REGA Elex MK4 Integrated Amplifier

ELEX MK4 Integrated Amplifier The Elex MK4 is a high performance stereo integrated amplifier designed to deliver the purest musical performance. Housed in a brand new case to match the rest of the Rega range, the MK4 builds on previous Rega designs using our multi-award winning class A/B power amplifier circuit which delivers an impressive 72W per channel into 8Ω loads (90W into 6Ω). New rear connectivity options are available with the Elex MK4 now including a Rega DAC circuit with two digital inputs and a high quality headphone output conveniently located on the front panel.     Bringing your music to life The Elex MK4 is capable of driving difficult loudspeakers with ease and will integrate perfectly into any audio system by offering a wider range of connectivity options. In addition to the line level, digital inputs and a high quality moving magnet phono stage,  you will also find Pre-out and Record Out functionality alongside a headphone output. Special attention has been paid to the selection of key audio components. Discrete circuitry, high quality relays, polypropylene capacitors and Sanken output transistors are used throughout the design.    KEY FEATURES 72 W per channel into 8 Ω / 90 W into 6 Ω High quality moving magnet phono stage High performance Rega DAC circuit for digital inputs 2 x Digital inputs - 1 x optical and 1 x Co-Axial Headphone output 4 Line level inputs New custom design case Thermal Cut-Out Lifetime warranty against manufacture defects   AMPLIFICATION CIRCUIT Our engineers have re-engineered the entire ELEX circuit board to optimise performance. MK4 builds on previous Rega designs by using our multi-award-winning Class A/B power amplifier circuit to deliver a powerful 72W per channel into 8Ω loads. This power is provided by a quiet multi-stage linear supply whilst supply rails for digital and analogue sections are galvanically isolated. DIGITAL CIRCUIT / DAC The DAC is based closely on the hugely successful Rega DAC-R circuit. The galvanically/optically isolated digital inputs utilise a Wolfson S/PDIF receiver IC to provide exceptional detail and clarity from any connected source. Output is provided by a Wolfson DAC and Rega designed discrete line-driver circuit. Our engineers have worked exceptionally hard to ensure that the analogue side of the circuit is not affected in any way by the introduction of digital inputs. MM PHONO STAGE A high performance Rega designed integrated moving magnet (MM) phono stage is carefully built into the circuit. The RIAA equalization has been split into two stages to minimise interaction. Polyester capacitors have been used in the signal path and polypropylene capacitors are used in the RIAA equalization circuits. HEADPHONE OUTPUT We have taken great care to incorporate the headphone socket on the Elex MK4. This has been configured such that the speaker switching is performed by the output mute relay to avoid obstructing the signal path ensuring no loss of performance when it is not in use. CUSTOM CASE The new custom case design and construction brings the Elex MK4 inline with the rest of the Rega range and provides improved heat dissipation by using the entire case as an ultra efficient heat sink. PROTECTION The Elex MK4 includes Thermal Cut-Out, short circuit protection and DC protection to prevent the risk of damage from excess heat, excessive currents or short circuits.     REVIEW & AWARDS Rega Elex Mk4 Integrated Amp Review - Read More "But…but… having said this, even typing this in Chrimbo Limbo, I’m pretty sure that when reality resurfaces, it will be hard to ignore that Rega has shaved a big chunk off cash off without shaving anything like as much functionality away at the same time; indeed, by keeping the same digital board and what feels like a very similar phono stage, they’ve really only served to emphasise this. There’s no other amplifier I’ve tested recently at the price that offers the imperious ability of the Elex Mk4. The latest refreshed Rega therefore has to be seen as a Best in Class." - Ed Selley   Rega Elex Mk4 is a hi-fi bargain - Read More "A reviewer of my acquaintance is of the opinion that the Rega Elex Mk4 gives you 95% of what’s on offer from the Elicit Mk5 at a notably lower price, as mentioned earlier the only real difference is in power rating, tape loop and direct input not withstanding. Unless you want to party hard every night the Elex is likely to give you just as much enjoyment but the extra power does increase the range of speakers that the more pricey amp can drive. Either way the Elex Mk4 is a very, very musically satisfying amplifier that will keep you entertained for as long as there are tunes to play. The Rega Elex Mk4 is a hi-fi bargain, of that there can be no doubt." - Jason Kennedy   Four-play - Read More "Perhaps the most positive thing about the Elex MK4 is that it doesn’t feel like a lesser version of the Elicit MK5 for less money. This is not to say that the latter isn’t the better amp – it most definitely is and can deal with speakers that the former tends to struggle with, but in a great many situations the Elex MK4 feels like an absolute bargain and perhaps the most complete Rega integrated yet" - Ed Selley   Rega Elex Mk4 review - Read More "It’s not perfect – a more grounded sound that doesn’t affect its timing would be welcomed with open arms – but the elegant, confident way it delivers music is something that’s rare at this level. If you take the time to partner it carefully, this stereo amplifier will work wonders." - What Hi-Fi?   Rega ELEX Mk4 integrated amplifier - Read More "The message is clear, this is a superb amplifier at this price, and I cannot recommend it highly enough to an aspiring audiophile looking for a long-term entry point, it is absolutely the definition of an ‘Outstanding’ award. The ELEX is musical, has a balanced tone, is detailed and it is an all-around winner. This review coincides with Record Store Day next week, what a gift this would be. There is real value for money with this ELEX, not something you say often in the HiFi industry." - Simon Wilce Rega Aya-Elex-Planar stereo system - Read More "If you want a clever, flexible and well made system that genuinely delivers on the promise of synergy between the bits, there’s very little out there that will keep this one honest. "  Rega Research Elex Mk4 Integrated Amplifier-DAC - Read More "On the balance sheet, if I were spending my own coin, I’d probably be drawn to something with a bit more digital connectivity and built-in streaming capabilities, not to mention class-D amplification. But even a digital audio enthusiast like myself has to admit that this little amp has something that far too many of today’s audio value-oriented products lack: genuine personality. But nary an ounce of that personality comes at the cost of performance." - Dennis Burger Cambridge Audio CXA81 vs Rega Elex Mk4: which integrated amplifier is the best? - Read More "We said in our reviews of both stereo amplifiers that they allow us to simply enjoy the music. And we stand by that; we think you’d be happy with whichever talented amp you choose. But the Rega, while admittedly pricier and offering fewer connections and features, is capable in ways far beyond our expectations at this level. Partner it right, and the Elex Mk4 will work wonders." - What Hi-Fi?       SPECIFICATIONS Power Amplifier Output (at rated 230/115 V Supply voltage) ​72 W into 8 Ω 90 W into 6 Ω Dimensions (W × H × D) 432 x 82 x 340 (D includes loudspeaker terminals) Weight 11 Kg Supported Sampling Rates 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz Supported Bit Depths 16 to 24 bit Power Consumption 250 W at 1dB below clip into 8Ω Output Sensitivity (at rated inputs) Record Output 164mV Pre-amplifier Output 625mV