Looking for a review of the Rega Elex MK4? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at this newly updated model and provide our expert analysis of its features and performance.
The Rega Elex MK4 is a recent addition to Rega’s line of integrated amplifiers, and it comes with some intriguing new features. The most significant of these is the inclusion of a pair of digital inputs, one optical and one coaxial, both capable of supporting PCM to 24-bit/192kHz thanks to a Wolfson DAC. This board is lifted in its entirety from the Elicit MK5, Rega’s larger model, giving the Elex a useful extra piece of functionality over the preceding model.
The Elex MK4 also boasts four RCA analogue line inputs and a moving-magnet phono stage, making it capable of handling most connection requirements without issue. It even includes a 6.35mm headphone output on the front.
Power-wise, the Elex MK4 is more closely related to the Brio than to Rega’s larger models, with a quoted power of 72W into 8ohm and 90W into 6ohm. While no figure is given for 4ohm operation, the company does warn that the amp will run hot into sub-6ohm loads (although it doesn’t run especially warm during testing and has a thermal cut-out built into the circuit if it does). The extra space that the Elex MK4 has over the Brio allows for it to be laid out in a more logical and optimal way. It also employs
the power supply arrangements of the Elicit MK5, with more galvanic isolation than before and a separate tap for the digital board.
Cosmetically, the Elex MK4 gains the same alterations we’ve seen on other recent Rega amplifiers, making the basic layout logical and easy to use. The only major difference from the Elicit MK5 is the volume control, which is simplified and has the level indicator on the knob itself rather than on the front panel.
In terms of sound quality, the Elex MK4 delivers exceptional tonal realism, making it feel like a great deal of amplifier for the asking price. Matched with a complete lack of mechanical sympathy, it manages to sound lively and energetic without tipping over into stridency. The phono stage is far more than a convenience feature, with a performance that is beyond pretty much anything else at the price.
Switching to the digital inputs, the built-in DAC can’t challenge rivals that cost more, but the results stay very listenable. Like on the Elicit MK5, Rega views these connections as support for dedicated source equipment and for tasks like decoding a TV signal.
Overall, the Rega Elex MK4 is a great amplifier and perhaps the most complete Rega integrated yet. It doesn’t feel like a lesser version of the Elicit MK5 for less money, but rather a great amplifier in its own right. While the Elicit MK5 is the better amp and can deal with speakers that the Elex MK4 tends to struggle with, in a great many situations the Elex MK4 feels like an absolute bargain. If you’re looking for a powerful, versatile amplifier that delivers exceptional sound quality, the Rega Elex MK4 is definitely worth considering.
Rega Elex MK4 Reviews from HiFi Choice.
“The Elex MK4 feels like an enormous amount of amplifier for the asking price” – Hi-Fi Choice.
“The build is absolutely superb and the metalwork feels significantly more expensive” – Hi-Fi Choice.
“The tonal realism is outstanding. Rega has long excelled at producing amplifiers that manage to sound lively and energetic without tipping over into stridency” – Hi-Fi Choice.
Find out more about the Rega Elex MK4.
Thank you to www.hifichoice.com for this review & article.
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