Rega 24V Motor Upgrade Kit

The Rega 24V Motor Upgrade Kit is designed for selected older Rega turntables that were originally manufactured without the later 24 V low-noise motor system.

The kit replaces the original motor, motor-control board, mains lead and related mounting components with a Rega 24 V synchronous motor, individually tuned PCB, low-voltage external power supply and updated mounting arrangement.

It is designed to improve motor vibration control, speed stability and start-up performance while creating a future upgrade path to the Rega Neo Mk2 Turntable Power Supply .

The kit is intended for compatible Rega turntables only. Audio T staff are qualified to carry out the installation and can confirm whether your turntable is suitable before any work is undertaken.

Why Upgrade an Older Rega Motor?

A belt-drive turntable relies on its motor to rotate the platter at a stable and consistent speed.

Any unwanted motor vibration can travel through the plinth, bearing, platter and record before being detected by the cartridge.

Variations in the electrical supply, motor control, pulley position or drive belt can also affect how consistently the platter maintains the required speed.

The Rega upgrade kit addresses these areas by providing:

• A later-generation 24 V synchronous motor
• An individually tuned motor-control PCB
• A low-voltage external power supply
• A rigid motor-mounting arrangement
• Compatibility with a Rega Neo Mk2 power supply
• Updated connection and motor-cover components

Rega 24 V Low-Noise Motor

The replacement motor is based on the 24 V synchronous motor technology developed for Rega's later turntable range.

Its purpose is to provide lower mechanical noise and vibration than the original motor assemblies used in many earlier Planar, P and Planet models.

The motor is powered from a low-voltage external supply rather than receiving mains voltage directly through the original turntable lead.

This also allows the upgraded turntable to accept the regulated motor signal provided by a compatible Rega external turntable power supply.

Individually Tuned Motor-Control PCB

Each upgrade kit includes a motor-control PCB individually tuned by Rega to minimise vibration from the supplied motor.

The board generates and controls the electrical signal used by the synchronous motor while supporting Rega's anti-vibration motor arrangement.

Correct installation remains essential because the performance of the motor also depends on its physical position, pulley height, wiring route and mounting pressure.

Rigid Motor Mounting

Some early Rega turntables suspended their motors using rubber O-rings.

The 24V Motor Upgrade Kit uses an adhesive mounting pad to secure the motor more rigidly to the underside of the plinth.

Rega developed this arrangement to provide a more stable motor position and improve start-up compared with the earlier suspended mounting system.

Different Rega plinths require different mounting-pad thicknesses so that the pulley sits at the correct height relative to the sub-platter.

Compatible Rega Turntables

Rega lists the 24V Motor Upgrade Kit for the following older turntables:

• Rega RP1
• Rega P1
• Rega P2
• Rega P2 2000
• Rega Planet
• Earlier Rega Planar 2 models without a 24 V motor
• Earlier Rega Planar 3 models without a 24 V motor
• Rega P3 2000
• Rega Planar 25

Current Rega Turntables

The upgrade kit is generally unnecessary for current Rega turntables because they already use 24 V motor technology.

Professional Installation Recommended

Although Rega describes the kit as using a relatively simple fixing solution, installation requires considerably more work than changing a belt, cartridge or stylus.

The turntable must be disconnected from the mains, partially dismantled and carefully supported upside down.

The original motor-control board and mains wiring must be removed, the existing switch wires desoldered and later connected to the replacement PCB.

The old motor must then be removed without damaging the plinth before the correct replacement mounting pads can be selected and positioned.

Protecting the Turntable During Installation

Before the turntable is turned upside down, the platter and drive belt must be removed.

The central hub and bearing assembly must be secured so that it cannot fall from the bearing housing. This prevents the internal bearing ball and lubricant from being lost.

The tonearm must be secured in its arm clip and the cartridge stylus guard fitted.

The turntable must then be supported on a cushioned surface that does not place pressure on the tonearm bearings, switches or top of the cartridge.

Removing the Original Motor

The exact removal process depends on the age and construction of the turntable.

Early Planar and Planet models may use a motor suspended on rubber O-rings and retained by fixings through the top of the plinth.

Other models use an adhesive motor-mounting pad that must be released gradually without levering heavily against one part of the plinth.

Any remaining adhesive must be removed so that the replacement mounting surface is clean, flat and ready for the new motor pads.

Selecting the Correct Motor Pads

The kit includes mounting pads of different thicknesses to establish the correct motor and pulley height for different plinth designs.

Model variations can exist, so the installer must still check the pulley and belt alignment before permanently pressing the motor onto its adhesive mounting pad.

