Audio T Verdict
The Rega Elex MK4 sits neatly between the compact Brio MK7 and the more powerful Elicit MK5, offering a substantial increase in power and system flexibility without becoming unnecessarily complicated.
Its 72W-per-channel Class A/B amplifier is joined by a high-quality moving magnet phono stage, four analogue line inputs, optical and coaxial digital connections, a full-size headphone socket, record output and variable preamplifier output.
It is an excellent choice for a serious separates system combining vinyl, streaming and digital sources. However, it does not include network streaming, Bluetooth, HDMI or USB, and careful loudspeaker matching remains important. We recommend hearing it with the speakers you intend to use.
Rega Elex MK4 Integrated Stereo Amplifier
The Rega Elex MK4 is a full-width integrated amplifier designed to combine engaging analogue performance with useful digital connectivity.
Its Class A/B power amplifier delivers 72W per channel into 8 ohms and 90W per channel into 6 ohms. This provides a useful increase in authority and control over the Brio MK7, particularly with larger loudspeakers or in more spacious listening rooms.
The Elex MK4 also includes a Rega-designed moving magnet phono stage, four analogue line inputs, a DAC with optical and coaxial connections, headphone output, record output and variable preamplifier output.
All of this is housed within a custom metal case that follows the design of Rega's current amplifier range and acts as part of the amplifier's cooling system.
72W Class A/B Power Amplifier
The Elex MK4 builds on Rega's established Class A/B amplifier architecture.
It delivers 72W per channel into 8 ohms, rising to 90W per channel into 6 ohms. This makes it suitable for a wide range of standmount and floorstanding loudspeakers.
Speaker sensitivity, impedance behaviour, room size and preferred listening level should all be considered alongside the published power figure.
- 72W per channel into 8 ohms
- 90W per channel into 6 ohms
- Class A/B power amplifier circuit
- High-current Sanken output transistors
- DC-coupled power amplifier output
- Power amplifier gain of 31.6dB
Re-Engineered Internal Circuit
Rega redesigned the complete Elex circuit board for the MK4 generation.
A quiet multi-stage linear power supply feeds the amplifier, while the supply rails for the analogue and digital sections are galvanically isolated.
Separating these sections helps prevent the addition of digital connectivity from interfering with the amplifier's analogue performance.
Discrete circuitry, high-quality relays, polypropylene capacitors and Sanken output transistors are used throughout the design.
Built-In Rega DAC
The internal digital-to-analogue converter is based closely on circuitry developed for the Rega DAC-R.
A Wolfson S/PDIF receiver handles the incoming digital signal, while conversion is provided by a Wolfson DAC followed by a Rega-designed discrete line-driver circuit.
The Elex MK4 accepts two-channel PCM digital audio at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Coaxial Digital Input
Digital input D1 is an isolated 75-ohm coaxial S/PDIF connection.
It can be used with a compatible streamer, CD transport, television receiver or other digital source with an RCA coaxial output.
Optical Digital Input
Digital input D2 is an optical Toslink connection.
It is particularly useful for connecting a compatible television, games console, streamer or other source while maintaining electrical isolation.
Supported Digital Audio
The built-in DAC supports PCM audio at the following sampling rates:
- 32kHz
- 44.1kHz
- 48kHz
- 88.2kHz
- 96kHz
- 176.4kHz
- 192kHz
Supported bit depths range from 16 to 24 bits.
The Elex MK4 does not include a USB audio input and does not decode DSD, Dolby Digital or DTS directly. A connected television should normally be configured to output two-channel PCM audio.
Integrated Moving Magnet Phono Stage
Input 1 is a dedicated moving magnet phono input for connecting a compatible turntable.
Rega splits the required RIAA equalisation across two stages to reduce unwanted interaction within the phono circuit.
Polyester capacitors are used within the signal path, while polypropylene capacitors are used within the RIAA equalisation network.
The input provides standard moving magnet loading of 47 kilohms in parallel with 220pF and is suitable for a broad range of moving magnet cartridges.
Moving Magnet Turntables
A turntable fitted with a Rega Carbon, Nd3, Nd5, Nd7, Nd9 or another compatible moving magnet cartridge can connect directly to Input 1.
The
Rega Planar 3 with Nd3
is a particularly well-balanced system partner.
Moving Coil Turntables
A low-output moving coil cartridge requires a suitable external moving coil phono stage.
The external phono stage should be connected to one of the Elex MK4's four standard line-level inputs.
A grounding terminal is provided beneath the phono input for tonearms that use a separate earth wire. Rega tonearms are normally grounded through the left-channel phono connection and do not require a separate wire.
Four Analogue Line Inputs
Inputs 2 to 5 are standard line-level RCA connections.
They can accommodate a wide range of analogue source components, including:
- Network streamers
- CD players
- External DACs
- Tuners
- Cassette or reel-to-reel decks
- External phono stages
- Televisions with an analogue audio output
The line inputs provide a frequency response extending from approximately 10Hz to 65kHz.
Fixed Record Output
A fixed-level record output is included for connecting suitable recording equipment, external headphone amplifiers or other devices requiring an output unaffected by the main volume control.
