Exposure 2510 Amplifier and Rega Elicit - Review and comparison

The excellent and well reviewed Rega Elicit has always been the 'go to' mid price amplifier .... We think the new Exposure 2150 is a great alternative.

[@redrobbosworkshop]

Nice overview. I have the Eliict and one thing you notice is the very warm running at idle. That's because it pulls nearly 400ma from the mains which is about ten times more than most A/B amplifiers. The upshot is you get the first couple of watts output in Class A. The encoder style volume control takes a bit of getting used to but as you say it's nice and accurate. I use it to drive small Maggies and it pairs very well.

[@RonRivet]

I am a Rega fan and have had the older Brio, Elex r, Exon 3's with Cursa and now have the Elicit r and my 2 favourites are the Exons and now the Elicit. I sold the Exons to save room. I really like the Elicit r. I am pairing it with a Rel t9x sub and it sounds sublime! My Totem Tribe Tower speakers need power and the Elicit r is up to the task. Thanks for posting.

[@tonyfafoglia2927]

The Elicit R is great amp I've owned mine since 2018. I know there's a new version coming this year. However I would caution owners against leaving it powered up 24/7 as he stated in the video it runs quite hot. Even with good ventilation mine started thermal tripping last year. Had to send it to US authorized service center for rebias and they had to replace a few parts. This is fairly common as I gather and the US dist covered it under warranty. The service tech suggested it would be best to power down when not in use. Worked great ever since. If you using larger or more full range speakers the Elicit R out shines the Elex R and Brio R.

[@dannyhoughton9545]

I bought the Elicit R in the video and am really happy with it. I see what Phil was getting at in his remarks, but I haven't found it too smooth and polite at all. Playing LP's through a Rega MC phone stage (AT-OC9XSH cartridge) the sound is sensational. I'm now debating about an Apollo CD player to go with it.

[@Mike82ARP]

I watched this because I wanted to hear someone's impression between the two amps. Man, you mailed it! Subbed! I've been a Rega fan for quite a while. I bought a Brio several years ago which I enjoyed, so I upgraded to the Elex-R to get more of the Rega sound and the Elex-R did so. After a while I thought I'd upgrade to the Elicit-R to get even more of that great Rega sound. Well, as you rightly noted, the Elicit-R is quite a different sounding amp than the Elex-R and you described the sonic characteristics the same way I heard them. To be honest I preferred the Elex-R over the Elicit-R in my system (Rega Saturn-R, Dynaudio Focus 110- circa 2008 version). The Elicit-R is gone and I'm considering replacing it with another Elex-R or maybe the Exposure 2510. I have fond memories of listening to an Exposure amp a few years ago and that may be the way I go. P.S. What equipment stand are you using?

[@cmessi]

Did you buy an Exposure?

[@peterwrigley5678]

Hello from Australia! I currently own a Elex R and I was wondering how the 2510 compares to it? Much of a step up? There are very few places here that sell Exposure gear. Love your videos 👍

[@TheReal_iLPrincipe]

I totally agree with the description of the elicit's sound. I've had the brio, the elex r and now I got the elicit r, and like them all. For me, the brio and the elex r were totally fun, but sometimes too forward sounding, espacially the elex r. Choosing between the elex r and elicit r is really a question of taste. Compared to Musical fidelity m5si, the m5si has more boosted bass and boosted upper midrange. Just didnt fit with my dynaudio excite x 34 and my taste. The elicit r is tonaly a warmer sounding amp. Best value for money is, objectively speaking, the brio. Best value for my personal taste is the elicit r.

[@cmessi]

Is the elicit less forward and warmer than the elex r?

[@TheReal_iLPrincipe]

@@cmessi yes. It has a punchier bass and is more polite sounding, yet engaging. The elex r is nice, but in my system it was a too lean sounding. Still a good Amp.

