The U-Turn Orbit Plus Gen 2 is a manual belt-drive turntable built around two standout components: U-Turn’s OA3 magnesium tonearm and a precision-machined acrylic platter. It comes with an Ortofon OM5E moving-magnet cartridge and is assembled and tested in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Compared with the entry-level Orbit models, the Plus combines an upgraded platter and cartridge with the redesigned tonearm. It is aimed at listeners who want a straightforward analog turntable with more cartridge flexibility than many basic automatic models.
One important buying detail: the built-in Pluto 2 phono preamp is optional. The base configuration does not include one, so check the selected configuration before connecting the turntable to your audio system.
Quick Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Drive system | Belt drive |
| Operation | Fully manual |
| Playback speeds | 33⅓ and 45 RPM |
| Tonearm | OA3 precision gimbal tonearm |
| Tonearm material | One-piece magnesium armtube |
| Cartridge | Ortofon OM5E |
| Stylus | Elliptical diamond |
| Platter | Precision-machined acrylic |
| Built-in phono preamp | Optional Pluto 2 |
| Speed change | Manual belt repositioning |
| Cue lever | Optional accessory |
| Outputs | RCA |
| Wow and flutter | Less than 0.125% |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | -79 dBA |
| Warranty | 3-year limited warranty |
U-Turn lists the turntable dimensions as approximately 16.75 × 12.5 × 4.25 inches. Its official specifications list a 115V/60Hz power supply, so international buyers should confirm the correct power-supply configuration before ordering.
Who Is the U-Turn Orbit Plus For?
The Orbit Plus Gen 2 is worth considering if you want:
- A manual belt-drive turntable with a simple analog design.
- A magnesium tonearm and precision-machined acrylic platter.
- A factory-installed Ortofon OM5E cartridge.
- The option to add a built-in phono preamp.
- A turntable that allows compatible cartridge and stylus upgrades.
- A product assembled and tested in the United States.
It is particularly interesting if you prefer a traditional listening setup and don’t need Bluetooth, USB recording or automatic playback.
Who Should Skip It?
The Orbit Plus may not be the right choice if you want:
- Automatic operation: The tonearm must be positioned and returned manually.
- A built-in phono preamp as standard: It is an optional configuration.
- Bluetooth or USB: The Orbit Plus does not provide either connection.
- Electronic speed selection: Switching between 33⅓ and 45 RPM requires moving the belt manually.
- A standard cue lever: The cue lever is an optional accessory rather than a standard inclusion.
If convenience and connectivity are more important than a traditional manual design, compare it with the Audio-Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB or Sony PS-LX310BT.
What Makes the Gen 2 Different?
The second-generation Orbit lineup introduced a redesigned tonearm and updates to the drive system. The Orbit Plus benefits from these changes while retaining its upgraded acrylic platter and Ortofon cartridge.
OA3 Magnesium Tonearm
The OA3 is a precision gimbal tonearm featuring a one-piece magnesium armtube. U-Turn designed the tapered structure to reduce resonance and provide accurate tracking.
Its main features include:
- One-piece magnesium construction.
- Precision gimbal bearings.
- Adjustable stainless-steel counterweight.
- Internal preset anti-skate.
- Factory calibration and balancing.
The tonearm uses the same general magnesium armtube design introduced for U-Turn’s higher-end Theory family, although the Orbit Plus uses the OA3 rather than the Theory’s OA3 Pro tonearm.
U-Turn calibrates and balances the tonearm before shipment, making initial setup simpler. The counterweight is adjustable, but the anti-skate is preset internally rather than provided as a regular user adjustment.
Precision-Machined Acrylic Platter
The Orbit Plus comes with a grooved, frosted acrylic platter.
Acrylic is used in turntable design partly because of its vibration-related properties. U-Turn describes the machined platter as providing improved speed consistency and reduced resonance compared with the MDF platter used on the Orbit Basic.
The platter also has a grooved edge that helps keep the belt correctly positioned.
Updated Belt and Motor System
The Gen 2 Orbit uses a low-noise AC synchronous motor with flexible rubber suspension and a seamless silicone belt.
The motor and suspension are designed to limit unwanted vibration reaching the platter. Speed selection remains manual: move the belt between the appropriate pulley positions to change between 33⅓ and 45 RPM.
Ortofon OM5E Cartridge
The Orbit Plus comes with the Ortofon OM5E moving-magnet cartridge, which uses an elliptical diamond stylus.
The OM5E is a conventional MM cartridge, making it suitable for a compatible MM phono preamp. Its stylus can be replaced without changing the entire cartridge body.
When considering an upgrade, make sure the replacement stylus belongs to the compatible Ortofon OM family. Cartridge and stylus compatibility should always be checked against the exact model.
If you’re comparing cartridge types or considering an upgrade, see our guides to moving-magnet vs. moving-coil cartridges and the best turntable cartridges.
Does the Orbit Plus Have a Built-In Phono Preamp?
The built-in Pluto 2 phono preamp is an optional configuration. You can order the Orbit Plus without it or select the version with the preamp installed.
