Rega has finally unveiled the Elex MK4. It is the new version of the legendary Elex stereo amplifier and a direct replacement for the Elex-R. But the real question is, does the Elex Mk4 live up to the expectations?
Claiming to be a successor of a multi-award winning integrated amplifier, the Elex MK4 promises to boast a sleeker design, better circuitry, and improved integrated DAC.
The new “custom case” of the Elex MK4 targets to match the recent hits of Rega, which includes the Aethos integrated amplifier.
The Elex MK4 will come with four line-level inputs. In comparison, the analog-only version of Elex-R did not have any digital inputs. But the line-level inputs are only some of the ports that are on the device.
MK4 will also come with two coaxial and optical ports. Furthermore, the Elex MK4 has an internal DAC, which is based on the DAC-R circuit of Rega.
For the output, it features a Rega-designed discreet line-driver circuit and Wolfson DAC. But will the digital inputs affect the analog circuits?
According to the brand, “the analogue side of the circuit is not affected in any way by the introduction of digital inputs.” So, the answer would be no.
In addition to those ports, you will also find a proper 6.3 mm headphone jack on the front panel. And if you have power-hungry loudspeakers, you will be happy to learn that the class A/B power amplifier of Elex MK4 will provide 72 watts of power per channel into 8 Ohms or 90 watts into 6 Ohms.
Those power specifications are enough to get greater oomph from your system. In fact, you will have no trouble shaking the floor with the appropriate setup.
That said, the power is provided through a “quiet, multi-stage linear supply.” And the analog and digital supply rails are “galvanically isolated.”
That will help you to extract the highest amount of detail from basically every source. And it will also nix any of the signal interference that might occur in the circuit.
Moreover, Rega has integrated an excellent quality MM phono stage. It should be more than enough to get the most out of a turntable. You can get an outstanding performance out of good-quality turntables, which include the Planar 3 and Planar 1 from Rega.
And Rega states that the Elex MK4 will offer the “purest musical performance” for the money. In other words, you will be getting a lot of bang for the buck. However, to see whether Rega does deliver its promise with the value, you will need to wait for it to release.
Slava is a man of mystery and no-one seems to know exactly where he is at any point in time. When he isn't enjoying writing about all things audio and technical he can be found researching his next project of interest. The man never rests.