Here’s the setup: U-turn orbit plus turntable paired with Kanto YU6 powered speakers.
This combo gives you a clean, powerful entry into vinyl without overcomplicating things. It’s simple enough for anyone to set up, but refined enough to make you stop and actually notice how good your records can sound. It’s not the cheapest way in, and it’s not “audiophile” level, but it hits that sweet middle ground—convenience with a real step-up in quality.
You can check out the full build here
U-Turn Orbit Plus: The Ultimate Mid Level Turntable
The U-Turn Orbit Plus has become one of the most popular mid-level turntables for a reason. It’s manual, so you’ll lift and place the tonearm yourself, but the payoff is tighter control and better sound.
The included Ortofon OM5E cartridge with an elliptical stylus delivers clear, balanced playback that makes records feel alive. Paired with the acrylic platter, you get more stability and less unwanted resonance than the plastic platters you see on cheaper players.
The tonearm design is simple but smart—it tracks well, keeps distortion low, and helps your records sound as good as they can. Add in the belt-drive system with an external motor, and you’ve got speed stability that makes every spin smooth and consistent.
Bottom line: the Orbit Plus is straightforward, reliable, and delivers detail you usually don’t see at this price point.
Kanto YU6: Powerful and Versatile Powered Speakers
If the Orbit Plus is the foundation, the Kanto YU6 speakers are what make this setup sing. They’re powered, which means the amplifier is built in—no need for a separate amp or receiver. Just connect your turntable and you’re good to go.
Inside, you’re getting a 5.25-inch Kevlar woofer and a 1-inch silk dome tweeter, backed by 200W of peak power. Translation: plenty of volume for small to medium rooms, with clear highs and solid low-end punch.
Connectivity is where these really shine. You’ve got RCA with a phono switch, AUX, two optical inputs, and Bluetooth with aptX for high-quality wireless streaming. There’s also a subwoofer out, so if you ever want more bass, it’s just one cable away.
The YU6 comes with a built-in phono preamp too, so you can choose to use that or bypass it for the Orbit’s external options. Plus, the included remote makes it easy to switch inputs or tweak volume without leaving the couch.
Where This Setup Falls Short
For all its strengths, this is still a “starter-plus” system. Because the amp is inside the speakers, you don’t get the same flexibility as a setup with separate components. You can’t fine-tune with a dedicated amp, and you won’t get features like counterweight or anti-skating adjustment that higher-end turntables provide.
There’s also no Bluetooth on the Orbit Plus itself. Not a big deal if you’re sticking to wired listening, but worth noting if wireless was something you wanted from the table.
That said, the Orbit Plus + YU6 combo punches well above its weight. It’s clean, powerful, and convenient—just not the ceiling of what vinyl can sound like.
Conclusion: Mid-Fi Magic in Action
Put together, the U-Turn Orbit Plus and Kanto YU6 make a setup that’s simple, stylish, and seriously satisfying. It’s proof you don’t need to go full audiophile to get great sound.
If you’re new to vinyl and want a setup that feels more serious than plug-and-play starter kits, this build is the perfect middle ground. You’ll enjoy clear, room-filling sound without the hassle of piecing together amps, preamps, and endless cables.
And if you ever want to fine-tune or swap pieces down the line? That’s where our free Builder tool comes in. You can mix and match turntables, speakers, and amps—including everything in this build—to see how your dream system could look. Half the fun is trying different combos before you ever spend a dime.
