Rega Elicit Mk5 and how it fits with the range from Io, Brio, Elex-r and Aethos explained by Michael

The latest revision of the Elicit amplifier from Rega has improved the performance and added new digital facilities. What these are and why are explained here by Michael from Lyric Hifi. Rega is a specialist British company that designs and manufactures performance products with purpose that are loved by enthusiasts the world over. If you want your system to come from a Chinese sweatbox then look elsewhere. If you want to invest in lasting products built by people who care then Rega is for you!

[@thebestoffools]

I auditioned one at my audio shop and I liked it so much that I left with the floor model ! At first, I was disappointed there was no USB input but it sounds so good I just had to get it. Very happy to have upgraded to this model. Thank you Mr. McClean for the video.

[@Octocoupler]

Great video Michael, keep up the love of your work.

[@ramblinginmeath4950]

Just been speaking with Sam at the shop about the Elicit MK5 - very helpful and informative gent and I will more then likely purchase it -- just need to move my Leak 130 and CDT on and then I am good to go - Greetings from Paul

[@fossilfern]

Hope to grab one myself at some point. For me the days of Hifi seperates are over and I just want an "all in one" but I dont want to cheap out and the lifetime warranty is something else that is swaying me as I plan to hold on to the Elicit for a long long long time! I live in Belfast myself so hopefully I'll be buying from you at some point! Cheers!

[@user-xv4hh2ck9v]

Thats why I got a Nice LFD Plus. Using 1990's components and a lot less busy than this amp.

[@stevenmilne6534]

Hi Michael, I just purchased my very first Rega Elicit mk5 (Beatiful Amp by the way) to replace my Rotel and wow what a difference with my Monitor Audio Silver 300 7g, they have just opened up. I was curious is there a film that needs to come off front panel. Steven

[@watdanuqta-mf5ms]

I own an Elicit without the DAC and it's a great product; super quiet phono section that I run my MC phono stage through for even quieter backgrounds and I love the volume control and industrial design. But when I purchased my ATC 19 V2's, it just didn't have the muscle for them. Your comment on power ratings is right because the amp that I later purchased to power the ATC's, on paper did not seem that different except for the fact that it had much better current ability into lower impedances. Still, I'm keeping it around because in most other instances is a fabulous product.

[@patrickf.7025]

you think is a good amp for my ATC SCM11?

[@watdanuqta-mf5ms]

@@patrickf.7025 Even though the mid-bass drivers are of the same size, the SCM-11s are different with a smaller voice coil in the 11s which suggests an easier time moving that driver. What are you driving them with now? Most ATC's that I ever listened to require power. While they're not too efficient, they are a sealed box that could work to your advantage by not rolling off as quick as a ported system plus they are an easy load for the amplifier. It just doesn't have the balls to move the 19s to exciting levels, my opinion of course. Of course, auditioning them together would be best.

[@osakapark]

Thank you for awesome review. it helps a lot to understand the power principle in general. I have a question. I am about upgrading my Elex R to Elicit mk5. Still I do love my Elex but I expect better sound clarity from Elicit MK5. Regarding rega 's sound clarity, will it be proper upgrade?

[@michaelmcclean5169]

Thanks for your kind comments. Elex R vs Elicit 5 is a listening comparison I have done for customers 4/5 times now. This has been with streaming and vinyl sources and also over a range of loudspeakers. In every case the result is the same. With the Elicit instruments and vocals are more realistic and it brings the music to life. It's not just power for the sake of it, it's to improve the realism. As long as the rest of the system is up to it this is an excellent upgrade, get a comparative listen for yourself if possible, i know you'll be happy. Best wishes, Michael

[@FranciscoGonzalez-nr2xv]

Hello, I have a question. Is the Rega Elicit MK 5 a dual mono amplifier design just like Aethos? two complete output stages in parallel, this includes the output transistors, the bias network and the pre-diver transistor, instead of paralleling only the output transistors as is normally found Thank you

[@pietervg5541]

Hallo Michael, is the volume control of the Elicit 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! 😊

[@Audiorevue]

What I've heard about it is that they've effectively kept the same power supply section and of course they've added the digital converter but most importanty I've read that they've updated the thermal capacity of the amplifier to keep it running cooler. because as I understand a lot of people that have had the older model have had issues with thermal shutdown due to overheating, I mean not necessarily a bad thing given the performance but it is disheartening nonetheless. Also a few reviewers that have had access to it seem to indicate that the older model had a very mature sound which kind of was a departure from the typical sound that the company is known for with their amplifiers however with this new iteration they have brought the sound more in line to what people expect from their amplifiers. On a more personal note I feel that it's a winner, sure people are going to complain about the lack of a USB input for your computer but the fact that they've added digital inputs at all is a tremendous boon and ultimately a very welcome change and if I hadn't just purchased the rega dac r New Old stock I would have consider upgrading my elex r.