[@cmessi]

Thanks. What exactly means 'lean'? Boring? @@TheReal_iLPrincipe

[@TheReal_iLPrincipe]

It's not boring at all. With "lean" I mean a sound, that is on the opposite of thick. For example the bass on the elex is very precise and fun, but if you like it more round and strong, it is not for you. (It depends on your speakers though; in my case it was for my taste not what I wanted; the elicit is fuller, richer) @@cmessi

[@georgedomse]

Some constructive criticism, since I really like like your content. 1. Get a better microphone, your voice is lost in the background and noise is distracting. As a step 0, even the headset of your phone will do. 2. Write out a script of what you are going to say. That makes your videos a bit shorter, more comprehensive and easier to follow. 3. The script will also help you to be less monotonous. You will be able to focus on HOW you explain things if you don't have to concentrate on WHAT you want to say next. 4. But just for the future: lighting will improve video quality manyfold. LED lights are easy and cheap to come by. That's a non-issue for now, but if you want to improve on your views, this will help a LOT. Apart from that I can only encourage you to keep up the good wirk!

[@1jhnpennington]

All sound advice, but I think it would take the charm out of his videos.

[@mrkitewine7700]

Thanks for this comparison. Which of these 2 would be the better partner for the Neat Motive SX3 standmount speakers?

[@howardskeivys4184]

I’m going to disagree with you. I have a Rega Elicit. I’ve had it for years. I ‘'’king love it. I recently visited my local ‘bricks & mortar’ dealer, looking at a potential upgrade. I blind tested my Elicit against the Ethos and the Osiris. Both myself and the shop staff were stunned. We seriously couldn’t differentiate between the Elicit and it’s double the price sibling, the Ethos. It wasn’t until the dealer introduced into the equation a more difficult to drive pair of speakers that the weaknesses of the Elicit and strengths of the Ethos became apparent. The assistant smiled as he said ‘we’ve just talked you out of an upgrade’. He boxed up my old Elicit and handed it back to me! Months later I did upgrade my amplification to a 4 times the price of the Elicit, preamp/monoblocks combination. I expected the difference to be night and day. It wasn’t. Not even dusk and dawn! My Elicit, although not plumbed in, still sits proudly in my hifi rack, as a back up and ready for active, if necessary. I can’t comment on the Exposures, I’ve never experienced the pleasure of listening to one.

[@cheshireaudio]

Interesting one .... always worth trying these things for yourself

[@ariefpoerniawan]

I have elecit r… my commend….. wow ! It makes music more lively, make you want to tab your feet.. and just bring out the soul from the music… i wonder if i can pair it with dynaudio confidence 20 with aethos ? Anyone with this experience ?

[@Musixlover100]

@@ariefpoerniawan I love my Contour 20i paired with elicit-r: fantastic ....

[@ariefpoerniawan]

@@Musixlover100 is the elicit strong enough to drive them ?

[@jimioutback]

Yes do a video on the Exposure 5010s please, and how they compare to xm9, 3510 mono blocks, and vs 3510 integrated; do they blow all others out of the water in every regard, and represent equal value for money? Ta very much in advance!

[@filofilo8127]

I auditioned the rega elicit r but ultimately went with exposure 3010 pre/ power amp combination. Both companies produce excellent amps. I have read that the Rega does have a tendency to run hot.

[@MaxZappa1]

New Exposure 2510 v discontinued Exposure 3010s2D. What are the sonic differences and which do you think would pair best with my Linn Kan MK1 speakers?

[@depechem0demusic]

What would you say is your favourite of the two if it were your money you were spending??

[@binksdave]

Do you think the 2510 would be a good match with Neat Petite Classics? Struggling to find any matched amp recommendations anywhere online! Cheers

[@yayasgoal]

Thank you for excellent review. I have an Exposure 3010s2d amp which was an upgrade from the Rega Brio r. It has much more of everything. My dilemma is that I have an opportunity to purchase a used Rega Osiris. Anybody any experience of them with Dynaudio speakers. Mine are Special 40’s. 👍

[@Percival1919]

I'd love to hear your views when you get the 3010 with the 40s

[@thomaskendorski9291]

I had the rega elicit r with the sp 40 and sounded very good

[@cmessi]

What sounds better with dynaudio? Rega or Exposure?

