Rega Elicit MK5 Overview

After weeks of listening, joey has made his determination on Rega's MK5.
The all new Elicit MK5 stereo integrated amplifier is designed and built to the highest standard. Housed in our latest custom case to match the rest of the Rega range, the new MK5 builds on previous Rega designs by using our multi-award-winning Class A/B power amplifier circuit to deliver a powerful 105 W per channel into 8 Ω loads (127 W into 6 Ω). Our engineers have designed a new Rega DAC circuit offering digital connectivity and greater integration with a variety of other products. We have taken great care to incorporate a high quality MM phono stage and the headphone input has been configured such that the speaker switching is performed by the output mute relay to avoid obstructing the signal path
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Mail Box: 1711 Guadalupe St. San Antonio, TX 78207
#Rega #Elicit #MK5

[@stevewaring7177]

You mentioned headphones. I've recently bought the Mk5 Elicit and previously used the Rega Ear Headphone Amp. The Elicit headphone socket is an improvement over the Ear.

[@Dreamonoids]

That’s fantastic to hear.

[@joeylopezphd]

Interesting to know!

[@KS-yy2fu]

Which headphones do you use? Sounds like a good match.

[@redscorcher]

I recently purchased the FYNE 502 speakers and I absolutely love them, this REGA amp definitely going to be my next purchase. I should be blown away with this setup, I hope. Thanks for getting me stoked on this configuration set up, and the good vibe for this amp.

[@Dreamonoids]

That’s a great combination, and enjoy those awesome new loudspeakers.

[@joeylopezphd]

We have the 502SP’s hooked up with the MK5 and it’s magic, we keep having more and more customers come and be blown away.

[@paulomontero12]

It runs hot like like Joey 😊

[@joeylopezphd]

😂😅

[@Dreamonoids]

It runs a “Texas warm”

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Great all round amplifier, with a good turntable and speakers your finished

[@Dreamonoids]

Agreed.

[@RonRivet]

I have had an Elex r and liked it but was always curious to hear how the Elicit r would sound in my system. I feared it might be too bright. I finally ended up getting a used but not abused Elicit r and I have to say that I like it better than the Elex r, more detail, more muscle and not bright at all and no listener fatigue! I`m thinking I may upgrade to the MK5 in the near future.

[@Dreamonoids]

The Elicit is a definite step up in performance.

[@RonRivet]

@@Dreamonoids in your opinion, do you think the new Elex r mk4 would be an upgrade compared to the older Elicit r, or would I be better off waiting until I can afford the Elicit MK5?

[@pietervg5541]

Hey, thanks for your review, is the volume control of the Elicit mk5 as sensitive as with the Aethos? The volume control of the Aethos is way to sensitive if I use the remote control. The sound of the Aethos is outstanding by the way! 😊

[@joeylopezphd]

It is probably a bit less sensitive, not a huge difference overall. We use 93 plus DB efficient speakers with it and both MC phono and digital players and the volumes have worked well.

[@Dreamonoids]

The remote can’t beat the old fashion knob turn precision! We feel your pain. The remote tends to “hop” a little with volume adjustments.

[@michaeldance1122]

Agreed, it is something Rega need to review. That aside, the Aethos is one superb amplifier. Worth every single penny!

[@vincentgarsuault3828]

Hello, thank you for this overview. I have a question though. need to use an equalizer. so the question : Is it possible to connect from PREAMP Output to the Equalizer input, and then from the equalizer to DIRECT INPUT? if yes, will I be able to use the volume control from the MK5? Thank you for your help

[@Dreamonoids]

To be honest I’m not sure. Adjusting the equalizer is against my philosophy, but I hopefully someone in the comments can see this, and give a good answer.

[@RonRivet]

Thanks so much for posting Joey! I am contemplating going back to an integrated amp and am deciding between a newer but refurbished Elex r, new Elicit r and this Elicit MK5. Is the new Elicit r and Elicit mk5 the same except for dac and headphone jack on mk5? I have a P6 with Ania Pro.

