Rega has announced a new Elex Mk4 integrated amplifier with custom designed case, improved circuit layout, digital inputs and a headphone output. Housed in a brand-new case to match the rest of the Rega range, the Mk4 builds on previous Rega designs using their award winning class A/B power amplifier circuit which delivers 72W per channel into 8Ω loads (90W into 6Ω). New connectivity options include a Rega DAC circuit with two digital inputs and an a high quality headphone output on the front panel.
Rega have re-engineered the entire Elex circuit board to optimise performance. Power is provided by a quiet, multi-stage linear supply whilst supply rails for digital and analogue sections are galvanically isolated.
The digital to analogue converter is based closely on the Rega DAC-R circuit. The galvanically/optically isolated digital inputs utilise a Wolfson S/PDIF receiver IC while output is provided by a Wolfson DAC and Rega designed discrete line-driver circuit. Our engineers have worked exceptionally hard to ensure that the analogue side of the circuit is not affected in any way by the introduction of digital inputs.
A moving magnet (MM) phono stage is built into the circuit. The RIAA equalization has been split into two stages to minimise interaction. Polyester capacitors have been used in the signal path and polypropylene capacitators are used in the RIAA equalization circuits.
We have taken great care to incorporate the headphone socket on the Elex Mk4. This has been configured such that the speaker switching is performed by the output mute relay to avoid obstructing the signal path ensuring no loss of performance when it is not in use. The Rega Elex Mk4 retails for £1,199 and is available now.