Rega Elex-R Amplifier

Joey gives and overview of Rega's Elex-R.
"The Elex-R is a sublime blend of the Brio-R design with the power circuits and advanced phono stage of the Elicit-R. Rega’s engineers have achieved the perfect balance of power, control and dynamics, delivering a performance that always puts the music first.
You will find plenty of connectivity options allowing complete flexibility and integration within the rest of the Rega range.
Winner of the WHAT HI-FI? AWARDS 2014, 2015 & 2016 for Best stereo amp."
-Rega
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www.dreamonoids.com/
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Mail Box: 1711 Guadalupe St. San Antonio, TX 78207

[@ericdimson1]

Thanks for the helpful reply. I will be getting an Elex-R today.

[@Dreamonoids]

Yes!

[@RonRivet]

I've swapped out my Cursa 3 pre amp for a Rega Elex r to go with my Exon 3's as well as my REL sub and I am very happy with what I'm hearing! Thanks for posting Joey!

[@joeylopezphd]

Glad you are enjoying it!

[@RonRivet]

@@joeylopezphd I really am. I really liked the sound of the Elex r on it's own. Now it's the same warm, detailed and smooth sound but on steroids with the Exon 3's. My Rega RS5'S have their own designated amps. Pretty sweet actually.

[@Dreamonoids]

Joey is a wizard.

[@rednao]

Another great, honest review.

[@Dreamonoids]

Thank you!

[@Arslanbey701]

great amp, i use it with pleasure, thanks for sharing and demo ...

[@Dreamonoids]

Great to hear.

[@Audiorevue]

in my opinion there is no doubt in my mind that the built-in phono stage in this amp is just tremendous and probably the best moving magnet stage that I've heard in an integrated amp under about four Grand.

[@Dreamonoids]

That’s a pretty good stance I’d say.

[@justonemoregshock]

Is it the best amp in the world or is it the best fking amp in the world? As you can clearly see I'm a bit puzzled on that one.. Signed by a proud owner of Rega Elex-R :)

[@Audiorevue]

@@justonemoregshock well not to take away from clearly what it is but I didn't necessarily say that it was the best amp in the world. I personally feel it's probably the best integrated amp under $2,500, matter of fact the only close equivalent that I can think of is the marantz PM 8006 and it's not exactly a close race. they're very similar in their design and power output but I do think the marantz is slightly better built and also I think the marantz is a bit quieter, like background noise. where the rega really edges it out in my opinion is its phono stage which I already mentioned and the fact that it just has that boogie Factor, like when I put on music with rega I just want to get up and dance and I really thoroughly enjoy what I'm listening to, with the marantz on the other hand I sort of feel more like I'm in a chin stroking kind of mood. it also has the boogie Factor but it's more adult about it. now like I said it is not to take away from the Rega because it is a fantastic amplifier and would be my first pick if I had $2,000 to spend.

[@justonemoregshock]

@@Audiorevue Well, guess what? I just bought a completely new one for $965.. Don't believe it? Post your email or whatnot and I will share my receipt :P

[@justonemoregshock]

@@Audiorevue Come on, don't be such a snowflake, lol. Say something nice instead. A guy just paid less than 1k for something you said you'd pay 2,5k and yet you say "who cares?" lol And, to be honest, I couldn't care less of your opinion, I'm just enjoying myself and having a blast with Rega Elex-R, that's all mate, really :) And when it comes to the "background noise" you mentioned, oh yeah, definitely you sound like you get a lot of that.. Lol BTW, I'm guessing you're just having one of those "chin stroking kind of mood", lol

[@Alex-io6ky]

great info on amp and use

[@Dreamonoids]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@dkaplowitz]

The phono stage piece was informative, but it's not clear whether I need this phono device between, say, a Planar 3 and an Elex-R. Is the phono stage required, or can you run a turntable directly into the Elex-R? I was under the assumption my signal chain could be phono => elex-r ==> speakers to start out with. Is that not the case? (Obviously I'm new to hifi.) Thanks for any info.

[@joeylopezphd]

Great question. The Reason I mentioned the Fono MC is because the Elex R does have a Moving Magnet phono section (MM), which IF you are running a P3 with a Moving Magnet cartridge like the Elys 2 or Exact, will work just as you described. It when you want to move up to a moving coil phono cartridge like a Rega Ania, that’s when you will need to move up to a Fono MC aka moving coil phone section as the Elex R does NOT have a MC phono section. Hope that helps.

[@dkaplowitz]

Perfectly clear now. Thanks!

[@Dreamonoids]

@@dkaplowitz Joey with the save!