[@yayasgoal]

@@cmessi they both work very well as does Hegel. I have a Rega Osiris with Heritage Special, very happy. It will depend on your budget as both brands are excellent.

[@dansaville5]

Hi what would you say is a better amp the Rega Elicit R or the Roksan K3? Thank you.

[@markjohnathanappleton8642]

Great video as always

[@Romulus980]

I notice from above video that the Exposure only have one type of connector (banana plug?) for Speakers, would that be an issue when choosing different speakers for the amp...?

[@cheshireaudio]

No not really, most cables have 4mm and the plugs are easy to fit if not

[@sam66hazmal]

Great video and yes I agree with your observations of the Elicit R. Ive tried both the Elex R and Elicit R in the past in the same system at home. I found the cheaper Elex R more engaging and more fun to listen to. The Elicit R was very different, more laid back, little more refined, it was nice though, polite sounding. Of the two I thought the Elex R was better value. As you say it’s always worth listening before buying. I’m using an Exposure 2010S at present it’s really very good, I even prefer it to my old Naim 122x/150x. The Exposure 2510 is excellent value I think. Also it’s been very well reviewed elsewhere too. Thanks again.

[@Mike82ARP]

Hi Sam: I've watched most of your videos, too. How would you contrast the Naim sound to the Exposure sound since I may give the XS3 an audition as I have a dealer not too far away.

[@sam66hazmal]

@@Mike82ARP In my experience my Exposure 2010S sounds warmer than the Naim The Naim I used was more forward in its presentation. Although I’ve not tried the XS3 but it would certainly be worthwhile auditioning with some music you are familiar with.

[@sam66hazmal]

@@johnsweda2999 I used to read reviews and started taking an interest in measurements and graphs. For me I prefer to have a long term home demo and see how a product integrates with my system and room. It’s much more fun but I can also see why measurements are also interesting.

[@truthful3777]

Hi, would like to know how it compare to your elex-R to exposure 2010? Was thinking of upgrading my Brio....

[@sam66hazmal]

@@truthful3777 I tried the Mira many years ago but not the Brio. I really enjoyed the Elex R but decided on the Heed Obelisk after also hearing the Elict R. The Exposure 2010S has been replay by the latest model the 2510 and is at a different price category at £1595 approx to the Elex R which is cheaper. What I found is that the Exposure 2010S provides greater refinement over the Elex R and so it should given that it’s more expensive. I bought mine used though which was a bargain.

[@RonRivet]

I have a newer Elex r and run all Rega gear except for my speakers which are Totem Tribe Towers. I`m quite curious as to how the Elicit r would sound in my system. There is a low priced used Elicit r for sale here in Canada that is advertised by a reputable stereo shop to be in excellent condition and is sold by the original owner. Very tempted to buy it and see which one I like better and would sell the one I don`t like as much. I`m a little leary about the Elicit being too bright and too forward.

[@claptoned0]

I hesitate between Rega elicit mk5, Exposure 3510 and Sugden 21 Se signature for my Tannoy XT8F: What should be the best choixe for you ?

[@danielmitrovic9320]

for my Person, the sugden gives the tannoy warm sounding! Tube amps would be also be good choice. Willsenton r8

[@Progster1980]

Buongiorno, può avere senso collegare un Exposure xm5 ad un finale di potenza Exposure 3010s2? I miei speaker sono Monitor Audio Gold 100 5g. Grazie

[@mpp9964]

For the price of the Exposure they owe their customers a remote that doesn’t look like it was repurposed from an off brand 1980’s CRT TV.

[@sbwlearning1372]

And to up that power from a weasly 75 watts. These companies are so mean in the amount of power they give you

[@hoobsgroove]

any experience with DNM amplifiers thinking about getting one or maybe an exposure? playing vinyl I think they do a good phono stage DNM as well

[@cheshireaudio]

Yes, DNM make superb pre amps... the power amps need careful matching, but if your speakers are fairly easy to drive, very good too

[@hoobsgroove]

@@cheshireaudio yes that's interesting probably get the two power amps of the dnm. thanks you, ever think your get any in? I'll probably get some JBL M2 speakers as well I was thinking about the active BSS active crossover, not sure yet might be better than having the dnm power amps??