The choice affects how you connect the turntable:
| Configuration | What you need |
|---|---|
| Without built-in preamp | An amplifier with a PHONO input or an external phono preamp |
| With built-in preamp | A standard LINE, AUX or compatible powered-speaker input |
If you choose the base configuration, the turntable’s cartridge produces a phono-level signal. It needs a phono stage before connecting to a normal line-level input.
With the built-in preamp option, you can connect directly to powered speakers or an amplifier with a standard line input.
For a more detailed explanation, read What Is a Phono Preamp? or compare standalone options in our best phono preamps guide.
Setup and First Use
The Orbit Plus arrives with its cartridge installed and tonearm calibrated and balanced by U-Turn. This reduces the amount of initial adjustment required compared with a turntable that arrives with an unmounted cartridge.
Basic setup involves:
- Place the turntable on a stable, level surface.
- Install the platter and belt according to the included instructions.
- Fit the felt mat.
- Connect the supplied RCA cables to your amplifier, phono preamp or powered speakers.
- Select the correct signal path for the preamp configuration you ordered.
- Confirm the tonearm and stylus are correctly positioned before playing a record.
The optional cue lever can make raising and lowering the tonearm easier and more controlled. Without it, you operate the tonearm manually.
Avoid changing the factory counterweight setting or attempting to adjust the internal anti-skate without following U-Turn’s instructions.
International power note: U-Turn’s published specifications list a 115V/60Hz power supply. If you’re purchasing from outside the United States, confirm that the supplied adapter is compatible with your local mains voltage before connecting it.
What Should You Pair It With?
The Orbit Plus works with a conventional stereo system, provided the signal receives the required phono amplification.
Three possible setups:
1. Orbit Plus without the optional preamp
Orbit Plus → External phono preamp → Powered speakers or amplifier
2. Orbit Plus with the built-in Pluto 2
Orbit Plus → Powered speakers or amplifier with a LINE input
3. Orbit Plus with a receiver that has a PHONO input
Orbit Plus → Receiver PHONO input
The third option is suitable for a receiver with a compatible MM phono stage. You do not need to add another phono preamp.
For speaker options and complete system ideas, see our best turntable speakers guide and vinyl systems by budget.
U-Turn Orbit Plus Gen 2 vs. Gen 1
The most important distinction is the tonearm. U-Turn introduced the Gen 2 Orbit lineup in 2023, replacing the earlier tonearm designs with the OA3.
| Feature | Orbit Plus Gen 1 | Orbit Plus Gen 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Tonearm | Earlier-generation design | OA3 magnesium tonearm |
| Platter | Earlier acrylic design | Updated grooved acrylic platter |
| Belt | Earlier belt design | Seamless silicone belt |
| Cartridge | Ortofon OM5E | Ortofon OM5E |
| Operation | Manual | Manual |
If you’re buying used, don’t rely on the Orbit Plus name alone to identify the generation. U-Turn’s own identification guide explains that Gen 2 models have a black magnesium OA3 armtube and a grooved platter edge.
Final Verdict: Is the U-Turn Orbit Plus Gen 2 Worth Considering?
The U-Turn Orbit Plus Gen 2 is a straightforward manual turntable with an appealing combination of a magnesium tonearm, acrylic platter and Ortofon OM5E cartridge.
Its main attraction is the mechanical design and simple analog approach, rather than a long list of connectivity features. The optional Pluto 2 preamp adds flexibility, but it is important to include that configuration in your budget.
The lack of automatic operation, Bluetooth and USB recording will not matter to every listener. However, buyers who want those features should compare other models before choosing.
For someone who wants a manually operated belt-drive turntable with a factory-installed cartridge and an upgraded platter, the Orbit Plus Gen 2 deserves a place on the shortlist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the U-Turn Orbit Plus Gen 2 have a built-in phono preamp?
It is available with an optional built-in Pluto 2 phono preamp. The base configuration does not include one, so check the selected version before purchasing.
Is the U-Turn Orbit Plus made in the USA?
U-Turn says its turntables are assembled and tested at its workshop in Woburn, Massachusetts.
What is different about the Gen 2 Orbit Plus?
The Gen 2 uses the OA3 one-piece magnesium tonearm, an updated grooved acrylic platter and a seamless silicone belt. It replaced the earlier-generation Orbit design introduced before 2023.
Does the Orbit Plus come with a cartridge?
Yes. It comes with a factory-mounted Ortofon OM5E moving-magnet cartridge with an elliptical diamond stylus.
Can you upgrade the Orbit Plus cartridge?
The cartridge can be replaced with a compatible model. The supplied Ortofon OM5E also supports compatible replacement styli from the Ortofon OM family.
Does the U-Turn Orbit Plus have automatic playback?
No. It is fully manual. You position and return the tonearm yourself, and the turntable does not automatically lift the tonearm at the end of a record.
Does it support 78 RPM records?
No. The Orbit Plus Gen 2 is specified for 33⅓ and 45 RPM playback.
Does the Orbit Plus include a cue lever?
No. The cue lever is an optional accessory. It can be purchased separately for more controlled tonearm lifting and lowering.