[@RiaTolstoy]

Great review 😁 the Elex r is a lovely amp. I went for an Aethos which is awesome but do wonder whether I needed too. I do notice the dual monos and balance in the Aethos. And it's beefier 😁... Havent heard the Elicit, I assume its just a little more resolving than the Elex-r.... Anyhooo 🙄🤣

[@Nightjar726]

RiaTolstoy I Have the Elex R. What are the main differences between that and the Atheos? I love the Elex R btw. Love the wide soundstage , how you can pick out instruments with ease, and it’s not too tight but not loose at all. Let’s the instruments sound real and breathe. Can hear the nice decay of instruments.

[@michaelmasztal7871]

The Aethos is a great amp! FWIW, I had the Exex-R and liked it so much I traded it in for an Elicit-R to get more of that Rega sound. To my surprise (and others have commented) the Elicit-R has an entirely different, un-Rega sound. Yes, more punch and detail, but the mid-range takes on a different flavor. The mids were a good bit more analytical which is not my preference. Others might appreciate that sonic presentation. I sold the Elicit-R and am waiting to hear how the new Elicit-V sounds. If it gets back the soul of the Elex-R and Aethos, I may pick it up. Otherwise I'll likely get another Elex-R.

[@thepickyaudiophile]

I’m getting the Elex-r for my second system, since I like my Aethos so very very much and have been really impressed with the sheer musicality of the BRIO when I’ve heard it.

[@justonemoregshock]

Is it the best amp in the world or is it the best fking amp in the world? As you can clearly see I'm a bit puzzled on that one.. Signed by a proud owner of Rega Elex-R :)

[@Dreamonoids]

Now there is a question!

[@meletisstavridis3125]

Hello, nice review. I would like to hear your advice. I looking to change amplifier and i have check a few amps. So my question is between the rega, yamaha s1000 and Atoll IN80 what would you suggest? (Budget 1000$). Currently have a Yamaha s501 paired with B&W 602 s2 speakers. Thank you in advance Mel

[@joeylopezphd]

The Atoll seems to fall in line with Rega’s approach to in house production and has many options the Rega Brio does not offer. That said, having read reviews it seems it is a very analytical amp and requires good system matching. The Rega Brio would probably be a much better option if only considering sound quality and possibly build quality. The Rega IO for $595 might also be a good option.

[@Dreamonoids]

Joey nailed it.

[@amarichalprego]

I have a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 6, I am in the process of changing amplifier. I have the Elex-r in mind and also the Arcam SA20. Could you gime your insight? Thanks

[@Dreamonoids]

While we do not carry Arcam, we have always been fans, we prefer Rega in general over Arcam as it is all produced in house and we feel offers a more musical presentation. That said, everyone hears things their own way.

[@HarveyJohnWillmott]

Hi, I’ve just bought the Rega MK5 MM Fono stage, and I’m about to buy an Elex R. Do you think the separate phono stage will sound better than using the one that is built into the amp?

[@Dreamonoids]

That will be something to test for sure. The ElexR's phono section should be as good as the Fono MM, but it would be best to listen for yourself. The Aria is for sure better than the Elex-R's.

[@rich.muzzaman]

My dealer told me to today that the fono in the Elex R is the mini so adding the MM fono deprecate will be a better option.

[@liviuivanoiu9662]

Hi, pairing this winner amp with audio physic classic 8, could be a good match? they are 4 ohms speakers with 89dB sensitivity . thanks.

[@joeylopezphd]

It would be a good match, it will have the power to drive those speakers in a small/medium sized room. In a large room you will want to possibly upgrade to larger speakers. Just depends on your listening levels.

[@Dreamonoids]

Did you ever try this out?

[@superrsonico]

Hi, great review, thanks. One question, I currently have a Cayin LA34 plus with a Linton and it makes me happy, so my question is, if I change to an Elex, is it an improvement? . Thanks

[@joeylopezphd]

If you are happy and spinning records don’t change a thing!

[@Dreamonoids]

Well put Joey. If it’s sounding great why mess with greatness.

[@Fbpw830]

Just want to ask, may be a stupid question. You mean hook up the subwoofer directly with a RCA cable on the pre-amp output?

[@Dreamonoids]

No stupid questions here. Yes

[@Fbpw830]

@@Dreamonoids Thanks, Got a REL connected, the result is nice...Thanks again

[@anbujava3552]

Hi, is this speakers match to B&w 685s2?

[@Dreamonoids]

No idea, we haven’t heard those.

[@mpmcruz]

My just arrived yesterday

[@Dreamonoids]

Awesome, hope you love it.

[@jameslee-rt6mc]

Preamp section(volume control) Brio : not mentioned, using Japanese ALPS. Elex-R : incorporates a combined feedback and passive volume control. Elicit-R : Combined with FET discrete line level pre-amplifiers and a programmable stepped attenuator volume control. I don’t know exactly what they are doing, does it mean that just become better and better? But their design are totally different instead of just improving.

