black. The Red model listed here features a grooved acrylic platter. Acrylic is chosen for its mass and rigidity, which helps maintain consistent rotational speed and reduces resonance compared to lighter materials. This contributes to more detailed playback according to the listing.
The tonearm is an OA3 precision gimbal type with a one-piece magnesium armtube. Magnesium is lightweight yet stiff, which helps reduce distortion and improves tracking accuracy. The platter sits on an external belt drive system. This layout isolates the motor from the platter, reducing noise transmission. The listing mentions an all-new seamless silicone belt, which aids in smooth speed changes between 33 and 45 RPM. The integrated Pluto preamp includes a bypass switch. This control lets you route the signal directly to a receiver with a dedicated phono input, or use the built-in stage for powered speakers. The finish and material choices prioritize functional stability and straightforward integration into various audio setups.
Setup and daily operation guide
You connect the Orbit Plus Gen 2 to your audio gear using the integrated Pluto preamp. This internal phono stage lets you plug directly into powered speakers or amplifiers that lack a dedicated turntable input. If your receiver already has a phono stage, you can flip the bypass switch to disable the built-in preamp. This feature ensures you do not double amplify the signal. The external belt drive system requires you to place the belt around the pulley and platter. You change speeds between 33 and 45 RPM by manually adjusting the belt position. This mechanical method is straightforward and avoids electronic switching delays. The OA3 precision gimbal tonearm uses a one-piece magnesium armtube for stable tracking. You adjust the counterweight to set the correct tracking force for the Ortofon OM5E cartridge. The elliptical diamond stylus provides balanced sound reproduction. Daily use involves placing your records on the grooved acrylic platter. This material helps maintain speed consistency for detailed playback. The seamless silicone belt reduces motor noise during operation. You simply lower the tonearm and start listening. The compact dimensions of 16.8 inches wide and 12.5 inches long fit easily on most desks or shelves. You can choose from several colors, including red, white, blue, oak, green, walnut, or black. The unit is available with or without the built-in preamp, depending on your specific setup needs. This flexibility allows you to tailor the turntable to your existing equipment without buying additional components.
Before You Buy Check Setup
Before you buy, check your current audio setup. This unit includes an integrated Pluto preamp with a bypass switch. You can connect directly to powered speakers or amplifiers without a separate phono stage. If your receiver has a dedicated turntable input, use the bypass switch to disable the internal preamp. This prevents signal distortion and preserves sound quality. The external belt drive allows easy manual speed changes between 33 and 45 RPM. You should ensure your records are clean for the Ortofon OM5E elliptical diamond stylus. Grooved acrylic platter material provides speed consistency, but you must keep it dust-free. This model fits well alongside other options in Turntables, Receivers & Hi-Fi for those seeking straightforward vinyl playback. It suits users who want a compact footprint measuring 16.8 inches wide. Verify your space constraints before purchasing. The OA3 gimbal tonearm requires proper setup for accurate tracking. Consider if the built-in preamp meets your needs or if you prefer an external stage.
Check before you buy
- Verify your amplifier has a dedicated turntable input
- Check if you need the built-in preamp bypass
- Ensure your space fits the 16.8 inch width
- Confirm you have clean records for the stylus
- Decide between 33 or 45 RPM speed needs
The product at a glance
U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Gen 2 Turntable
Best for: Listeners wanting integrated preamp and manual control
- Drive Type
- External belt drive
- Speeds
- 33, 45 RPM
- Preamp
- Integrated Pluto preamp, bypass switch
- Platter Material
- Grooved acrylic
- Cartridge
- Ortofon OM5E
- Tonearm
- OA3 gimbal, one-piece magnesium
View on Amazon: U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Gen 2 Turntable Affiliate link
The U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Gen 2 is a belt-drive turntable featuring an integrated Pluto preamp with a bypass switch. It uses an OA3 gimbal tonearm with a one-piece magnesium armtube and an Ortofon OM5E cartridge. The grooved acrylic platter and external silicone belt drive aim for accurate tracking and low distortion. You can switch between 33 and 45 RPM easily. This setup suits listeners who want a complete signal chain without extra gear.
Pros
- Integrated Pluto preamp with bypass switch for flexible connectivity
- OA3 precision gimbal tonearm with one-piece magnesium armtube
- Ortofon OM5E cartridge with elliptical diamond stylus
- Grooved acrylic platter for improved speed consistency
- External belt drive with seamless silicone belt
Cons
- No automatic return feature mentioned in specifications
- Manual speed change required between 33 and 45 RPM
- Limited to two standard playback speeds
Good fit if
- You want a built-in preamp to connect to powered speakers
- You prefer manual operation and precise tracking
- You value a magnesium tonearm for reduced distortion
Skip if
- You need fully automatic operation with auto-return
- You require digital connectivity like Bluetooth or USB
- You want multiple speed options beyond 33 and 45 RPM
Verdict: U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Gen 2 offers a solid analog setup with its magnesium tonearm and integrated preamp. It fits listeners who want high-quality tracking and flexible connections without buying separate components.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Gen 2 Turntable |
|---|---|
| Drive Type | External belt drive |
| Speeds | 33, 45 RPM |
| Preamp | Integrated Pluto preamp, bypass switch |
| Platter Material | Grooved acrylic |
| Cartridge | Ortofon OM5E |
| Tonearm | OA3 gimbal, one-piece magnesium |
| Color | Red |
| Dimensions | 12.5 × 16.8 × 4.25 inches |
| Model | 460RDALMRSOR5 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Gen 2 good for beginners?
Yes, it fits listeners who want integrated preamp and manual control. The built-in Pluto preamp lets you connect directly to powered speakers. You do not need to buy a separate phono stage. This simplifies your setup and reduces clutter on your desk or shelf space.
What tonearm does this turntable use?
It features an OA3 precision gimbal tonearm. The armtube is made of one-piece magnesium for accurate tracking. This design helps ensure stable performance during playback. You get high-quality tracking without needing complex adjustments or additional external components for your vinyl listening sessions.
How big is the U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Gen 2?
The unit measures 16.8 inches in width, 12.5 inches in length, and 4.25 inches in height. This compact footprint allows it to fit comfortably on most desk or shelf spaces. You can place it in smaller rooms without it taking up too much valuable real estate.
Can I use this turntable with powered speakers?
Yes, the integrated Pluto preamp allows direct connection to powered speakers. You do not need a separate amplifier or receiver with a dedicated turntable input. The built-in phono stage handles the signal conversion, making it easy to get sound from your vinyl collection quickly.
What color options are available for this model?
The listing describes the U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Gen 2 in Red. This specific finish is available for the unit. You can choose this color to match your existing audio gear or decor. The model number associated with this finish is 460RDALMRSOR5.
Does it come with a separate preamp?
No, it includes an integrated Pluto preamp with a bypass switch. You can disable the internal stage if your receiver has a dedicated input. This flexibility lets you use the turntable with various audio setups without needing to purchase an additional external preamplifier for your system.
Is this turntable manual or automatic?
It is designed for manual control, fitting listeners who prefer hands-on operation. You manage the playback process directly. This approach offers precise handling of your records. The design focuses on straightforward vinyl playback without automated features that might interfere with your listening experience.