The new Rega £ 898 amplifier has arrived.

The first impression is that it is seriously heavy and well put together. It is in the same case as the £ 1598 Rega Elicit-R which is why it's so heavy, it's really solid.

Next we have to compare it to the excellent Rega Brio-R. The Brio-R is the best amp at £ 500-ish by a country mile and the new Elex uses very similar preamplifier stages and switching mated with a more powerful amp based on the Elicit-R.

Listening to Nina Simone through Rega RS7 speakers the difference is immediately obvious. The Elex's extra power gives greater bass weight, dynamics, and more sublety on Nina's soulful and emotional vocals.  If you want some Nina in your collection buy the Gold double album, although I also love the Silk and Soul album.

The price difference of £250 for the Elex is well worth it if in the budget. This applies almost regardless of speakers as I also compared them through the compact Kef LS50s with the same results.

From left, Elicit-r with Saturn-r on top, Elex-r, and Brio-r

Moving on to the Elicit-R is miles better again. Lots more resolution of details and dynamics as Nina gets powerful on 'I wish I knew how it feels to be free' and 'Consummation'.

Playing music with more bass weight was interesting. Springsteen's '57 channels' is a good track for sorting out how articulate amplifiers and speakers can be.

This track confirmed earlier findings. Rega's engineers aren't stupid, the Elex is easily superior to the Brio but the Elicit is a leap up again. Well done guys!   

If you want to hear the same comparison let me know, easy to set it up for you with any speaker you choose.