rega Elex MK4 Integrated Amplifier User Manual

rega Elex MK4 Integrated Amplifier

Please be sure to carefully read this manual before using the product. This ensures that you are getting the most out of your product. Please scan the QR Code to access the multilingual user manual via the product web page.

For user instructions in your language, please visit www.rega.co.uk and go to the download section of your chosen product page.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

CAUTION: Risk of electric shock do not open.

ATTENTION

• The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of un-insulated ‘dangerous voltage’ within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
• The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the service literature relevant to this appliance.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Service

With the unit disconnected from the mains, clean only with a dry micro fiber cloth. Do not remove any coverings; there are no user-serviceable parts inside. If the unit performs erratically or emits smoke or odour, disconnect from the power supply and take it to a qualified service technician.

Lifetime Limited Warranty

Every product we make is designed and assembled in the UK to the highest possible standard. This warranty covers confirmed manufacturing defects. This warranty does not cover wear and tear, or parts that are considered consumable. Any unauthorised modifications or failure to follow the Rega recommended guidelines in the product manual may invalidate the warranty. Due to local laws, warranties may vary by country in which units are sold. Please contact your Rega retailer or distributor for warranty details. Your statutory rights are not affected. Please do not dispose of the product packaging. The original packaging must be used if returning a product to your dealer or distributor for inspection or repair. Please visit the homepage of www.rega.co.uk for further warranty details.

Safety Instructions

Do not use this unit near liquids or expose to moisture. Do not use near sources of heat such as radiators, vents, stoves, or candles. Ensure adequate ventilation around the product, at least 10cm in all directions, and avoid placing the unit on soft surfaces such as long carpet and fabric. Do not open the product enclosure or force objects into openings in the unit. Place the unit on a fixed level surface where it will not fall or tip. The unit should only be used in moderate climates between 5°C (41°F) and 35°C (95°F). Keep packaging material and small pieces out of reach of children. Unplug the power supply if the unit is unused for extended periods of time.

COMPLIANCE INFORMATION

This symbol indicates that the electronic equipment bearing it should not be disposed of as general household waste at the end of its life. The equipment should be disposed of at a collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment in accordance with national legislation and Directive 2012/19/EU. For more information about how to dispose of your waste electronic equipment, please contact your local authority or retailer where you purchased the product. In the UK, please return your product to the retailer.

CE Mark

This symbol indicates that this product complies with the relevant European Directives.

UKCA Mark

This symbol indicates that this product complies with the UK conformity safety requirements.

Eurasian Conformity Mark (EAC)

This product meets Russia, Byelorussia and Kazakhstan electronic safety approvals.

Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM)

This symbol indicates that this product meets Australia, New Zealand Safety, EMC and Radio Communications requirements.

• FCC Compliance Statement: Per 47 CFR § 2.1077
• Manufacturer: Rega Research Ltd.
• Model: Elex MK4

US Responsible Party

• The Sound Organisation 1009 Oakmead Drive Arlington, Texas 76011
• +1 (972) 234 0182
• soundorg.com
• support@soundorg.com

This device complies with FCC Part 15 Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Canada ICES Verification Statement: Per Section 8 ISED STANDARD ICES-003

Issue 7

• Manufacturer: Rega Research Ltd.
• Model: Elex MK4
• Canada Responsible Party
• The Sound Organisation Canada 347 Charles-Marchand Repentigny QC J5X 4N8
• +1 585-200-0665
• soundorg.ca
• support@soundorg.ca

BATTERY DISPOSAL

Batteries may contain substances harmful to the environment. Please dispose of any discharged batteries with due consideration and in accordance with local environmental/electronic recycling guidelines.

Warning: Batteries may explode or leak if recharged, disposed of in fire, or dissected.

• Battery type: chemical system
• Zinc – Coil: 2 pieces AAA
• 9V PP3: Alkaline

Information on the safe removal of the batteries or accumulators

• Warning: Make sure the battery is completely drained.
• Carefully remove the battery or accumulator.
• The battery or accumulator and the device can now be disposed of separately.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Rega Elex MK4. The Elex MK4 is a stereo integrated amplifier designed to deliver the purest musical performance. Housed in a brand new custom designed case to match the rest of the Rega range, the new MK4 builds on previous Rega designs by using our multi-award- winning Class A/B power amplifier circuit to deliver a powerful 72W per channel into 8Ω loads. This power is provided by a quiet multi-stage linear supply whilst supply rails for digital and analogue sections are galvanically isolated.