[@michaelmcclean5169]

Thanks for taking the time to write your comments. I am intrigued by reviewers interpretations of manufacturers going for a particular sound. While there are manufacturers out there that describe themselves as 'voicing' products I find that by and large they are the bullshitters who want to introduce some kind of art into engineering. I believe that Rega's pure development work on the Aethos amplifier yielded lower distortions and improved dynamic performance resulting in cleaner, more dynamic and more musical sound. Whatever all that means in the end it sounds terrific. The Elicit5 is not a completely new design in that elements learned from the Aethos process are retained to achieve the best possible set of compromises chosen for the overall sound and cost package. This is how engineers work for the best solution and Rega's engineers have done a great job. Again! Michael

[@ferrypohl]

No doubt about it, it is a wonderful amp, sounds great and has all the inputs I need, except for one thing: I can hardly imagine that there is someone who can read the current input on the display, figures are way too small and backlight waytoo dark! I wouldn‘t mind controlling the elicit with a chopped remote which should be taylored to elicit - I normally control the apollo cd player with it‘s tiny remote and would love to see an aquivalent for the elicit

[@mookie2637]

Can I ask why that earth (yellow/green) wire is just flapping around in the open Eleicit? Is it tagged to the cover somehow?

[@borlach321]

Michael, this amp looks like it could drive Dynaudio evoke series pretty easily. What do you think? I have the Evoke 30.

[@kristofl1096]

Thank you for this video. The mk5 is on my short list. Do you think if that can be a good match with spendor A4 or Dynaudio special forty?

[@stevewaring7177]

I've just bought one which I'm using with Spendor S5E and I'm very happy with this pairing

[@osakapark]

Hi Michael, i am really about to buy Elicit. Recently Naim nait xs3 is very intriguing regardless of its quality issue and hum sound issue. If you compare XS3 vs Elicit, which one will be your pick? Thank you for your advice in advance!

[@michaelmcclean5169]

Hi, If you were local I would say call in for a listen yourself. Here's why: There are a few parameters to consider, imho the Naim vocals are superb however they can be a bit forward with the wrong speaker and some people really do enjoy that! You get great punch and pace with that trade-off. I feel the Rega is more evenly balanced and works with a wider range of equipment. It delivers power with control and really draws you into the music. So it depends on your source, your speakers, and then you!! Sorry not to tell you what to buy, you are looking at the two outstanding amplifiers at this price range. Good luck! Michael

[@Romulus980]

Thank you for your explanation as to measurements of power output. I am interested in the Rega Elicit MK5; can it drive & control difficult speakers in general or specificly can it drive an ATC SCM19 speakers or is that too ambitious hope...

[@michaelmcclean5169]

Hi, I don't believe that the load of the ATCs is 'difficult'. The impedance is normal and doesn't vary much with frequency. I DO believe that ATCs are very revealing ! That means that your source and amplifier need to be good. I honestly haven't tried the new Elicit5 with ATCs however I believe it should work really well. Just make sure you have a good source, if it's not up to it you will hear that clearly. Good hunting ! Michael

[@thebestoffools]

I drive a pair of ATC SCM7s which are rathed at 84db unlike the SCM19s which are rathed at 85db with a Rega Elex-R (72,5w into 8 ohms) without any problem, and although this mean little to nothing my volume knob doesn't even go pass 10 o'clock. Like Michael said, all those power ratings are really just numbers, so let your ears be the real judge rather than the numbers. It's true that the ATCs are very revealing. Sometimes you might hear some harshness on poorly recorded material and if your source isn't very good. If you can find a dealer that offers a in-home trial I would strongly advise this so you can ear the synergy in your own environment.

[@Romulus980]

@@michaelmcclean5169 Thank you for your advice. It seems when considering ATC speakers make sure rest of the system will not let the speakers down.

