Audio T Verdict
The Rega Strobe Kit provides a straightforward and dependable way to check whether a turntable is rotating at the correct speed.
Its handheld quartz-referenced light pulses at 100 Hz and works with the supplied 180-line disc to make small speed variations clearly visible. It can be used at 33?, 45 and 78 rpm and is suitable for Rega and non-Rega turntables.
It is particularly useful with the speed-adjustable Rega Neo Mk2 power supply, but it can also help identify a worn drive belt or possible mechanical problem on a turntable without electronic speed adjustment.
Rega Strobe Kit
The Rega Strobe Kit is designed to evaluate the rotational speed of a turntable using a dedicated handheld light and stroboscopic disc.
The light source pulses at an accurate frequency of 100 Hz. When it illuminates the appropriate lines on the rotating disc, the pattern appears stationary when the turntable is running at the correct speed.
Any movement in the line pattern shows whether the platter is rotating slightly too quickly or too slowly.
Unlike a phone-based speed application, the Rega kit does not depend on the condition, calibration or internal sensors of a mobile device.
Suitable for 33?, 45 and 78 rpm
The supplied stroboscopic disc can be used to check the three principal record speeds:
- 33? rpm for most LP records
- 45 rpm for singles and selected albums
- 78 rpm for compatible shellac records and specialist turntables
Select the relevant line pattern on the disc for the speed being tested. The turntable itself must support the chosen speed.
How to Use the Rega Strobe Kit
- Open the rear battery compartment and remove the red battery terminal protector before first use.
- Refit the battery cover and switch on the handheld strobe.
- Place the stroboscopic disc over the record spindle directly onto the turntable mat.
- Select the required turntable speed and allow the platter to begin rotating normally.
- Hold the strobe approximately 2–3 cm above the appropriate lines on the disc.
- Use a fixed reference point, such as the tip of a pencil held beside the pattern, to make small movements easier to see.
- Observe whether the lines remain stationary or appear to move around the disc.
Allow the turntable to run for a short period before making a final judgement, particularly if it has only just been switched on.
Strobe Light Safety
Never stare directly into the illuminated LED.
The flashing light and stroboscopic effect may be unsuitable for anyone affected by photo-induced epilepsy. Ask another person or your local Audio T team to check the turntable where required.
Understanding the Result
Lines Remain Stationary
If the line pattern appears frozen and remains stable, the turntable is running at the correct speed.
Lines Move Clockwise
Slow clockwise movement indicates that the platter is rotating too quickly.
Lines Move Anticlockwise
Slow anticlockwise movement indicates that the platter is rotating too slowly.
A very slow drift represents a small speed variation, while rapid movement suggests a more noticeable error.
Using the Strobe Kit with the Rega Neo Mk2
The Rega Strobe Kit is the ideal partner for the
Rega Neo Mk2 Turntable Power Supply
.
The Neo Mk2 provides electronic selection between 33? and 45 rpm together with fine speed adjustment in 0.01 rpm steps.
When adjusting a Neo-equipped turntable:
- Set the turntable to 33? rpm.
- Place the Rega stroboscopic disc on the platter.
- Enter the Neo Mk2 speed-adjustment mode.
- Make only small adjustments at a time.
- Check the line pattern after each adjustment.
- Stop adjusting when the relevant lines remain stable.
- Return the Neo Mk2 to its normal operating mode.
Follow the instructions supplied with the particular Neo or turntable power supply, as the location and operation of its adjustment control can vary between models.
Advice for Non-Adjustable Turntables
The Strobe Kit measures turntable speed but cannot alter it.
If a belt-drive turntable without electronic adjustment is running slightly slowly or inconsistently, the first item to check is normally the drive belt.
Belts can stretch, harden and lose elasticity with age. Replacing an old belt with the correct model may restore more consistent operation.
Suitable Rega options include the
Rega Advanced EBLT Drive Belt
and
Rega Reference EBLT Drive Belt
.
