Vpi aries with Benz L-2 cartridge

taters-You don't need to buy anything to check the speed. A download-and-print strobe is available here:

http://www.conradhoffman.com/chsw.htm

and any light source will work-fluorescent works best, but incandescent works also. The main advantage of the 100.00 KAB is that it doesn't rely on your home AC-generated 60hz frequency which may be (very) slightly off. If the strobe shows that the speed is off, you can make slight corrections without a SDS by moviing the belt up or down the motor pulley-it's slightly graduated in size for this specific purpose.

It's possible that an 'idler' might be more to the OP's liking, but I'd sure not recommend a Lenco, if for no other reason he'll be forever linked to 'Jean Nantais-The Analog Blowhard', and his crew of toadies over on Home Despot-but then there's also the Lenco's stamped steel chassis, cheap build quality, etc. to further disqualify it.

Your friend's order of progression is the correct one-start with Rek-O-Kut, end with Garrard (or a Saskia, if the OP is wealthy).