Rega Saturn MK3 and Rega Elicit MK5 Review
The early bird may catch the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese. This mindset has guided Rega for a long time, which is why they don’t follow every new trend. Now, however, they’ve released updates for the Saturn CD player and the Elicit integrated amplifier.
When the author first visited Rega Research, the English company had just created its debut CD player called the Planet. It was the 14th year after the introduction of the CD, and it felt like Rega was the last high-end maker in the world to launch a CD player.
The original Saturn MK3 ancestor made a splash in the hi-fi scene—it was fairly affordable at $1,380. Also, it was among the few CD players that even die-hard analog fans didn’t reject because it delivered gripping dynamics and a keen sense of proper timing.
Rega’s unwavering position has always been to stay true to the analog sound ideal without being rushed by market pressures. They aim for a very natural sound. For CD playback, they prioritize mechanical stability and carefully considered D/A conversion. This doesn’t necessarily mean using the latest “fashionable chipsets.”
Indeed, the Saturn MK3’s mono DACs still come from Wolfson, just like in its predecessor, the Saturn-R. They use the same WM8742 chips, which is noteworthy given the eight-year gap. However, chip availability changed significantly in 2020 because of AKM supply issues, and Rega also had a large stock of Wolfson chips. With the renewed surge in CD interest, the company stopped producing the entry-level Apollo so it could save chips for the Saturn MK3, Isis, and Isis Valve—something the writer considers a good choice.
Rega’s fascination with robust mechanics remains: they use a top-loading design for the Saturn, skipping a motorized drawer. This is sensible because high-quality mechanisms have become rare. Plus, placing a CD on a top-loader can feel a bit like handling a record.
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The Saturn MK3’s drive mechanism is borrowed from Rega’s flagship Isis CD player, but it doesn’t read single-layer SACDs. As a result, it cannot output Direct Stream Digital through its digital outputs. Its internal DAC also doesn’t accept DSD, though it does handle PCM up to 24 bit/192 kHz.
Now for what’s new: The Saturn’s case has been redesigned to match Rega’s latest product line, giving it an impressively solid build. There are also key improvements to the analog output stage and to the power supply for both digital and analog sections. Another new addition is the Solaris remote control, which not only operates the CD player but also the Elicit MK5 integrated amplifier. This “partner in crime” goes hand in hand with the Saturn MK3.
Rega has long preferred top-loading drives for its CD players. Though it can be slightly tricky to load, the design is very stable.
The Saturn MK3 has multiple inputs for its built-in DAC (USB-B, optical, coax) and can also be used strictly as a CD transport (CD Output). Unlike previous Rega CD players, this one has a detachable power cord.
Frequency responses: Clean DAC frequency curves (fs 192/96/44.1 kHz), flawless pre-emphasis decoding
Distortion spectrum 1 kHz, 0 dBFS: Slight 50 Hz hum visible, otherwise very low noise floor with noticeable k2, k3, k5, and k7 components
Rega Saturn MK3 Specs
$2,600
Dimensions (WxHxD): 43.2 x 8.2 (17.0) x 32.0 cm
Weight: 9.7 kg
Measurements
- Noise Floor (A-weighted): 107 dB
- Output Impedance: 600 Ω
- Output Voltage: 2.2 V
Functions
- Overview
- CD, CD-R, CD-RW
- DAC with 5 digital inputs
- Supported Formats
- PCM up to 24 bit/192 kHz
- Other Details
- Digital outputs: coaxial, optical, USB
- Remote control
- 5 selectable filters
- No XLR outputs
- No SACD playback
- No headphone output
- Available only in black
Test Score
- Measurements: 9/10
- Practical Use: 7/10
- Build Quality: 8/10
- Sound (DSD / 24/96 / 16/44.1): ≈9/10
- Overall Rating: 89 points
- Price/Performance: Outstanding
The Elicit MK5’s enclosure is more streamlined than its predecessors. Still, staying true to Rega’s purist design, the amp weighs a solid 12.5 kilograms.
Within its sturdy frame, the Elicit MK5 houses a powerful power supply, a DAC, and a phono stage.