A more noticeable or irregular speed problem may indicate an issue with the drive belt, pulley, motor, main bearing or lubrication and should be investigated rather than corrected by guesswork.
Turntable Servicing from Audio T
Audio T staff can check the drive belt, motor, platter bearing and turntable speed, and advise whether servicing or replacement parts are required.
Contact your local Audio T store
for more information or to discuss a speed problem with your turntable.
Upgrading an Older Rega Turntable
Many compatible older Rega turntables can be upgraded with the
Rega 24V Motor Upgrade Kit
.
Once professionally fitted, this can add compatibility with the Neo Mk2 power supply, providing electronic speed selection and fine speed adjustment.
Audio T can check whether an older Rega turntable is suitable and carry out the motor installation where appropriate.
Battery Operation
The handheld unit is supplied with a pre-installed 9 V battery.
Before first use, remove the red battery terminal protector from inside the rear compartment.
A fading LED indicates that the battery is approaching the end of its life. Rega states that a low battery does not alter the 100 Hz pulse frequency, although the reduced brightness may make the disc pattern more difficult to see.
Switch the strobe off after use to preserve battery life.
Key Features
- Dedicated turntable speed-checking kit
- Suitable for Rega and non-Rega turntables
- Checks 33?, 45 and 78 rpm
- Handheld 100 Hz pulsed light source
- Supplied 180-line stroboscopic disc
- Clear indication of fast or slow platter speed
- Ideal partner for the Rega Neo Mk2
- Useful for diagnosing drive-belt and mechanical issues
- Pre-installed 9 V battery
- Compact handheld design
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Technical Specifications
- Product type: Turntable speed-checking kit
- Light frequency: 100 Hz
- Stroboscopic disc: 180-line disc
- Supported speeds: 33?, 45 and 78 rpm
- Power supply: 9 V battery
- Battery supplied: Yes, pre-installed
- Turntable compatibility: Suitable for Rega and other compatible turntables
- Speed adjustment: Not included
Included in the Kit
- Rega handheld 100 Hz strobe light
- Rega 180-line stroboscopic disc
- Pre-installed 9 V battery
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Rega Strobe Kit do?
It checks whether a turntable platter is rotating at the correct speed by illuminating a rotating stroboscopic disc with a 100 Hz light.
Can it be used with non-Rega turntables?
Yes. It can be used with compatible turntables from other manufacturers at 33?, 45 or 78 rpm.
How do I know when the speed is correct?
The relevant line pattern will appear stationary when the turntable is running at the correct speed.
What does clockwise movement mean?
It indicates that the platter is rotating too quickly.
What does anticlockwise movement mean?
It indicates that the platter is rotating too slowly.
Does the kit adjust turntable speed?
No. It measures speed only. Adjustment requires a compatible turntable or an adjustable power supply such as the Rega Neo Mk2.
Is it suitable for the Rega Neo Mk2?
Yes. It is the recommended tool for checking the platter while using the Neo Mk2 fine speed adjustment.
Is a battery included?
Yes. A 9 V battery is pre-installed. Remove the red terminal protector inside the rear compartment before first use.
Does a low battery affect accuracy?
Rega states that the pulse frequency remains at 100 Hz, although reduced LED brightness may make the lines harder to see.
What should I do if my turntable is running slowly?
Check the age and condition of the drive belt first. A larger or inconsistent error may require inspection of the motor, pulley or main bearing.
Can Audio T check and service my turntable?
Yes.
Contact your local Audio T store
for turntable speed checking, servicing, replacement belts and Rega upgrade advice.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Genuine Rega turntable accessory
- Advice on checking and adjusting turntable speed
- Rega Neo Mk2 setup and fine-adjustment support
- Replacement Advanced and Reference EBLT drive belts
- Turntable motor and main-bearing checks
- Professional installation of compatible Rega motor upgrades
- Turntable servicing and setup advice from experienced staff
- Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
for more information about the Rega Strobe Kit or help diagnosing a turntable speed problem.