We have been here before. The integrated amplifiers from these two British hi-fi brands have faced off against each other in hotly contested battles in previous years, with Award wins changing hands as a new contender emerges at this price.
In the defending corner, we have the multiple Award-winning Cambridge Audio CXA81. Now in its fourth consecutive year as champ, it still stands tall above hugely talented competitors in terms of performance and features offered for the money.
As the new challenger, Rega’s Elex Mk4 has a tough hill to climb. It is the successor to one of our favourite older amps, the Elex-R, which has been sorely due an upgrade since it lost its mantle to the CXA81. For the Elex Mk4, staunchly analogue-first brand Rega has finally added a DAC (and a headphone port).
Build and design
Rega has gone for a robust, minimal styling that should slot into any hi-fi rack. It’s sturdy, hefty and more streamlined than the Elex-R. The all-black
