’s editorial assistant, Ariel Bitran, directed my attention to this USA Today article on an interesting turntable from U-Turn Audio , a company founded by three close friendsBen Carter, Bob Hertig, and Peter Maltzanall in their early 20s, who were tired of playing records on cheap USB turntables.

Their first model, the Orbit, forgoes modern-day conveniences like a USB output and built-in speakers, but concentrates on quality and longevity. Unlike the many inexpensive USB turntables prevalent todaymodels whose low-quality styli are potentially dangerous to your precious LPsthe Orbit appears to use an Ortofon phono cartridge (perhaps an OM5E?), similar to the ones found on entry-level Regas and Pro-Jects.

Judging from the photos alone, the Orbit is a serious turntable. If all goes as planned, the ’table will be available this fall.

The price? Just $150!

I’ll be keeping my eyes on this one.