FAQs

Product information

How do I set up and connect the Orbit Turntable? Is additional equipment required?

For more information on connecting your turntable, please read our brief stereo setup guide. Depending on how you are connecting your turntable, you may need additional components and/or cables. The Orbit Turntable does not come with speakers, but we do have powered speakers available.

What is your warranty and return policy?

Our products come with a 3-year warranty. We can accept returns for any reason up to 30 days after delivery. You can view our full warranty and return policy here. To initiate a return or warranty request, please contact us.

Where are your products made?

U-Turn Audio products are assembled in Woburn, MA using parts from both domestic and international suppliers. You can learn more about our manufacturing process here.

Where can I find specs for your products?

Technical specifications are listed on every product page (towards the bottom of the page): Orbit BasicOrbit PlusOrbit SpecialOrbit CustomPluto 2 Phono Preamp.

Does the Orbit Turntable play 78 RPM records?

The Orbit plays 33 and 45 RPM only. Unfortunately we do not have any plans to add 78 RPM in the near future.

What is the difference between the MDF and acrylic Orbit platters?

You can learn more about the differences between our platters here.

Does the Orbit Turntable return or stop the tonearm when my record is done playing?

The Orbit is fully manual, so there is no auto-return or auto-lift functionality. If you are interested in adding auto-lift to your turntable, the Q Up Tonearm Lifter will work with the Orbit. However, the Q Up is not compatible with our Cue Lever, which assists in raising and lowering the stylus.

Does the Orbit Turntable come with a dust cover?

Yes, all of our turntables come with a hinged dust cover included.

Is there a big difference between your built-in and external (Pluto 2) phono preamps?

Our built-in and external Pluto 2 Preamps use the same components and circuit design, so the playback quality will be the same. The built-in preamp is fully by-passable (there is an on/off switch in the back), in case you ever want to use another preamp or receiver with your turntable. The external preamp's aluminum enclosure provides some added protection against interference, which might be helpful if you plan on putting your turntable near other electronics (especially anything with a wireless transmitter).

How do I become a U-Turn Audio dealer?

Please contact us for more information on becoming an authorized U-Turn Audio dealer.

Connecting your turntable

What is a phono preamp?

A phono preamp is a crucial component in any turntable setup. This is because turntables produce a “phono” signal, which is quieter than the signal produced by most other audio sources. A phono preamp converts this phono signal to “line level” (i.e. AUX). If you have an amp or receiver with a clearly labeled phono input, then you are all set – this means that your amp already has a phono preamp in it. If not, you will need a phono preamp – available either as a standalone component or built into the turntable itself (this option is available on all Orbit product pages).

How do I play my turntable through wireless speakers?

You can connect your turntable to any Sonos product that has an RCA or 3.5 mm AUX input, such as the Sonos Five, Connect, or Port. You will need a phono preamp to connect to any Sonos device. You can learn more about connecting your turntable to a Sonos system here.

To pair your turntable with Bluetooth speakers, you would need a separate Bluetooth transmitter as well as a phono preamp. Keep in mind that converting an analog audio signal to a digital can negatively impact playback quality. We talk more about this here.

How do I connect my turntable to my computer to make digital copies of my records?

If your computer has a mic input, then you can connect your turntable (with preamp) directly to this input and then use the software of your choice to archive your music (we recommend Audacity as a simple and free solution). If you don't have a mic input, then we recommend using a phono preamp with a USB output (such as this) to connect to your computer.

Using your turntable

How do I replace or upgrade the cartridge on my turntable?

You can learn how to change your cartridge here. Replacement cartridges are available here.

How do I ground your turntables?

The Orbit is internally grounded through the shielding of the left RCA output, so no external ground wire is needed (even if your phono preamp has a ground screw or terminal).

How long does the stylus last?

The lifespan of your stylus depends on a number of factors: the make/model of your cartridge, your VTF setting, the condition of your records, and how often you clean your stylus. Under normal conditions, the stylus will usually last 1000-2000 hours before needing to be replaced.

How long does the belt last?

Under normal use, the belt should last 1,000+ playing hours before needing to be replaced. Belts are covered under 3-year warranty. Outside of warranty, replacement belts are available here for $7. To extend the lifespan of your belt, we recommend making sure it’s not exposed to high temperatures or left on the 45 RPM setting for long periods of time when not in use.

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.

Where can I order replacement parts for U-Turn Audio products?

Replacement parts are available in our store. If you need something that you do not see here, please contact us.

Ordering

Can I pick up my order at your factory?

Sadly we are unable to offer local pickups, demos, or tours at our factory. We may occasionally open up our factory to visitors. If you are interested in being notified when this happens, please sign up for our mailing list.

What countries do you ship to?

U-Turn Audio products are currently available in the US and Canada only. Additionally, the Orbit requires a 120V/60Hz power supply to function properly (the turntable will run ~15% too slow in countries with 50Hz). We are working on creating a version of the Orbit that will work in 50Hz countries, but we do not yet have a clear release date for this. If you sign up for our mailing list, we will let you know when our products become available outside of North America.

How do I change or cancel my order?

Please contact us if you need to modify or cancel an existing order. We can modify or cancel any order that has not yet shipped.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards as well as Paypal. You can also buy with Affirm, which lets you pay off your purchase in fixed payments.

Can I order a turntable without a cartridge installed?

We are unable to ship turntables without cartridges due to our manufacturing and QC process. If you would like to change the cartridge that comes with your turntable, please review our cartridge replacement guide.

Need to talk to a turntable specialist?