[@joeylopezphd]

Referring to PRAT improvements in terms of better and better statement. Hope that clarifies.

[@michaelmasztal7871]

Yes, the design is quite different. I had the Exex-R and liked it so much I traded it in for an Elicit-R to get more of that Rega sound. To my surprise (and others have commented) the Elicit-R has an entirely different, un-Rega like sound. Yes, more punch and detail, but the mid-range takes on a different flavor. The mids were a good bit more analytical which is not my preference. Since the Aethos is out of my price range, I may just pick up another Elex-R. It is that good.

[@Dreamonoids]

Great insight.

[@user-nd5vi2lo8w]

Hi. Tannoy xt6, room 12 sqm, that rega or roksan k3?

[@joeylopezphd]

Both are great amps. While we are not a Roksan dealer, we know they make good kit too. I would recommend a comparison if possible. Either way I think you would be happy.

[@user-nd5vi2lo8w]

@@joeylopezphd Thanks for reply!

[@Dreamonoids]

Did you ever get this sorted?

[@joaoguimaraes31]

Anyone thinks it would pair well with a pair with Dali Zensor 5 speakers?

[@Dreamonoids]

We’d be interested to know as well.

[@tehanalyzer217]

Does the elex-R comes up with the lighted logo when powered On just like Brio? I think it look cool.

[@joeylopezphd]

It does

[@Dreamonoids]

Lighted Logos for the win!

[@punx916]

Thanks for the video! I currently have the rega planar 6 with an Ania Rro, Elex-r with the MC fono stage. My question is would it be worth upgrading to the aria in replacement for the MC fono stage? The aria is expensive and i would have no use for the MM side of the aria. Would it be worth upgrading, paying that much for the MC side of the aria alone? Cheers

[@joeylopezphd]

It is worth the upgrade. If possible I would audition the Aria first if such an arrangement is possible just to make sure you feel 100 percent about it. We have been very impressed with both phono sections.

[@punx916]

@@joeylopezphd Niceone Joey! Cheers mate.

[@RonRivet]

Did you have an Exact before getting the Ania Pro for your P6? I'm at that stage where i am thinking of upgrading my cart to an Ania. Do you think there would be more detail? I already have the Aria and can attest that it really is quite nice.

[@punx916]

@@RonRivet Hey Ron! I got the Planar 6 with the ania pro mate. I did have a rega planar 3 with an Elys 2 cartridge was was great but the ania pro is absolute worlds apart. This thing melts faces. The Ania pro would sound like a monster with the aria. I mean i have the MC fono and it sounds great, but of course would be even better with the aria. I contacted a local dealer actually after Joey messaged me as it's easier over the phone and thry agreed the difference is big. My only issue is that its £900 here for the aria mk3. It seems so much coin to pay when i already have an MC fono. I will have to leave that for now i think.

[@RonRivet]

@@punx916 thank you sir. I'm thinking i will go with the Ania. I don't want to spend the extra on the Pro even though it is better. This hobby/passion could get out of hand financially if not careful.

[@gman5218]

⁠ I just bagged one brand new old stock for £800 in Uk (after model refresh). I originally got an Arcam SA20 that I had to return twice for noisy transformers when in standby. Iv had a brio in the past which was great but this is a step up. The phono stage in Rega amps are amazing. The onboard phono is def better than the one in the Arcam (which was good) and way better than my ifi zen phono i have that KZbinrs rave about.

[@Dreamonoids]

Great deal.

[@SacreDro]

Tranzistor amp?

[@Dreamonoids]

I would check the Rega website for detailed specs like that.

[@ericdimson1]

Do you think the sound character of the Elex-R is similar to the Brio or to that of the the Elicit-R?

[@joeylopezphd]

It is honestly some where in between. The Elex-R is such a well rounded amplifier, we have people using it with a P8 and Fono MC all the way to RP6’s with an Exact cart and the built in MM phono section. In terms of speakers people use RX1’s through RX5’s. It really is a sweet spot in Rega’s line up.

[@Dreamonoids]

Great info Joey.

[@N6J6R6]

Joey from Austin Hifi???

[@joeylopezphd]

That’s me!

[@N6J6R6]

@@joeylopezphd Bad ass! It's Nathan in Denver. I got to hang with you and Creston once LOL! Glad to see ya still in the game, bro!

[@joeylopezphd]

@@N6J6R6 figured that was you, I remember we went and ate Italian!

[@N6J6R6]

@@joeylopezphd Heck yes man - Great times! Glad you are well brotha!