Skip to main content

Case Study

Phillips-Medisize and U-Turn Audio Turn Up the Volume on Next-Gen Turntable Tonearm

Phillips-Medisize and U-Turn Audio turn up the volume on next-gen turntable tonearm. 

Read the Case Study Watch the Video

ENGINEERING BETTER SOUND FOR EVERYONE

The decades-long domination of compact discs and the advent of music streaming seemed to signal the end of vinyl until recently. Now, thanks to new generations of music fans and LP loyalists, records are making a comeback. And U-Turn Audio is poised to take full advantage thanks to its commitment to cutting-edge turntable innovation. U-Turn partnered with Phillips-Medisize to innovate a streamlined magnesium tonearm for its Orbit Theory turntable that’s winning awards and creating an unprecedented audio experience for its customers.

Image
“Our mission from the beginning has always been to create great sounding audio equipment that is accessible to everyone. We’re now the largest turntable manufacturer in the U.S. by volume.”
Bob Hertig
President and CEO
U-Turn Audio

Challenges

  • Improving tonearm design required complex product design and engineering 

  • Specialized manufacturing expertise needed to make parts from magnesium

  • Highly complex product design created significant production considerations 

Solution

  • Phillips-Medisize’s experience making medical devices using magnesium proved instrumental to the project’s success 

  • Expert mold-design and flow analysis backed by decades of experience in magnesium “thixomolding” production process

  • Customer-first focus expedited combination of physical and mechanical properties needed to develop a light, strong and durable tonearm 

Results

  • New tonearm elevates sound quality thanks to ability to dissipate vibrations while reducing resonance 

  • Ability to consolidate parts lowered tooling costs, supply chain requirements and assembly time

  •  New Orbit Theory receives awards and accolades, spurring U-Turn Audio to make new tonearm available on additional turntable models 

HARMONIOUS COLLABORATION HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

To execute on its innovative tonearm concept, U-Turn Audio experts wanted to leverage the unique mechanical and physical properties inherent in magnesium. For starters, magnesium is the lightest construction material available, with a weight that is approximately 33% less than aluminum. This delivers a very high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it equally strong, light and rigid. As a result, magnesium often is used in various products spanning medical and industrial products.

From concept to completion, the entire planning and development process for the new tonearm took more than a year. Widespread acclaim for the advanced Orbit turntable soon followed, with Digital Trends magazine bestowing a coveted “Editor’s Choice” award for U-Turn’s launch into the premium market.

Image
Image

Get In Touch

Interested in learning more? We’d love to hear from you! At Molex, we believe in the transformative power of creating connections. We use innovation, engineering excellence, commitment to quality and reliability, and a superior customer experience to improve communication, elevate experiences and engage and inspire people everywhere. Reach out to learn about how we can help you.

Case Studies
Contact Us
Visit Phillips Medisize