A new era for the amps
Now in its fifth generation, the Elicit marks a turning point: it’s the first Rega amplifier with digital inputs and a DAC. Previously, Rega’s electronics stood out for a rugged and minimalist approach, along with excellent sound.
The Elicit MK5’s advanced digital module is a streamlined combination of the stand-alone DAC-R and the Saturn MK3’s DAC boards. It also lacks DSD decoding, Bluetooth, and a USB input, so you can’t hook up a computer directly.
Even though the Elicit only provides two digital inputs (TOSLink, S/PDIF), it includes four line inputs, plus connections for MM cartridges and headphones. A unique feature is its ability to function purely as a power amp (Direct Input). However, be cautious: this bypasses volume control, so keep an eye on input levels to avoid damaging speakers.
All Elicit MK5 amplifier stages are built on a single circuit board. For the best sound, Rega uses discrete components, high-quality relays, polypropylene capacitors, and Sanken output transistors.
“British Sound”? No way!
For the listening test, the reviewer paired the Elicit MK5 with the Mission 770 monitor. As a comparison, the similarly priced Exposure 3510 INT was used.
The Elicit MK4/MK5 integrated amplifier matches the Saturn MK3 especially well in terms of sound.
In short, the Rega performed on the same level as the top-tier Exposure. The Exposure had punch, fullness, and authority, while the Rega dazzled with an exceptionally open and lively presentation for its price. In the midrange, the Elicit sounded remarkably detailed and nimble. It also remained composed at high volume and with bass-heavy tracks—even during complex passages—staying precise, tight, and powerful. That’s why it earned a stereoplay highlight. This praise also applied to its built-in MM phono and DAC sections, which were equally lively, clean, and natural.
The Saturn MK3 CD player was similarly impressive with its firm yet crystal-clear approach. Compared to the more balanced Technics SL-G700 M2, the Saturn sounded a bit more open and direct, although it centered the music more. The Technics, in turn, offered a larger soundstage.
Altogether, the Saturn MK3 is another standout from Rega Research. Few affordable CD players with a built-in DAC can compete with its focused, energetic, and highly detailed sound. Hats off, especially for the excellent DAC board!
Conclusion: Rega took its time updating the Saturn and Elicit, staying calm under market pressure. The result is two comprehensively upgraded devices with very high-end sound—a departure from the usual idea of a “British Sound.” The reviewer would avoid pairing them with overly bright speakers. Good to know Rega also makes speakers of its own.
Marius Dittert
Rega usually keeps things simple. It’s therefore even more surprising that the new Elicit MK5 features digital inputs in addition to its analog connections.
Rega Elicit MK5 Measurement diagrams
Frequency responses: Wide and flat response for both analog and digital signals (center), and a rumble filter for phono (green)
Distortion analysis k2 to k5 vs. power: Low overall distortion dominated by even-order harmonics (k2 in red, k4 in blue). THD+N at 1 W is 0.015%.
Rega Elicit MK5 Specs
$2,600
Dimensions (WxHxD): 43.2 x 8.2 x 34.0 cm
Weight: 12.5 kg
Practice and Compatibility
Amplifier Compatibility Diagram
- Easily drives both voltage- and current-hungry speakers
- Protection circuit activates under highly complex loads
- Voltage at 8 Ω: 25.8 V
- Frequency Response: 0.1 dB
- Current at 3 Ω: 7.5 A
Measurements
- Sine Wave Power (1 kHz, THD=1%)
- 8 Ω: 97 W
- 4 Ω: 150 W
- Music Power (60 Hz burst)
- 8 Ω: 83 W
- 4 Ω: 69 W
- Signal-to-Noise Ratio
- Line/Digital (10 V, A-weighted): 99/99 dB
- Phono MM (with cartridge, 10 V, A-weighted): 79/76 dB
- Power Consumption
- Standby/Operation: 0/28 W
Test Results
- Measurements: 8/10
- Practical Operation: 7/10
- Build Quality: 8/10
- Sound (Analog/Streaming/USB): ~8/10
- Overall Rating: 78 points
- Price/Performance: Outstanding
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