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Rega reference belt disappointment

My RP3 is about 11 to 12 years old and has the original belt and I thought it might be time to replace it. I figured I would get the Reference EBLT belt, and why not? Rega’s site shows how much better it is with respect to wow and flutter, right?

The disappointment comes from testing both old and new with my phone RPM APP. 
The old belt has a WOW of around plus or minus 0.08 %. The new “Reference” belt shoots up to plus or minus 0.27%

Ok the App may not be the most accurate with respect to the actual value displayed but the repeatability would suggest the new belt is worse than the old. So what the hell, Rega? I will give it a few more hours to see if it settles in but so far I’m disappointed.

I tried to post my pic’s of the app results but couldn’t figure out how.

 

neversatisfied
mahler123
3,549 posts
 

Rega and speed stability should not be used in the same sentence.  They have never been able to get it right.

  If the old belt still is in one piece just clean it and continue to use as a new product from Rega will be a waste of resources.

  If you value speed stability consider a Direct Drive table

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,392 posts
 

With an occasional application of Armor All a rubber belt can last essentially forever. Drying out is what kills rubber belts. That's what I use on the rubber belt on my 1977 Ariston turntable.

chayro
3,029 posts
 

Sometimes the tolerances of the newer tables are a bit different from the old and I would think the new belt is designed around the newer models. I had a speed issue with my Basis when I changed to a new belt and the problem was corrected with a new motor pulley. You might try a new standard Rega belt and see if it works better. 

lewm
13,585 posts
 

In the long run, Armorall , at least the original product that makes rubber tires shiny, is not a good choice for a TT belt because it may make the belt slippery and also may dry it out prematurely.

tablejockey
4,037 posts
 

Listening before you did the check, could you REALLY hear a difference?

Guessing no?

If you haven't already- replacing the plastic subplatter with an aftermarket steel/aluminum one  can make a noticeable improvement. 

 

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