Rega Elex-R
Image credit: Rega
M ichael Phelps wouldn’t be considered the greatest Olympian of all time had he settled for his gold rush in 2004 and not persevered by coming back every four years to win some more. Likewise, the Rega Elex-R has been nothing if not persistent since its arrival, and was rewarded with a first Award in 2014.
It managed to keep hold of that Award right up until last year when Cambridge launched the slightly pricier – and very excellent – CXA81, the big brother to the CXA61 featured in this round-up. Still, the Elex-R remains a class leader and a great alternative.
Solidity and longevity
The build quality is as solid as we expect from Rega, and while the casework is functional rather than luxurious, it’s finished neatly and everything feels as though it will last for years.