The record output level is 164mV at the amplifier's rated inputs.
Because this is a fixed-level connection, it should not normally be connected directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeakers without their own volume control.
Variable Preamplifier Output
The Elex MK4 includes a variable RCA preamplifier output that follows the main volume control.
It can be used with suitable external power amplifiers, active subwoofers or other compatible equipment requiring a controlled line-level signal.
The preamplifier output is always active and provides an output level of approximately 625mV at the rated line input.
Although it can be used with a compatible active subwoofer, it is not a dedicated filtered subwoofer output. The subwoofer must provide its own crossover and level controls.
Full-Size Headphone Output
A 6.35mm headphone socket is positioned on the front panel.
The headphone circuit is designed to drive conventional Hi-Fi headphones across a range of impedances.
Connecting a headphone plug automatically switches off the loudspeaker outputs. Rega recommends reducing the volume before connecting or removing headphones.
The headphone output has a source impedance of 109 ohms, so matching may be better with conventional full-size Hi-Fi headphones than with highly sensitive low-impedance earphones.
Mini System Remote Control
A Rega mini system remote control and two AAA batteries are supplied.
The handset provides control of the motorised volume adjustment, input selection and mute function.
It can also control compatible functions on other remote-operated Rega products.
The Elex MK4 does not include remote standby or automatic standby. It must be switched on and off using the front-panel power control.
Protection Systems
Several protection circuits are included to help safeguard the amplifier and connected loudspeakers during abnormal operating conditions.
Thermal Protection
If the amplifier reaches a potentially damaging internal temperature, its protection circuit can temporarily disable the loudspeaker output or switch the unit off.
Normal operation should resume once the amplifier has cooled.
Short-Circuit Protection
Foldback protection limits excessive current if the loudspeaker cables are accidentally shorted.
Rega positions this protection circuit outside the main audio signal path.
DC Protection
The power amplifier output is DC coupled to minimise the number of capacitors in the signal path.
If excessive direct current is detected, the protection circuit responds rapidly to protect connected equipment.
Speaker Matching
Rega specifies loudspeakers between 4 and 16 ohms for the Elex MK4.
Its 72W output provides useful control for a wide selection of modern standmount and floorstanding speakers, but the published impedance figure does not tell the complete story.
Loudspeaker sensitivity, minimum impedance, room size and listening level all affect how hard the amplifier must work.
Continued high-level use with speakers of 6 ohms or below may cause the case temperature to rise significantly and could activate the thermal protection.
Audio T can demonstrate the Elex MK4 with suitable loudspeakers to help establish the best match for your room and preferred listening levels.
Connecting a Streamer
Digital Connection
A compatible streamer can connect through the coaxial or optical input, allowing the Elex MK4 DAC to perform the digital conversion.
The
Bluesound Node
can be connected using either method.
Analogue Connection
A streamer can also connect through one of the four analogue line inputs using its own internal DAC and analogue output.
Comparing the analogue and digital connections during a demonstration can help determine which conversion stage you prefer.
Connecting a Television
A compatible television can connect through the optical digital input.
The television should normally be configured to output two-channel PCM or stereo audio rather than Dolby Digital, DTS or another multichannel format.
The Elex MK4 does not have HDMI ARC or eARC, and its volume cannot normally be controlled directly by the television remote through an optical connection.
Brio MK7, Elex MK4 or Elicit MK5?
Rega Brio MK7
The
Rega Brio MK7
delivers 50W per channel and includes an MM phono stage, three line inputs, two digital inputs and headphone output.
Its compact half-width case makes it the more suitable choice where space is limited.
Rega Elex MK4
The Elex MK4 increases output to 72W per channel and adds a fourth line input, record output and variable preamplifier output.
It is a strong choice for larger rooms, more ambitious loudspeakers and systems requiring additional expansion options.
Rega Elicit MK5
The
Rega Elicit MK5
increases output to 105W per channel into 8 ohms and introduces a more advanced preamplifier circuit.
It is worth considering for more demanding loudspeakers, larger rooms or systems capable of revealing the additional control and refinement.
Compared with the Rega Aethos
The
Rega Aethos
delivers 125W per channel into 8 ohms and uses a more ambitious dual-mono analogue amplifier design.
Unlike the Elex MK4, the Aethos does not include a phono stage or DAC. It is intended for customers who already own suitably matched external source components and want a considerably higher level of amplifier performance.
Installation and Ventilation
The Elex MK4 dissipates heat through heatsinks positioned along both sides of its metal case.
Leave sufficient open space around the side panels and do not stack other Hi-Fi components directly on top of the amplifier.
The amplifier should not be placed on carpet, bedding, rugs or another soft surface that could obstruct airflow.
The sides may become hot during extended listening, particularly at higher volume or with lower-impedance speakers. This is normal provided adequate ventilation is available.
When using the internal phono stage, position the amplifier as far from the turntable cartridge as the tonearm cable reasonably allows. Rega recommends placing it to the left of the turntable where possible.
Power Management
The Elex MK4 does not include an automatic standby function.
Rega explains that the amplifier needs to reach a suitable operating temperature for its bias current to stabilise. Automatic power management has therefore not been included.