[@joeylopezphd]

Elicit MK5 is based off the Aethos, it’s pretty dam amazing. I have installed it in a couple systems and wow did it really level up!

[@Dreamonoids]

As Joey said, there is a profound difference that deserves to heard at the very least.

[@nicholas6823]

Would it be possible to connect a shiit loki equaliser through the record in and out or any of the other connections on the rear?

[@Dreamonoids]

Great question, we haven’t tried it. *Bumping to see if anyone else has.

[@mrkitewine7700]

I have not tried it myself as I don’t t have an Elicit, however it is one of the features I would be keen on myself so have done some research. The Elicit mk5 has a tape loop with the all important monitor/record function that lets you listen to the “record-in” input (available through the remote) so I imagine it should be possible to put an equaliser like the Loki in the tape loop and use the record/monitor function to switch it in and out. The source select governs what input gets fed into the tape loop. As I say, I have not tried it, but the record/monitor function is the all important bit which many amplifiers omit.

[@nicholas6823]

@@mrkitewine7700I ended up buying an aethos with the same tape loop feature. I have an eq hooked up and it works as hoped. I plan on getting a shiit eq as I I can hear my older pioneer eq in the loop with nothing adjusted. I have heard that the shiit is inaudible.

[@MG-iv8oo]

interesting comment you would minimally pair the mk5 to the planar 6 or 8. i was wondering if the planar 8 was better suited to the aethos vs. the mk5. i have the mk5 with the planar 3/nd5. thoughts? thx

[@Dreamonoids]

It all depends on your loudspeakers. The MK5 pairs nicely with every table you’ve mentioned. It’s hard to beat in its weight class.

[@osakapark]

Thx for great review. What if I upgard my Elex-R to Elicit mk5? is it gonna be good upgrade? I have to tried to change to EVO 150, Atoll in200- 300. Still I love Elex R, Rega. I am concerning jumping in to Elicit Mk5. Please advice me from Elex R to Elicit mk5

[@joeylopezphd]

It’s a massive upgrade. We had a customer upgrade from an Elex R which we hold in high regard. The Elicit is just that much better. His system has a P8/Apheta 3/Rega Fono and RX5’s.

[@Dreamonoids]

One of our owners love's his Elex-R and won't be upgrading, but make no mistake he agrees the MK5 blows it out of the water. If you have the extra coin it's an easy choice.

[@osakapark]

@@Dreamonoids thank you! I expect that sound clarity would increase with Elicit, which I missed from Elex R

[@joer4682]

You recommend a Rega Planar 8, Alpheta 3, with Fono MC Phono Stage, not Aria. Do you believe the Fono MC performs above its price which is 1/3 of the Aria?

[@joeylopezphd]

Aria all the way, however the Fono MC is a great place to start for many trying to buy all at once.

[@joer4682]

@@joeylopezphd Thanks Joey.

[@Dreamonoids]

As Joey said, if you have the coin, Aria.

[@joer4682]

@@Dreamonoids Thanks Dreamonoid.

[@Arunasdub]

Hi. Thanks for review. What do you think if MK5 would be good pair with Dali epicon 2?

[@Dreamonoids]

We have paired Rega with Dali in the past, but we haven’t tried that specific loudspeaker. I would ask a Dali dealer to see what they think. I imagine they would do nicely.

[@ariefpoerniawan]

Hallo i just want to know whethet rega elex r mk 4 is class a and is it true while the mk5 is class ab ? how to tell whether it is mk 4 or 5 physicly ?

[@joeylopezphd]

Both are AB and the MK5 has digital inputs so easy to tell apart and the design is different.

[@Dreamonoids]

Joey with the knowledge!

[@tessie4204]

IS this amp still recommended or are there better solutions these days?

[@Dreamonoids]

Still best in its class at the price.