[@xstensl8823]

same here@@thebestoffools

[@oscarqp7209]

Hi Michael, thanks for your video. I'm thinking about buying the elicit MK5 to use it with the JBL L100 speakers, 4 Ohms. Do you think they would match?

[@michaelmcclean5169]

Hi Oscar Driving 4 Ohms speakers is no problem for the Elicit. Although I haven't tried these with it I foresee no issues at all Best Wishes Michael

[@joaolance1994]

Good evening, I have a Rega Elex r MK3 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?

[@michaelmcclean5169]

Hi Joao The L50s are good enough to show the improvement in sound of the Aethos over the Elicit. Would be good if you are near a Rega dealer who could let you hear for yourself. If it's in the budget i would go for the Aethos. Best wishes Michael

[@joaolance1994]

@@michaelmcclean5169 Have you heard these speakers with any of these amplifiers? what differences am i going to identify between elicit mk5 and aethos with these Speakers? isn't the aethos too good amp for the JBL L50?

[@jmydy]

Wharfedale Linton + Elicit MK5 (using high quality external DAC). Will this be a good match?

[@funcionyforma]

Same question here, do you have the chance to find out?

[@MGDRIVING]

Have you ever listened to a set of Klipsch Heritage connected to a Rega Aethos? I am considering changing my speaker set-up from Usher Dancer Mini-One Diamond speakers with a JL E-100 Sub to a set of Klipsch Forte IV. This is my current system: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3msiaSke7NsqpI. Also, what speakers would you pair with the Aethos?

[@RonRivet]

My local stereo shop here in Canada has a new Elicit r to sell and said the only difference between the new Elicit r and the Elicit MK5 is that the mk5 has a headphone jack and a dac but everything else is the same. Do you agree? Thanks for posting.

[@michaelmcclean5169]

Hi Ron, they are sort of correct in that those are the physical improvements however......the board is redesigned and when you compare them side by side the mk5 definitely sounds better. I have done the comparison for a few clients now. Everyone agrees the Mk5 is better but some have opted to save the extra money and go for one of the last of the Rs. I won't tell you which to buy, here with a little discount on the old one the difference is £500, but if the funds are there I would wait for the new one. Best wishes, happy new year to you

[@RonRivet]

​@@michaelmcclean5169 thank you Michael. I ended up buying a good used Elicit r to hear in my mostly all Rega system. It was the only way I could decide which one I liked best and though I do like the Elex r, it is quite apparent that the Elicit is better sounding, especially since I added a REL t9x sub to it. It sounds wonderful with my Totem Tribe Tower speakers. Now would you say that the new Elex r mk4 would be better sounding than the older Elicit r or should I just hang on to the old Elicit r until I can afford to buy a new Elicit MK5? Thanks so much for posting and your reply, much appreciated! :)

[@michaelmcclean5169]

@@RonRivet Hi Ron, while I haven't in truth listened to the comparison I am certain that your Elicit-r is superior to an Elex 4. I would enjoy it unitl the finds allow a new Elicit, or even Aethos !! Best Wishes Michael

[@RonRivet]

​@@michaelmcclean5169 thank you Michael. I will wait until I can afford an Elicit Mk5.

[@JoFreddieRevDr]

In that price bracket, I would not be using a stereo amplifier for TV sound, for TV I would want a 5.1 system at the very least, yes I used to hook my TV up to the stereo in the 80's and 90's but video audio has come on a long way since then.. When it comes to streaming music content, a DAC in the Amp could come in VERY useful, though the lack of a USB input would be restrictive.

[@michaelmcclean5169]

Thanks for the reply, it depends on your priority, if it’s tv/movies then the av route is right for you but don’t assume that a 5.1 at that price competes with the Elicit. I like av amps such as Arcam and anthem which are great but they don’t do what the elicit does! Still doesn’t mean it’s for everyone though!

[@johnshore3095]

Agree on the USB input. The DAC in the CD players had a usb dac input if I am correct.

[@Zodliness]

It's a shame the original impressive powerhouse of the Rega amplifier range the 'Elicit R' somehow didn't even get a mention in this video. I love my Elicit R amplifier cos I'm old-school analogue. Surely it wasn't that much of a bastard child to exclude it from the Rega line-up? 😉👍

[@ivankrga8817]

Elicit Mk5 vs Exposure 3510?