The new Rega Elex mk4 - Unboxing and comparison to the mk3

A quick look at the new Elex and how it compares to the old version ... full review to follow

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

I love the idea of borrowing some of the design flourishes from the Aethos- definately prefer the buttons on the newer ElexR. I have had the 3 version for 8 years now. I made the criticism that it was not a value proposition in North America - mostly because of tax and dealer cost, etc. But I have changed my mind this past year because it has worked so incredibly well , because I love it's simplicity and it's forgiving nature. I will be very sad when the day arrives when I have to replace it. It has given me much more than I ever expected.

[@danieljoseph5274]

Great to discover this and your fab review

[@contemporaryhomeaudio]

Wrap the remote in a couple of layers of kitchen cling wrap and it will always look as good as new when unwrapped.

[@armanddimeo6575]

I was a little disappointed that Rega followed the crowd and added a built-in DAC to the Elex. I have the mark III (Elex R) and love it. I do not use digital sources and would not want to pay for a feature I do not need. Plus most people say you are better off using an outboard DAC. Eventually you will want to upgrade the DAC because they just keep getting better and better. Rega should offer two models, one with the built-in DAC and the other without.

[@nc3419]

A truly balanced input would have been warranted given so many dacs utilize it. Unbalanced is fine but XLR could utilize the increased voltage of dacs or if one prefers to run longer cabling.

[@kibreddy]

Love your channel! I have the Rega Elex mk4 powering my Magnepan 1.7i speakers. It's the best amp pairing so far, and I have owned Kinki Studio XM1+/Denon A110/Vincent Audio SV700. I am a fan of the Rega sound. Wondering how different the Elicit Mk5 would sound and what the main deference would be apart from more power (which I feel I don't need).

[@mrjaffa1013]

I don’t know what my next upgrade should be. I have a P3. Powered by an Arcam SA20. I was considering replacing the Elys cartridge. But now I’m wondering if I should be using a dedicated phono stage. But if I do that, I’m wondering if I’m then wasting the Arcam and would I then be best upgrading the power amp too? Looking at the Rega integrated amps, would that be a good option to cover both? Or would it still be better to have a dedicated phone stage with the likes of the Elicit?

[@billywindsock9597]

Top five films with great music. I've got one, Bladerunner.

[@RonRivet]

I`ve just recently purchased a new Elex r here in Canada and quite like it. I already have a Rega DAC r , Apollo r and Rega Ear headphone amp so didn`t really need the MK4`s onboard dac and headphone connections. Other than that, how does the MK4 compare in sound with the older Elex r? I also have a P6 with Ania Pro MC cart and wasn`t sure how my Bryston TF-1 but would sound with the Elex but it actually sounds quite nice! So no need for me to get the Aria. Thanks for posting.

[@fergwh1te]

So tempting :) I got a Rega Brio a few months ago and sure enough, the price of the Brio dropped a couple of hundred pounds a month later :( Still loving it though. I was hoping to run a second pair of speakers (LS50s) from it through an Audioflow switch into another room. Don't see anything online to the contrary that it wouldn't work.

[@JG-gg9wk]

Can you talk about the price and how much of an increase from previous model. Thanks.

[@justonemoregshock]

I personally do not have anything about integrating DACs with analog units but, with that said, I'd like to point out that Rega used to be really famous for providing pure analog solutions. Knowing that the things would soon change, and apparently they have already, I grabbed the classic Elex-R recently and to all the purist out there I suggest you do the same while you still can cause these babies will soon be available second hand only, if at all.

[@gcahill51]

Is the phono stage the same as the MK3? Or has it been upgraded?

[@jaimeceularcarranco340]

is it worth an upgrade having a Brio? almost three times the price of the Brio, three tiimes more sound quality?

[@alanm.thornton4055]

I still have my step fathers old Rega Mira 1 integrated amp, and love it! But I love my Rega Elex~r Mk3 even more, fed by the Rega DAC~r. Now THIS!?!? Ugh. Aside from the headphone and dac aspects, I wonder how much electronics and sound has changed from Mk3-Mk4? Sure is still a stunner.

[@adrianconti5718]

Apparently the change is only cosmetic, except for the dac the sound is the same!

[@alanm.thornton4055]

@@adrianconti5718 really like that they have a dac now in their amps. It's a smart business move. But a little glad the Mk4 pretty much performs the same sonically and power as the Mk3!

[@o.p.8461]

One question, the previous model ELEX-R had the "issue" of popping sound when turned of, since there was no relais which prevents the signal (stored voltage of the circuit board) getting to the loudspeakers while turning off - has since been adressed with the ELEX MK4? Or is there a (slight or louder?) popping sound when the amp is being turned off? Thanks for sharing our feedback!

[@julemandn24]

There is no pop with the MK4! Had it for home demo with my c7es3s

[@gman5218]

It’s not an issue it was a designed choice not to implement a relay at power on and does no harm. A lot of vintage receivers and some modern amps like Rega make the slight pop noise on switch on.

[@o.p.8461]

@@gman5218 Pretty bad design choice IMHO in modern days ... cars have evolved since then as well ;-) and other amps are designed with comfort as well but not lacking sound quality - IMHO a lame excuse from the vendor...Sorry.

[@xstensl8823]

how does it sound compared to my Brio 2017?

[@andrewlittleboy8532]

Bit of any oversight with no USB input, my Melco for example only has USB out.

[@nc3419]

I suppose if they were to put a dac in their amp, having all three standard connections would be expected.

[@nc3419]

I think the new Elex would have been better served to have added a balanced input rather than an optical and coax dac connection. There are alot of highly capable dacs available which render this addition unnecessary. Perhaps a boost in wattage or an increase in capacitance would have been better, or improvement on SNR, etc. Rega stated their engineers overhauled the board but really, how different is this amp to their last other than the dac and cosmetic changes?

[@xstensl8823]

i just bought a gorgeous Denafrips DAC with balanced outputs. which my Brio had them. come on Rega. we don't need a dac at this level.

[@dab9742]

Does it always make that big "plop" sound when turned on or off ? Totally unacceptable when you have high output speakers, especially exceeding 100db/1w/1m... 🤬

[@o.p.8461]

Interesting to hear feedback/ answer on this as well, because the old Elex-R had a serious plopp when turned of, not very good for the speakers - but Rega always excused themself: This is by design for best audio quality...not sure why others then invest relais to avoid that. So, is this still the case with the Elex MK 4?

[@gman5218]

Does no harm vintage 70s receivers do the same and they are still here 50 years later .

[@julemandn24]

For anyone concerned, the MK4 does not have this issue! Tested it on Harbeth Compact 7s.

[@dal2258]

Nice video but ridiculous EU backstabbing was unnecessary.

[@mikemcguinness1304]

Oh please .... give him a break you BORE

[@WS-ud3vx]

For Christ sake, speak slower and more clearly. Open your mouth and move your tongue to articulate every word.

[@jimsregaturntableshifijukebox]

No wonder he doesn't read the comments with people like you leaving such comments!

[@martingreenwood3394]

For Christ sake sort your ears out because I could hear every word!

[@militarysales]

The most helpful would be to play music samples, no one cares about unboxing and opinions. !