[@xstensl8823]

i have a Elex MK4 and my ATC SCM 7's work very well the volume does not go above 10 o'cock. but i will still keep the RS1's even though the ATC's are in another league

[@Dreamonoids]

We had a pair of the SCM 7s and they are amazing speakers. Sounds like an awesome pairing.

[@tessie4204]

How does this amp sound with modern music like pop, EDM, hiphop?

[@Dreamonoids]

The owner was a DJ in college and loves playing modern music such as EDM, and Pop. The amp performs fantastically.

[@tessie4204]

@@Dreamonoids I would only use the Optical SPDIF connection. Is the internal DAC good sounding like an external DAC around 800€?

[@Dreamonoids]

@@tessie4204 I own an external Rega DAC, and this internal one sounds better. Hope this helps.

[@osakapark]

Hi, one more question. I am just about to buy MK5 thanks to your advice. I just wonder that if Mk5 compares with Naim Nait xs3. Could you advice me once more?

[@joeylopezphd]

The Nait xs3 is a great piece of kit. Haven’t heard it personally but I know it’s competitive with the MK5. There are other brands I would hands down tell you Rega %100 but I have to say Naim is some great stuff and I think a demo do the two would be best.

[@Dreamonoids]

Hope you’re enjoying your system!

[@ralex3697]

@@joeylopezphd Rega for me

[@PauloFerreira-hh6zv]

Thank you for the video. How it compares with the MK4?

[@joeylopezphd]

We never carried the MK4 as we felt it ran to warm for us to sell. We have a couple customers who has them and love them. So we cannot directly compare sound. I have heard the MK4 and it sounded great with a P10/Ania Pro and RX5’s. Knowing the difference in design I would think the MK5 would be a big step up. But a direct comparison is of course the best way to find out. Sorry I can’t be more helpful.

[@PauloFerreira-hh6zv]

@@joeylopezphd Thank you. I have the Elicit MK4 with the Totem Sky Tower to listen to digital music on Qobuz. As the Totems are very transparent and the room has no acoustic treatment, I notice the sound sometimes bright in some recordings. Could an amplifier with other features attenuate the brightness I hear, without sacrificing too much the detail and refinement I currently have?

[@joeylopezphd]

@@PauloFerreira-hh6zv That's a good question. What is your digital front end? It might be worth upgrading the DAC as I didn't find the MK4 to be bright when listening to it.

[@PauloFerreira-hh6zv]

​@@joeylopezphdI think the room doesn't help, but plugging in a Pioneer A-447, I no longer have the brightness I notice with the Elicit, although it does lose detail and clarity. As a streamer I have Allo Digione Signature with Allo Shanti and as a DAC I have Denafrips Ares II.

[@Dreamonoids]

Hope you’ve been enjoying your system.

[@oscarqp7209]

Hi, good reviw. How would it work with the JBL L100 speakers?

[@Dreamonoids]

Not a bad pairing would sound great, but JBL L100 can handle more power if you have it. We haven’t tried the pairing ourselves.

[@Infinito-ho4cf]

Do you think this amplifier will pair well with Wharfedale Linton? I know in a WhatHiFi review that they paired with an Elex really well so this should be an upgrade, but not sure to be honest if it will pair well regarding sound signature, having in mind linton are towards relaxed and warmth sound and Rega is somehow more vivid/punchier and energetic.

[@Dreamonoids]

Anything that’s pairs well with the Elex sings with the Elicit. Hope this helps.

[@jmydy]

I'm considering upgrading Audiolab 6000A to Elicit MK5. I have Wharfedale Linton speakers and use very good external DAC. Is this a good idea to pair Elicit MK5 with Lintons?

[@joeylopezphd]

It should pair well looking at the sensitivity and impedance. While I haven’t heard them before, the Linton’s reviews describe a sound that would pair well with the MK5.

[@Dreamonoids]

Let us know what you decide to do!