The Elex MK4 can drive difficult loudspeakers with ease and will integrate perfectly into any audio system by offering a wide range of connectivity options. In addition to line, digital, and a high-quality moving magnet (MM) phono input, you will also find Pre-Out, Record Out functionality and a high- performance headphone output. As you would expect, special attention has been paid to the selection of key audio components. Discrete circuitry, high- quality relays, polypropene capacitors, and Sanken output transistors are used throughout the design. The galvanically/optically isolated digital inputs utilise a Wolfson S/PDIF receiver IC to provide exceptional detail and clarity from any connected source. Output is provided by a Wolfson DAC and Rega designed discrete line-driver circuit. The new Elex MK4 calls upon decades of award-winning experience in amplifier and digital circuit design which culminates in a perfectly engineered balance of reliability, connectivity and above all, accurate music reproduction.

INSTALLATION

INSTALLATION & VENTILATION

The Elex MK4 amplifier will work well on most surfaces, such as a shelf or a table, provided there is sufficient air around the case to prevent overheating. If using a turntable, avoid magnetic interference by positioning the amplifier as far away from the turntable as the tonearm lead will allow. If possible, place it to the left of the turntable. Keep other equipment away from the amplifier. Due to the layout of Rega’s amplifier circuit designs, they are virtually insusceptible to electromagnetic interference, and by virtue of a full metal enclosure, emit practically no electromagnetic radiation. However, placing any electronic equipment such as sensitive phono amplifiers close together may impair the performance of one or both items. Never stack other hi-fi components on top of the Elex MK4.

WARNING

• The mains supply cord functions as a mains disconnect device.
• The socket outlet should therefore be located near the equipment and be easily accessible.

The heat produced by the Elex MK4 amplifier is dispersed via the heat sinks located on either side of the product. Please ensure adequate space around the exterior of the product to allow for sufficient airflow, otherwise overheating may result. If the Elex MK4 is driven at high volume for a long period, it may become quite warm. This is entirely acceptable if there is sufficient ventilation, and the amplifier will continue to work normally without damage. If the amplifier is overdriven, it may overheat, however the Elex MK4 contains thermal protection that will disable the output or the power to the product temporarily. Once the product has cooled, it will automatically resume normal operation. Never place the amplifier on carpets, rugs, or bedding.

WARNING: Case sides may become very hot!

CONNECTIVITY

REAR PANEL CONNECTIVITY

1. Phono Input 1:  Enables connection of a turntable with a moving magnet cartridge. Loading will be suitable for most MM cartridge designs on the market, and a dedicated grounding point is provided directly below the input sockets for tonearms with a separate ground wire (not required for Rega tonearms).
2. Line Inputs 2 to 5:  The line inputs enable the connection of sources, such as a streamer, CD player, DAC, tuner, DVD or Blu-ray player for use with an Audio-Visual system. These inputs are at standard line level and are suitable for any equipment with output at that level.
3. Record Output:  This is a line level output intended for use with an auxiliary device such as a headphone amplifier or recording device such as a CD/DVD recorder, MD, tape cassette machine or sound card. Record Output is the same signal as selected by the main input selector (analogue inputs 1-4 or digital inputs D1/D2) and is not affected by the volume control.
4. Pre-Amp Output:  The pre-amplifier can drive at least 5 power amplifiers, sub bass units etc. The pre-amplifier output uses RCA type (phono) connectors. The output level is 625mV with a line input level and is always active.
5. Digital Inputs:  These are S/PDIF digital inputs. Input D1 enables the co-ax input and D2 enables the Toslink input. All common input bit depths and sample rates up to 24bit/192kHz are supported.
6. Speaker Terminals:  These are intended for use with 4-16Ω speakers. Sustained use into speakers of less than 8Ω could make the unit run warmer than normal.
7. Mains Fuse:  See back panel for rating.
   • WARNING: Replace only with same type and rating.
8. Mains Power Inlet: Connect to mains supply. See ratings label beneath inlet for country-specific voltage, current and frequency ratings.

