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  1. Home
  2. Rega Amplifiers
  3. Integrated Amplifiers
  4. Rega Elex-R
Rega Elex-R Review
Rega Elex-R - Front View

Compare To

Main Features

  • 72 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • 2-channel
  • Class A/B
  • Minimum impedance: 4 ohms
  • Phono Input
  • Weight: 24.90 lbs / 10.90 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):3.15 x 16.9 x 12.6 inch
  • Replaced by the Rega Elex Mk4 compare them
MSRP: $1,395 (list price)
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Rega Elex-R Review
Rega Elex-R Rega Elex-R
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Made by Rega · United Kingdom · since 1973 · sold through dealers

The Elex-R is an integrated amplifier by Rega that delivers 72 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms. It was released in 2014. It is a 2-channel design using a Class A/B output stage. A minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes it compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. It also has a phono input, so a turntable can connect straight to it. The Rega Elex-R has an MSRP of $1,395.

Rega later replaced the Rega Elex-R with the Rega Elex Mk4. Follow the link to read our in-depth comparison of these speakers:
Compare Rega Elex-R vs Rega Elex Mk4

There are 8 Rega amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.

Rega Integrated Amplifier Series
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Bluetooth
Rega Elex-R
724ΩNoNo
Rega Brio
Compare
504ΩNoNo
Rega Elicit MK5
Compare
1054ΩYesNo
Rega io
Compare
304ΩNoNo
Rega Aethos
Compare
125—NoNo
Rega Brio Mk 7
Compare
504ΩYesNo
Rega Elex Mk4
Compare
72—YesNo
Rega Osiris
Compare
160—NoNo

Performance Specs

One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements. The Rega Elex-R is rated at 72 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Rega provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.007% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).

Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:

  • 72 watts into 8-ohms at 0.007%
  • 90 watts into 6-ohms
  • 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)

How loud will 72 watts actually play in your room? →

Wiring more than one pair of speakers to it? Check the load first →

Which speakers suit the Rega Elex-R?

72 W into 8 ohms, rated down to 4 ohms. We rank every passive speaker we cover against it on power, impedance safety and current delivery.

We check power, impedance safety and current delivery - not just watts.

Need more power?

Rega Elex-R is rated at 72 watts into 8 ohms, which puts it in our 61 to 90 watts band. The next band up is 91 to 120 watts, which is worth about 1.5dB more output. That is a real difference in headroom on peaks, and a modest one in how loud the system plays - power and loudness are not the same thing.

  • Arcam A25 – 100 watts, $1,499 compare
  • Onkyo Icon A-50 – 110 watts, $1,600 compare
  • Marantz MODEL M1 – 100 watts, $1,000 compare

Before buying watts, check what your speakers actually need: the amp and speaker matcher works it out from their sensitivity, impedance and your room. Plenty of systems are better served by the Up to 60 watts band and better speakers.

When pairing the Rega Elex-R with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels. Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.


What size of room is the Rega Elex-R Amplifier good for?

An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Rega Elex-R amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:

Listening Environment Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

Inputs and Outputs

Besides the performance specs of the Rega Elex-R, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers. Rega Elex-R has total of 4 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).

Rega Elex-R Back View
Rega Elex-R Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
  • Phono Input

Outputs
  • Speaker Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • 1/4-inch Headphone Output

Rega Elex-R Terminals
Rega Elex-R's terminals

Bluetooth Connectivity

Rega Elex-R doesn't have bluetooth connectivity feature. In order to stream your music via bluetooth, the easiest way is to connect an external bluetooth receiver to your Rega Elex-R. Two bluetooth receivers that we recommend are the iFi Zen Blue V2 and the Audioengine B1.

Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:

  • Rotel A12 MKII - MSRP 1100$ - Compare w/ Elex-R
  • Cambridge Audio CXA81 - MSRP 1299$ - Compare w/ Elex-R
  • NAD C 389 - MSRP 1499$ - Compare w/ Elex-R
  • Marantz PM7000N - MSRP 1299$ - Compare w/ Elex-R
  • Audiolab 6000A MKII - MSRP 1099$ - Compare w/ Elex-R

Phono Input

Rega Elex-R features one Phono Input which is compatible with MM (Moving Magnet) type of phono cartridges, you can connect your turntable with MM cartridges directly to this amp without the need for a phono preamp. If you are using an MC cartridge on your turntable, you need to use a phono preamp that has MC phono stage such as the Cambridge Duo or the iFi ZEN Phono.

