Rega - Elex Mk4 Integrated Amplifier

72 watts into 8 ohms and 90 into 6, with a Wolfson-based DAC, an MM phono stage and preamp and record outputs.

The Elex Mk4 is where Rega’s integrated range moves to a full-width chassis and starts adding connectivity properly. Power is 72 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 90 watts into 6, with speaker terminals rated for 4 to 16 ohms.

The DAC section uses a Wolfson S/PDIF receiver and Wolfson DAC, with coaxial and Toslink optical inputs, handling 16 to 24-bit at sample rates from 32kHz to 192kHz. Alongside it are four line-level inputs and a moving magnet phono input.

It also adds the outputs the smaller models lack: a 625mV preamp output and a 164mV record output, plus a front-panel headphone socket.

Two points worth stating plainly. Rega’s own product page feature list omits the remote control, which has led some people to think there isn’t one — the user manual confirms a mini system remote is supplied and that the volume control is motorised. And Rega publishes no 4-ohm power figure for this model, only 8 and 6 ohms, so we have not printed one. The manual does warn that sustained high-level use into 6 ohms or less can trigger the thermal cut-out.

Features

• 72W per channel into 8 Ω, 90W into 6 Ω
• Wolfson S/PDIF receiver and Wolfson DAC, 16 to 24-bit, 32kHz to 192kHz
• Two digital inputs — coaxial and Toslink optical
• Four line-level inputs plus a moving magnet phono input
• Preamp output at 625mV and record output at 164mV
• Front-panel headphone output
• Mini system remote supplied; motorised volume control
• Speaker terminals rated 4 – 16 Ω; 11kg full-width chassis

Specifications

• Type: Integrated amplifier with moving magnet phono stage and DAC
• Power Output: 72W per channel into 8 Ω; 90W per channel into 6 Ω
• Power into 4 Ohms: Not published. Rega quotes 8 and 6 Ω only for the Elex Mk4, and we have not interpolated a figure. The manual warns that continued high-level use into 6 Ω or less can trigger thermal shutdown
• Speaker Load Rating: Terminals rated 4 – 16 Ω
• Line Inputs: Four, on Line 2 to 5
• Phono Stage: Phono Input 1, high quality moving magnet only. There is no moving coil capability
• DAC: Rega DAC circuit using a Wolfson S/PDIF receiver and Wolfson DAC. Two digital inputs — D1 S/PDIF coaxial and D2 Toslink optical
• DAC Sample Rates: 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz
• DAC Bit Depth: 16 to 24-bit
• Headphone Output: Yes, front panel
• Preamp Output: 625mV
• Record Output: 164mV
• Remote Control: Mini system remote handset supplied, with motorised volume control. Note Rega’s own product page feature list omits this — the user manual confirms it
• Protection: Thermal cut-out, short circuit protection, DC protection
• Dimensions: 432 x 82 x 340 mm (17 x 3.25 x 13.4″), including loudspeaker terminals
• Weight: 11kg (24.3 lb)
• Power Consumption: 250W; 0W off
• Origin: Made in England. Rega Research Ltd, Southend-on-Sea, Essex
• Warranty: Lifetime Limited Warranty against confirmed manufacturing defects. It excludes wear and tear and parts considered consumable, and Rega states that unauthorised modification or failure to follow its guidelines may invalidate it
• Not Published: Power into 4 ohms; THD; signal-to-noise ratio