[@borlach321]

I tried an Exposure 3010 integrated and promptly sent it back. The residual noise coming from the pre-amp section was horrid. Make my Focal's hiss like a pre-historic snake. I could even hear it from my listening position. Really don't understand what the engineers at exposure are thinking. Never had that issue with Rega, Musical Fidelity, or even Arcam.

[@luispineda7464]

Does the IO sounds similar to the Elex R?? Or more like the Elicit R?

[@nc3419]

From other's posts comparing the Brio, it sounds more like the Elex R but less refined and supposedly hum may be an issue. If its between the two, given there's a sale on the Elex R, I'd go for the Elex R if size isn't an issue.

[@anthony2010707]

Thanks for your lovely video, i just purchased the 2510, i was wondering what would be the best power amplifier for it, thanks.

[@markburrell8320]

Which Phonostage is better …Rega Elicit or Exposure 2510

[@cheshireaudio]

I suspect the Rega might just be better, but it’s s close thing, Exposure are pretty talented with phono stages

[@aidanpallister7784]

Would the Musical Fidelity M5si compete in this price range, any views as to how it would compare?

[@aidanpallister7784]

Great video btw, really enjoying your content.

[@cheshireaudio]

I’ve not been totally convinced by more recent MF kit really, they’ve changed ownership ... their best amps were in the late 80s early 90s

[@aidanpallister7784]

@@cheshireaudio thanks for the reply. Sorry, one further question, I have MA Silver 200s (I think you stock), which of these amps are a better match for the MA’s, I’d appreciate any insights if you’ve tried this combination. Thanks again.

[@cheshireaudio]

@@aidanpallister7784 That's ok .... I think the Exposure suits their character better ... would be a good combination

[@aidanpallister7784]

@@cheshireaudio thank you 🙏.

[@bshah4831]

The Elicit benefits from good quality mains cable and decent fuse.

[@CinemaDemocratica]

"Class A" means that there's only one output transistor instead of two, eliminating the possibility of crossover distortion. You can't "emulate" that. You can build a Class-A/B amplifier that you think and hope sounds like Class-A, but that's something manufacturers have been doing all up and down the line for decades.

[@truthful3777]

A decade ago or more exposure S2010 comes with Silver front facia.

[@gerum009]

what language is this?

[@cmessi]

Chinese

[@jonesjoy834]

Italian

[@truthful3777]

Your heading is wrong...it should be 2510 instead of 2150....

[@cheshireaudio]

Ha .... hadn't noticed that, thank you

[@MaxZappa1]

Rega Elicit-R has been discontinued.

[@claptoned0]

Elicit MK5 is the new model , with the preamp from the Aethos :)

[@mikegoddard7354]

rega doesn't have a ground o.o

[@michaeloconnor9465]

What annoys me the most on audio videos is grading amps at price point. Blind testing is needed. What amp is best is impossible tell. I am sure there are £1000 amp that will that will beat a £2000 amp or as good. Videos leave me confused. I have never heard rega. I would like to know how it compares to a £3000 or £4000 amp, if it isn't better how close does it get to them. Amps from other manufactures. Is it value for money. I am not criticise this video just a general view of videos on KZbin in general. Every time a video is done what is being reviewed is the best thing since sliced bread. What is never said how good it is compared to 10 other amps of all price ranges. Because of the lack of choice dealers offer for audition if is often impossible demo products unless they are made by the big corporations who control so much of the market. I hardly get to demo anything because of the distances involved to get to a dealer and then they might not have my equipment. I live in SE London and we have Billy Vee and Sevenoaks nearby. Billy have mostly Naim and Linn. Sevenoaks tend to sell only the mainstream products. Only one dealer has Rega.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

Im here from A British Audiophile

[@rosariogofredo6379]

like

[@rosariogofredo6379]

black

[@audiophileuk1341]

Mumble mumble

[@cheshireaudio]

Rude rude

[@cmessi]

​@@cheshireaudiohaha, good reaction 👍