Subwoofer Output

Rega Elex-R has Stereo RCA preamp outputs which can be used to connect to a powered subwoofer via an RCA cable ( as long as your sub supports this connection).
Check our Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with Rega Elex-R amp and your speakers.

Rega Elex-R Physical Controls
Rega Elex-R Physical Controls

Rega Elex-R External Dimensions and Weight

Rega Elex-R has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 3.15inch x 16.9inch x 12.6inch (80.0mm x 430.0mm x 320.0mm ). The unit weighs 10.9 kg (24.9 lbs).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of the Rega Elex-R is approximately 1376.0cm2 / 213.3inch2.

  • Width: 430.0mm (16.9")
  • Height: 80.0mm (3.15")
  • Depth: 320.0mm (12.6")
  • Weight: 10.9 kg (24.9 lbs)
  • Base Surface Area: ~1376.0cm2 / 213.3inch2
  • Volume: ~11.0 liter / 2.9 gallon

Available colors

Rega Elex-R is available in Black color options.

Official Product Page

Official manufacturer's product page for the Rega Elex-R Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for Rega Elex-R

Warranty

Lifetime Limited Warranty of parts warranty and Lifetime Limited Warranty of labor warranty is generally provided for the Rega Elex-R by the manufacturer.

Rega Elex-R Detailed Specifications

General
Brand Rega
Full Model Name Rega Elex-R
Release Date 2014
Amplifier Type Integrated Amplifier
Number of Channels 2
Amp Class Class A/B
Amplifier Technology Solid State
Performance
Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms 72 watts
Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms 90 watts
Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms N/A
Frequency Bandwidth
THD 0.007%
Minimum Impedance 4
Signal to Noise Ratio N/A
Digital Music
Built-in DAC No
Bluetooth No
WiFi
Ecosystem
Apple AirPlay No
Apple AirPlay2 No
DTS Play-Fi No
Chromecast built-in No
Roon No
HEOS No
BluOS No

CONNECTIONS
Total Analog Inputs 4
Phono Input Yes
Optical Digital Inputs No
Coaxial Digital Inputs No
USB Input No
Preamp Outputs Stereo RCA
Pre-out / Main-in Loop No
Headphone Output 1/4-inch
Removable Power Cord Yes
PHYSICAL SPECS
Height 80.0mm (3.15")
Width 430.0mm (16.9")
Depth 320.0mm (12.6")
Weight 10.9 kg (24.9 lbs)
Available Colors Black
OTHER
Parts Warranty Lifetime Limited Warranty
Labor Warranty Lifetime Limited Warranty
Rega Elex-R Alternatives in No Streaming Amplifiers
Model Watts (8Ω) Min. Impedance DAC Phono
Rega Elicit MK5
Compare
1054ΩYesMM
Rega Brio
Compare
504ΩNoMM
Audiolab 6000A
Compare
504ΩYesMM
Roksan Attessa Integrated Amp
Compare
804ΩYesMM
Rotel A14 MKII
Compare
804ΩYesMM
Marantz PM6007
Compare
454ΩYesMM
Denon PMA-1700NE
Compare
704ΩYesMM,MC
Rega io
Compare
304ΩNoMM
Frequently Asked Questions about Rega Elex-R

How much power does the Rega Elex-R have?

The Rega Elex-R delivers 72 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms.

Does the Rega Elex-R use vacuum tubes?

No. The Rega Elex-R is a solid-state amplifier - there are no vacuum tubes in it.

What amplifier class is the Rega Elex-R?

The Rega Elex-R uses a Class A/B amplifier design. Class A/B is the traditional linear design: it runs warmer and is less efficient than Class D, but it is long valued for its natural, low-distortion sound.

Does the Rega Elex-R have a built-in DAC?

No. The Rega Elex-R has no built-in DAC, so a digital source such as a streamer or CD transport needs its own converter, or you connect it over analogue.

Can I connect a turntable to the Rega Elex-R?

Yes. The Rega Elex-R has a built-in phono stage for MM cartridges, so a turntable can be connected directly without a separate phono preamp. It is voiced for moving-magnet cartridges; a moving-coil cartridge would need an extra step-up stage.

Does the Rega Elex-R have Bluetooth?

No. The Rega Elex-R does not have Bluetooth built in; you would need an external Bluetooth receiver connected to one of its inputs.

Does the Rega Elex-R have a headphone output?

Yes. The Rega Elex-R has a 1/4-inch headphone output on the front panel for private listening.

How much does the Rega Elex-R cost?

The Rega Elex-R has a manufacturer's list price (MSRP) of $1,395.

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