Интегральные усилители — Rega ELEX MK4

The Elex MK4 is an integrated amplifier from Rega, launched on 14 April 2023 at GBP 1,199. In the middle of the British company's amplifier line-up, it sits above the 30 W Io and 50 W Brio and below the Elicit MK5 and the 125 W Aethos. Alongside the power stage, it adds MM phono amplification, digital conversion and a headphone output.

Key specs that matter

Output is 72 W per channel into 8 ohms, rising to 90 W into 6 ohms. Connections comprise four RCA line inputs, a 47 kohm MM phono input, and coaxial and optical digital inputs accepting 16 to 24 bit at 32 to 192 kHz. Outputs are a pre-out at 625 mV, a record output at 164 mV and a 6.35 mm headphone jack on the front. Frequency response on the line inputs extends from 10 Hz at -1 dB to 65 kHz at -3 dB, with THD plus noise of 0.005% at 1 kHz, and the phono stage covers 15 Hz to 65 kHz with RIAA accuracy of ±0.5 dB. The amplifier measures 432 x 82 x 340 mm and weighs 11 kg. It consumes up to 250 W and draws nothing when switched off.

Engineering and use context

Sanken output transistors work in Class A/B, fed by a large toroidal transformer and two 10,000 µF, 50 V reservoir capacitors. The phono stage splits the RIAA equalisation across two stages, a technique Rega uses in its separate phono preamplifiers. The digital section is derived from Rega's DAC-R converter, with a Wolfson S/PDIF receiver and a Wolfson DAC followed by a discrete line driver. Protection circuits cover overheating, short circuits and DC at the outputs. The brushed aluminium case also acts as the heatsink, and a remote control is included. The pre-out can feed a second amplifier or a powered subwoofer, while the record output supplies a fixed signal to a recorder. Rega describes the circuitry as discrete, with relays and polypropylene capacitors, and the phono stage also uses polypropylene capacitors in its signal path. The case is a new custom design for the MK4, and the stated depth includes the loudspeaker terminals.

Pairing

The Elex MK4 is a natural partner for Rega's own Kyte and Aya loudspeakers, whose 6 ohm nominal load matches its 90 W rating. The MM phono stage suits Rega turntables with Rega's own MM cartridges, and a TV or streamer connects through the optical or coaxial input. Moving coil cartridges need an external stage such as the Fono MC MK4.

Alternatives

The Rega Elicit MK5 is the next integrated amplifier up in the Rega range, with 105 W per channel.