The amplifier consumes no power when switched off, but leaving it switched on for extended periods will increase electricity consumption.
Who Is the Rega Elex MK4 For?
A Good Choice If You:
- Want a full-width integrated amplifier with useful power
- Use a turntable with a moving magnet cartridge
- Want optical and coaxial digital inputs
- Need four analogue line inputs
- Want a variable preamplifier output
- Need a fixed record output
- Want a full-size headphone socket
- Prefer separate streaming rather than an all-in-one amplifier
Consider Another Option If You:
- Need built-in network streaming or Bluetooth
- Need HDMI ARC or eARC
- Need a USB audio input
- Use a low-output moving coil cartridge without an external phono stage
- Need automatic or remote standby
- Want two independently switched pairs of speakers
- Need a dedicated home cinema bypass input
- Want a compact half-width amplifier
Key Features
- 72W per channel into 8 ohms
- 90W per channel into 6 ohms
- Class A/B power amplifier circuit
- Quiet multi-stage linear power supply
- Galvanically isolated analogue and digital supply rails
- Discrete circuitry and Sanken output transistors
- Integrated moving magnet phono stage
- Four analogue line-level RCA inputs
- Rega DAC based closely on the DAC-R circuit
- Wolfson S/PDIF receiver and DAC
- One isolated coaxial digital input
- One optical Toslink input
- PCM support up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Fixed-level record output
- Variable preamplifier output
- Front-panel 6.35mm headphone socket
- Automatic loudspeaker muting when headphones are connected
- Motorised volume control
- Rega mini system remote included
- Thermal, short-circuit and DC protection
- Custom full-width metal case and heatsink
- Lifetime limited warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects
Frequently Asked Questions
How powerful is the Rega Elex MK4?
The Elex MK4 delivers 72W per channel into 8 ohms and 90W per channel into 6 ohms.
Does the Elex MK4 include a phono stage?
Yes. Input 1 is a dedicated moving magnet phono input suitable for most conventional moving magnet cartridges.
Can I connect a Rega turntable directly?
Yes, provided the turntable uses a compatible moving magnet cartridge such as a Rega Carbon, Nd3, Nd5, Nd7 or Nd9.
Can I connect a moving coil cartridge?
A low-output moving coil cartridge requires a suitable external moving coil phono stage connected to one of the four analogue line inputs.
Does it include a DAC?
Yes. The Rega-designed DAC includes one coaxial and one optical digital input and supports PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Does it have a USB input?
No. Digital connections are provided through coaxial S/PDIF and optical Toslink only.
Does it support DSD?
No. The internal DAC is intended for two-channel PCM digital audio.
Can I connect a television?
Yes, provided the television has a compatible optical digital output. Set the television to output two-channel PCM or stereo audio.
Does it include HDMI?
No. The Elex MK4 does not include HDMI ARC or eARC.
Does it include Bluetooth or streaming?
No. A separate streamer or Bluetooth receiver is required and can connect through an analogue, optical or coaxial input.
How many analogue inputs does it have?
It has one dedicated moving magnet phono input and four standard analogue line-level inputs.
Does it have a headphone socket?
Yes. A full-size 6.35mm headphone socket is positioned on the front panel. Connecting headphones automatically switches off the loudspeaker outputs.
Can I connect an active subwoofer?
Yes, provided the subwoofer has a suitable line-level input and its own crossover and level controls. It can connect to the variable preamplifier output.
Does it have a dedicated subwoofer output?
No. The preamplifier output is a full-range stereo connection rather than a filtered subwoofer output.
Can I add another power amplifier?
Yes. The variable preamplifier output can feed a suitable external power amplifier or other compatible equipment.
Does it have a record output?
Yes. A fixed-level record output is provided for suitable recording equipment, external headphone amplifiers and other compatible devices.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. A Rega mini system remote control and two AAA batteries are included.
Does it have automatic standby?
No. Rega has not included automatic power management because the amplifier needs to reach a stable operating temperature for optimum bias performance.
Can it power 4-ohm loudspeakers?
Rega specifies compatibility with speakers between 4 and 16 ohms. However, sustained high-volume use with lower-impedance loads may cause the amplifier to run considerably warmer and activate its thermal protection.
How much ventilation does it require?
Leave open space around both side panels and do not stack equipment directly on top. Avoid placing the amplifier on carpet, bedding or another soft surface.
Can I arrange a demonstration?
Yes. Contact your local Audio T store to hear the Elex MK4 with suitable turntables, streamers and loudspeakers.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Specialist advice from experienced in-store teams
- Help matching the amplifier with suitable loudspeakers
- Turntable and moving magnet cartridge compatibility advice
- Moving coil phono stage guidance
- Streamer and digital-source setup support
- Help connecting a compatible television through optical audio
- Advice on active subwoofer and power amplifier connections
- Demonstrations available through selected Audio T stores
- Home demonstrations may be available depending on location and system requirements
- Part exchange available on suitable equipment
- Ongoing support from the UK's oldest independent specialist Hi-Fi retailer
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss whether the Rega Elex MK4 is the right amplifier for your system.