[@jmydy]

​@@Dreamonoids Didn't buy Elicit... but Aethos as I got superb offer on second-hand market. Haven't tested yet the internal pre-amp as I'm using it as power-amp. Sound is simply better than with Audiolab. Bass is heavier, deeper, like there's "more information". The only downside is as already mentioned in reviews - remote which doesn't let you power on/off the device.

[@r423fplip]

​@@jmydy it's an amplifier, not going to make anything sound better.

[@funcionyforma]

​@@jmydyi'm thinking in a similar path: from Linton's and quad vena ii, to elicit mk5. How does it working for You? I've read that pairing rega with Linton's could be little to non help for Linton's rolled off treble.

[@robinfogalele4969]

I have the Fyne 501sp. You mentioned you had 502sp at home. Which amp do you use for that set up instead of the Rega ?

[@joeylopezphd]

We have used Crimson Electronics with them and currently we are using the Elicit MK5 and it sounds amazing.

[@Dreamonoids]

The Elicit MK5 with them is a match made in heaven. It has completely blown us away.

[@jameschan2404]

Hi how do you compare this with Denon PMA 1700ne, thanks.

[@joeylopezphd]

We have not listened to the Denon. Seems like an in home demo would be best!

[@MrSlenderSilver]

Was running a PMA-1600NE with KEF R3s before upgrading to the Elicit (mk 4); the difference was night and day. The Denon was far too laid back and hardly any foot-tapping energy. Everything is far, far greater through the Elicit. Not a single area in which the Denon can win apart from price. I actually can’t believe Denon are charging what they are for this when you can get an Elicit for not much more. Would never go back to a Denon integrated now.

[@Dreamonoids]

Great info.

[@ralex3697]

Denon is made in China and Rega is made in England Nothing more to say

[@jaysongreensmith7857]

Is the front fascia made from acrylic or glass?

[@joeylopezphd]

That’s a good question, I would assume plastic, it could be glass. But typically they all seem to be plastic. They do come with a plastic liner to pull off.

[@Dreamonoids]

We’ll have to do some investigating.

[@KS-yy2fu]

Mine actoryvsealed unit did not come with plastic liner to pull off.

[@joaolance1994]

Good evening, I have a Rega Elex r and I'm thinking of upgrading. the speakers are the JBL L50. Does it justify opting for Rega aethos? or the Rega Elicit mk5? What do you advise? Will there be a big difference in terms of sound between the two?

[@joeylopezphd]

There will be a big difference, however ignorance is bliss, if you can stretch to the Aethos it’s worth it, but if you are worried about the budget, the elicit will be great!

[@joaolance1994]

@@joeylopezphd Do you know the JBL L50 speakers? Have you heard them with elicit mk5 or with aethos? what sound difference will I notice?

[@joeylopezphd]

@@joaolance1994 I have not heard them paired with that speaker, but I have heard the speakers, many other JBL’s as well and the amps. That era of speaker is relatively easy to drive, the amps themselves have different pre amp and amp sections and the Aethos is much more refined, granted you pay the price as you see reflected in the overall cost. Hence why I say what I say.

[@joaolance1994]

@@joeylopezphd Since the speakers are easy to drive, even choosing the aethos will I notice a big difference for the elicit mk5? In terms of quality, does the price difference between one and the other justify?

[@Dreamonoids]

Joey nailed it.

[@danieloherrick6332]

Does Rega give a reason for not including a USB input? Price? Thanks

[@Dreamonoids]

Good thing that it does!

[@geographyinaction7814]

That and the DAC are on the Saturn CD.

[@joeylopezphd]

That’s a great question about USB, I believe it is because of the added processing USB involves. I could be wrong. We think the input is intended for TV’s and CD players and some streamers. If using a computer there are usb to coax/optical solutions out there. I remember apple having mini optical out.

[@SERKAN_HOT34]

Hi, I've never had the chance to listen to the Rega amplifier live, just the bass and high-pitched sounds in the Rega amplifier videos on youtube sounded weak to my ear, I wonder how it really sounds? i would be very happy if friends who have the chance to listen to rega anfis share their opinions.