Correct Pulley Height

The replacement pulley is factory fitted to the motor, but its final height relative to the platter depends on the motor-pad arrangement and plinth thickness.

The belt must align correctly with the sub-platter at both 33? and 45 rpm.

If the pulley sits too high, it may contact the platter. If it sits too low, the belt may fall from the sub-platter when moved to the 45 rpm pulley position.

A spare hub washer is included for small height corrections on particular Planar models, although it is not required in most installations.

Updated Low-Voltage Power Connection

Once the kit has been fitted, the original mains lead is no longer used.

The turntable is powered using the low-voltage Rega wall-plug power supply supplied with the motor kit.

The replacement motor-cover assembly provides the appropriate connection for normal operation and a separate connection for a compatible Rega external turntable power supply.

Adding a Rega Neo Mk2

One of the main benefits of the motor upgrade is compatibility with the Rega Neo Mk2 .

The Neo Mk2 generates a crystal-referenced motor signal rather than relying directly on the incoming mains frequency.

It provides:

• Electronic selection between 33? and 45 rpm
• Fine speed adjustment in 0.01 rpm steps
• More advanced anti-vibration motor control
• Greater isolation from mains-frequency variation
• Improved speed consistency

Without a Neo or earlier compatible TT-PSU, speed is changed manually by moving the drive belt between the two sections of the motor pulley.

Advanced EBLT Drive Belt Upgrade

The condition and accuracy of the drive belt also affect turntable speed stability.

An older belt may have stretched, hardened or developed inconsistencies over time, limiting the benefit of the replacement motor.

The Rega Advanced EBLT Drive Belt provides a useful accompanying upgrade for many compatible older turntables.

Rega's Reference EBLT Drive Belt provides the company's highest-level single-belt option and may be considered for a more ambitious upgraded system.

Audio T can advise which belt is most appropriate for the particular turntable, pulley and wider upgrade plan.

Checking Turntable Speed

After installation, platter speed should be checked once the motor and belt are operating normally.

The Rega Strobe Kit provides a dedicated method of checking 33?, 45 and 78 rpm turntable speeds using a quartz-controlled light source and stroboscopic disc.

The standard motor kit itself does not provide electronic fine speed adjustment. Fine adjustment becomes available when the upgraded turntable is connected to a compatible Neo Mk2.

A Sensible Upgrade Sequence

The motor kit can form part of a wider restoration or upgrade programme for an older Rega turntable.

1. Inspect the turntable, bearing, tonearm and original motor system.
2. Confirm that the model is suitable for the 24 V upgrade.
3. Install the motor kit and check pulley alignment.
4. Fit a fresh Advanced or Reference EBLT drive belt where appropriate.
5. Check platter speed and mechanical operation.
6. Service the main bearing if required.
7. Check cartridge condition, alignment and tracking force.
8. Add a Neo Mk2 later if electronic speed selection and further motor control are required.

The condition of the tonearm, bearing and cartridge should be considered before committing to several upgrades. Audio T can help assess whether improving the existing deck or moving to a newer turntable represents the better long-term option.

What the Motor Upgrade Does Not Change

The kit replaces the motor system but does not turn an older deck into a current Planar model.

It does not replace or alter:

• The tonearm
• The cartridge or stylus
• The main bearing
• The platter or sub-platter
• The plinth construction
• The turntable feet
• The phono stage
• The amplifier or loudspeakers

The overall result will therefore depend on the condition and quality of the complete turntable and partnering system.

What the Rega 24V Motor Upgrade Kit Does Not Include

Who Is the Rega 24V Motor Upgrade Kit For?

Key Features

• Motor upgrade for selected older Rega turntables
• Rega-designed 24 V synchronous AC motor
• Low-noise and low-vibration motor assembly
• Individually tuned motor-control PCB
• Rigid motor-mounting arrangement
• Designed to improve start-up performance
• Designed to improve rotational stability
• Low-voltage external power supply
• Replaces the original mains-powered motor arrangement
• Different motor-pad thicknesses for compatible plinths
• Factory-fitted motor pulley
• Provision for fine pulley-height correction
• Compatible with the Rega Neo Mk2 power supply
• Compatible with earlier Rega TT-PSU models where appropriate
• Electronic 33? and 45 rpm selection available with Neo Mk2
• Suitable for use with Rega EBLT drive-belt upgrades
• For compatible Rega turntables only
• Professional installation available from Audio T
• Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects

Compatibility and Technical Information

Compatible Models Listed by Rega

Model and production variations may exist. Compatibility and the required mounting-pad arrangement should be confirmed before installation.

Kit Components

The components used during fitting depend on the turntable model and plinth construction. Installation should follow the Rega instructions supplied with the kit.

Frequently Asked Questions