In the line of integrated amplifiers of the English company Rega, the new Elicit R model occupies the third step after the budget model of the Brio R amplifier, that is, it is intended for those who have passed the initial stage of familiarization with good sound and are ready to move on. Unfortunately, today the situation on the audio market is such that even the second step on the path to perfection will not be cheap. However, if we take into account the fact that Rega continues to assemble its products exclusively at its own production facilities in England, the price of the device seems completely justified. And if we take into account the extraordinary sound quality – even more so.
First of all, I would like to say a few words about the visual and tactile impressions of the amplifier. Due to its compact size, the Rega Elicit R seems very heavy, although it weighs “only” 13 kg. The fact is that usually devices of this form factor weigh half as much, but here the buyer is in for a pleasant surprise. The front panel with the controls located on it is recessed inside. When the power is turned on, the company name and the active input are highlighted in red. In addition, there is a row of LEDs around the volume control knob that light up or go out as the signal level increases or decreases.
The transistor cooling radiators in the Rega Elicit-R are hidden inside the case, with heat dissipated through neat slots in the top and bottom panels. On the rear panel there is a full set of analogue inputs, including an input for connecting a turntable to the amplifier’s built-in phono stage for moving magnet cartridges, paired with a regular line input (switching between them is done by pressing the button located nearby). In addition to the usual inputs, there is a jack for direct connection to the power amplifier section, as well as an output for the signal from the preamplifier. All this together will allow you to implement a bi-amping scheme when using two Rega Elicit R in a system. Overall, the amplifier gives the impression of a carefully thought-out and well-designed device.
Moving on to the description of the sound, it would be useful to recall the background of such a concept as “Rega sound”. In fact, it all started with the first model of the Planet CD player, in which Roy Gandy tried to combine the best features of a digital and analog source, giving it a signature reminiscent of the sound of a vinyl turntable. Since then, Rega has strived to give many of its products a certain vinyl flavor, and the new component is no exception. If in modern High Fidelity technology you are irritated by excessive analyticalness and sharpness of delivery, then you will definitely make friends with Rega Elicit R. Its sound does not have the slightest hint of brightness and emphasis on high frequencies and upper midrange, characteristic of many stereo amplifiers of the middle price category. Drawing an analogy with vinyl, we can say that the sound of the device resembles a good vintage MM cartridge. Rounded, but at the same time dense and structured bass, slightly muffled high frequencies and soft midrange make it possible to listen for a long time even to not the best recorded CDs, which when played on another system you immediately want to throw out the window. Of course, experienced vinyl lovers will say that this is a simplified understanding of analog sound, but it has every right to exist, because Rega components are in good demand and always find their buyer.
As for reference-quality material, the Rega Elicit-R, of course, handles it flawlessly, although there is a slight tendency to emphasize the lower mids here. But, hand on heart, what would you prefer? A system that could reveal 10-20 superbly recorded discs from your collection in all their glory, or one that would allow you to listen to your favorite music in any edition without experiencing discomfort? I think the choice is obvious. At the same time, there are no significant complaints about the reproduction of the timbres of the human voice and live instruments, especially considering the price of the device. This feature is perceived rather as an individual style of the amplifier, and with a plus sign. The current reserve of the Rega Elicit R is definitely enough for confident control of the low-frequency range when combined with most modern floor-standing speakers.
Specifications Rega Elicit-R
Input impedance, kOhm – 10 (linear input), 50 (power amplifier input)
Input sensitivity, mV – 196 (linear input), 760 (power amplifier input)
Output power (at 8 / 4 Ohm load), W – 105 / 162 x 2
Frequency response, Hz – 10—85,000
Harmonic distortion (1 kHz, 1 W), % – 0.01
Audio inputs – RCA stereo pairs (8)
Audio outputs – RCA stereo pairs (2)
Power consumption, W – 375
Dimensions, cm – 8.2 x 43.2 x 34
Weight, kg – 13
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