[@Dreamonoids]

Hearing on KZbin isn’t comparable to in person, because it being filtered through a camera, through an internet video, through your speakers. Hopefully you get to hear for yourself one day.

[@SERKAN_HOT34]

@@Dreamonoids i absolutely agree with you, you said it very correctly, have you had any rega anfide music experience? if you have experienced it, would you recommend it? i hope one day I will have the opportunity to listen to rega, thank you for the comment.

[@danieloherrick6332]

I just noticed that the Saturn MK3 has a USB input.

[@Dreamonoids]

Good for viewers to see in comments.

[@joeylopezphd]

Yes it has a USB input. It works well with PC’s and you can also hook up your iPhone with a USB camera adaptor (powered). The MK5 has what I would call a “casual” DAC as it doesn’t have USB or Bluetooth capabilities. That said, it’s DAC is super musical and fun when matched with a CD transport.

[@damdrew]

What is with the background elevator music? nice review thank you but it is super distracting.

[@Dreamonoids]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@AntoninPassemardPaintings]

I had 2 rega elicit of the previous version mk4. I liked the sound but the 2 units i had from Rega new had their alimentation fried with sone Kef ls 50... since then I tried fron a lesser known company Atoll for the same price separates pr300 and am200. Well... no comparaison the combinaison Atoll was much better. Just a look inside and you understand why the capacity of courant is much superior which means stability and transparence. After i did not hear the Mk5 i would listen to it but if you can compare it to similarly price separates. My 2 cents

[@Dreamonoids]

Give the MK5 a listen, but glad you found a solution for yourself. Cheers!

[@joeylopezphd]

The new MK5 runs completely different to the MK4, it’s one reason we never carried it. If you have the MK4 it must be kept in an open area and that’s very limiting for many.

[@ivankrga8817]

Exposure 3510 vs Rega Elicit Mk5?

[@Dreamonoids]

Haven’t heard the Exposure.

[@thebestoffools]

If this stripped down Atheos integrated had no dac and sold for less, I'd be all over it. I have no use for an integrated amp that has a dac. I'll stick to my Elex-R for now.

[@Dreamonoids]

Well the Elex-R is what one of our co-owners uses at his home, and if you’re happy with it, no upgrade is needed.

[@jannaweiss8685]

Love my Elex-R w my P3 and RX3s….❤❤❤

[@Dreamonoids]

@@jannaweiss8685 That's a great setup.

[@joeylopezphd]

The Elicit MK5 is so good the DAC integrated with it is icing on the cake. I would suggest a demo. That said I understand your point of view, it was very out of the norm for Rega to make a product like this. We have sold this product to customers who only play vinyl because they love the sound of the amp that much. I think that says something about it. Especially because they were upgrading from the Elex-R

[@claptoned0]

The first inconvenient: they didn't put an usb input for the DAC... My next amp for my Tannoy XT8F no matters.

[@paulburton9904]

A rega shop ?????????

[@Dreamonoids]

Some call us that.

[@geographyinaction7814]

M K? Mark 5.

[@Dreamonoids]

Mmm k.

[@joeylopezphd]

It’s MK5, they delineate it on the website. But I could see how people might think it should be called a Mark 5, to each their own. At any rate, it has been sounding great in the shop!

[@r423fplip]

Great sales pitch, but come on !

[@Dreamonoids]

What’s it going to take to get you into the seat of one these bad boys today?

[@Linux_Lucy]

I know U R a Hi-Fi ( Music ) channel but .... Erm, 'Talking Head' Video's do NOT NEED the Bloody Annoying / Droning / Distracting NOISE ( ie Music ) Playing AT THE SAME TIME that Some-one is ''Talking'' ! ! ! .... I Stopped Watching after less than 2 minutes .....

[@Dreamonoids]

Thanks for the 2 minutes.