WARNING: Only use product with a power supply that conforms to the ratings listed on the label.

CONTROLS

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

1. On/Off Switch: The power switch to the left of the control panel turns the amplifier on and off. The Elex MK4 is on when the switch is depressed and off when it is out. The Rega logo will illuminate red when the switch is on and the product is supplied with power, indicating that the power supply is operational. Please refer to the diagram below.
2. Several seconds after turning on you may hear a gentle click, indicating that the switch-on relay has been released and the amplifier is ready for use. Always allow the Elex MK4 to fully power down (indicated by the power Rega logo disappearing after 5 seconds) before switching on again, so that the self-test circuitry can complete its reset cycle.
3. Headphone Socket:  The Elex MK4 can drive all standard hi-fi headphones (see specifications for the output levels). When headphones are connected, the speakers will automatically be turned off. However, it is recommended to reduce the volume of the Elex MK4 before connecting headphones to ensure they are not damaged and prevent potential hearing damage.
   • WARNING: To prevent possible hearing damage, DO NOT listen to headphones at high levels for long periods of time.
4. Input Selection:  The inputs are selected by pressing the Input button on either the front panel or the supplied remote. Repeatedly pressing the Input button will cycle through inputs 1-5, D1 and D2. The selected input is indicated by the input LEDs 1-5, D1 and D2 on the front panel.
5. Input Indicator LEDs: The selected input will illuminate red.
6. Mute LED:  Illuminates red when Mute is active, this is controlled by the corresponding button on the supplied remote. The speaker, preamp, and headphone outputs are disabled.
7. Volume Control: The volume of the amplifier can be adjusted using either the volume control or via the supplied remote. The control is motorised and will move independently when the remote is used.

REMOTE

MINI REMOTE CONTROL

The mini remote (supplied) is a system remote handset. It allows you to operate all the various remote controllable functions of this and many other Rega products. (Batteries included: 2 x AAA Alkaline)

OPERATION/PROTECTION

THERMAL CUT-OUT

If the amplifier reaches a temperature liable to cause internal electronic damage, a thermal protection sensor will shut the unit off or disable speaker output. The unit should be turned off for at least 10 minutes to allow for cooling. After this period, the amplifier should automatically reset and continue to work normally. If it does not, turn the unit off for a longer period, allowing complete cooling of the amplifier before trying again.

OPERATING TEMPERATURE

Allow adequate air circulation around the left and right-hand sides of the product, as these are the heat sinks for the power amplifier and will run hot with high listening levels. This unit is intended for use in moderate climates. Recommended ambient operating temperature 5 to 35°C. The thermal cut-out should only occur with continuous over-driving of a difficult load. If it occurs under normal conditions, there could be a problem with insufficient airflow around the heat sinks or a fault with the loudspeakers. In this case it is advisable to contact your Rega dealer.

DC PROTECTION

One of the design requirements of the Elex MK4 was to keep the capacitors in the signal path to a minimum to prevent unnecessary sound degradation at this crucial line level stage. To achieve this requirement, the output of the power amplifier is DC coupled. In the unlikely event of a circuit failure causing any one of the above outputs to produce an excessive DC voltage, the DC protection will activate within milliseconds, protecting any connected device.

SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION

If the speaker leads are shorted, the fold back short circuit protection will protect the output stage from excessive currents. This protection circuit is not placed in the audio signal path and therefore does not affect sound quality.

SPECIFICATIONS

Rega Research Ltd.

• 6 Coopers Way
• Temple Farm Industrial Estate
• Southend-on-Sea SS2 5TE
• www.rega.co.uk
• ELEX MK4 / Version 1

MADE IN ENGLAND

References

• Rega – award winning hi-fi, designed and made in England since 1973.
• The Sound Organisation Canada
• The Sound Organisation | High Fidelity Audio Equipment | Audiophile and High End Audio
• Rega – award winning hi-fi, designed and made in England since 1973.
• Rega – award winning hi-fi, designed and made in England since 1973.

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