U-Turn Audio Orbit on Kickstarter

Back in August, we told you about the proposed $150 Orbit turntable from upstart U-Turn Audio. The company is now moving closer to making their dream a reality. And, if they can keep their promise of high-performance sound and construction, that reality will likely be a dream-come-true for many young and budget-minded music lovers.

U-Turn Audio is funding their project through Kickstarter and hopes to raise $60,000 by Monday, January 21, 2013. As I write, 90 backers have pledged $15,666. (Is that a multiple of 33.3?)

Visit U-Turn Audio's Kickstarter page for more info.

Some may argue that, even if U-Turn Audio reaches their goal, the company will face a difficult challenge in matching the performance of well-established entry-level turntables such as the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon ($399), Rega RP1 ($445), and Music Hall MMF-2.2 ($449), but I would argue that at just $150, the U-Turn Audio Orbit doesn’t have to compete with those models.

Don’t forget: To the person on a strictly limited budget, there is an enormous difference between $150 and $400. The U-Turn Audio Orbit, therefore, merely has to be better than the plastic USB turntables currently flooding the market. I think it stands a chance.

COMMENTS
alexk's picture

If this sounds even half-decent, I could see it being perfect for college kids or really broke grad students. Most kids will probably have a crappy all-in-one bookshelf system or maybe and iPod doc with an aux in they couse use initially to get the general idea. That's a $250 cover charge. Not a crazy barrier to entry at all! Two words: gateway drug.

alexk's picture

The funding session ends Jan. 21, 2013 not 2014.

Stephen Mejias's picture

Thank you. I've made the correction. (I think I made the mistake because we've been working on our 2013 issues for a while here at the magazine.)

labjr's picture

I think the turntable pictured has an upgraded platter. I wasn't able to tell which platter comes with the $150 model. Maybe MDF?

JohnnyR's picture

........deleting my on topic post while letting your resident trolls ChrisS and Reagadude spew their crap on all the other threads on here. Pathetic much? yes you are Stereophile.

I suppose any criticism about a product, even if it isn't in production yet is a no no. Silly me for presuming I could speak about it unless I'm on the cheerleading squad.

John Atkinson's picture

JohnnyR wrote:
Thanks for deleting my on topic post...

It wasn't on-topic, and you have been warned that when you post flames, I will delete them without notice. I have also today deleted similar posts by RegaDude and ChrisS.

John Atkinson

Editor, Stereophile

volvic's picture

I think their goal is a noble one and I applaud them.  However, a second hand Rega or Project is going to be major competition and more importantly they are a one trick pony.  I remember a company called Revolver in the 80's that came out with a very good and affordable turntable but that is all they made and couldn't compete with the likes of Rega who had diversified into other products.  I wish them well I really do but I wonder if the same might be at play here. 

Nick

deckeda's picture

I don't know if the Orbit is "the motherlode" but any outfit who highlights the Pixies has more than a clue about how to present good music and I wish them well. (Don't try and work through the logic. Just go with it.)

Downforce's picture

the price has risen to $179, and the warranty is alarmingly short at 90 days. the Pro-ject Debut Carbon at $399 with a 2 year warranty seems to be the much better option

X