The ownership may have changed and their focus broadened to include a lot more than turntables, but it’s hard to think about the iconic British manufacturer and not reminisce about the original Roksan Xerxes. What an amazing deck and challenger to the Linn LP-12. Back to the present and we find that Roksan has announced its new Caspian Series 4G product line.
This new line starts with two entries: The Caspian 4G Integrated Amplifier and the Caspian 4G Streaming Amplifier. In addition, Roksan has also indicated a Caspian 4G Power Amplifier and Preamplifier are coming in 2025.
Roksan’s industrial design for the new Caspian 4G range is rather unique; Battlestar Galactica anyone?
The side panels of the integrated amplifier integrate the heatsinks and the internal layout of the amplifier makes it clear that Roksan runs a tight ship. Parts quality appears to be extremely high.
Rapture DAC Technology
The Caspian Series 4G features Rapture DAC technology which is a differential current-conveyor topology. This topology provides several advantages over traditional approaches to digital to analog reconstruction using op-amp ICs. The current conveyor has superior gain-bandwidth characteristics essential for accurate high-resolution audio reproduction.
Euphoria Amplification
The Caspian Series 4G builds on Class AB amplifier architecture, which is labeled Euphoria. Roksan has observed that there is more to great sound quality than low harmonic distortion and noise floor.
With the Series 4G, Euphoria prioritizes the intermodulation distortion of its designs – and ensures that the harmonic and intermodulation distortion is flat across frequency and load. This is designed to provide purer, cleaner, and more detailed sound reproduction.
Analog Pre-Amplifier and Phono Stage
Caspian Series 4G utilizes a new analog pre-amplifier section designed to make sure audio signals are as clean as possible. Using a balanced design, the Caspian series delivers optimal noise rejection. With a ground-switching input design, cross-talk between connected devices is kept extremely low. This feature builds the technology used in Roksan’s Attessa range. Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges are both accommodated.
Ultra-High Resolution Volume Control
With a running debate on whether a digital-based analog-based volume control is best, Roksan has decided to implement a hybrid design for Caspian Series 4G that incorporates elements of both types.
Caspian 4G Remote Control
The Caspian Integrated Amplifier and Streaming Amplifier ship with a Roksan remote control to help users to easily access and operate the basic features of the two amps. The ergonomic, aluminum extruded design is weighted to be comfortable in the user’s hand. The buttons are clear and intuitive.
MaestroUnite
The app enables users to access advanced configurations such as input configuration, headphone sensitivity, analog input gain, balance and low power standby, and audio preferences.
The app also supports Over-The-Air (OTA) updates and integrates with the Monitor Audio Group products eco-system.
It also features Internal antennas to make placement of the Caspian 4G Series easier.
For those who prefer to use an Ethernet cable, Roksan has included a Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 jack in the 4G Network Amplifier.
Caspian 4G Integrated Amplifier
The Caspian 4G Integrated Amplifier is a two-channel stereo amplifier that provides 105 watts per channel via Euphoria amplifier technologies.
Both analog and digital wired inputs are provided, including a phono connection supported by a phono preamp that supports both MM and MC cartridges.
For digital sources, the amplifier also provides Rapture DAC technology to provide the best possible digital-to-analog conversion needed to supply the speakers with the best possible audio reproduction from those sources.
Caspian 4G Streaming Amplifier
The Caspian 4G Streaming Amplifier incorporates the same Euphoria amplifier technology and power output of the integrated amplifier and provides the same analog and digital connectivity, along with Rapture DAC support.
Pro Tip: The Caspian 4G Streaming Amplifier also includes HDMI-ARC/eARC for easy connection to a compatible TV or project for improved audio listening to TV/Movie/Game content. However, since it is a streaming amplifier there are some additional content access and playback features.
The Caspian 4G Streaming Amplifier incorporates BluOS premium multi-room audio streaming. This platform provides users with access to music and the ability to wirelessly stream music with no lag and zero loss in sound quality. With the Caspian Streaming Amplifier, users can enjoy a full whole-home enhanced listening experience.
Comparison
| Caspian Integrated Amplifier | Caspian Streaming Amplifier | |
| Price | $3,750 | $5,000 |
| Power Amplifier Technology | Dual Mono Euphoria Amplifier | Dual Mono Euphoria Amplifier |
| Amplifier Class | AB | AB |
| Output Power, 8 0hms (235VAC @ 1% THD, both channels driven) | 2 x 105W | 2 x 105W |
| Output Power, 4 0hms (235VAC @ 1% THD, both channels driven) | 2 x 200W | 2 x 200W |
| THD+N (1W @ 1kHz Both Channels driven) | <0.007% | <0.007% |
| Gain | 29dB | 29dB |
| Signal to Noise (1W/8R 2Vrms A1, both channels driven) | >85dB | >85dB |
| Analog Inputs | 2x RCA Stereo (A1, A2) 1x Balanced XLR (A3) | 2x RCA Stereo (A1, A2) 1x Balanced XLR (A3) |
| Digital Inputs | 2x Coax (D1, D2) 2x Optical (D3, D4) Bluetooth Audio | 2x Coax (D1, D2) 2x Optical (D3, D4) Bluetooth Audio BluOS HDMI eARC |
| Analog Outputs | 1x Balanced XLR (Pre1) 1x RCA Stereo (Pre2) 1x RCA Stereo (Pre3) 1 x Subwoofer | 1x Balanced XLR (Pre1) 1x RCA Stereo (Pre2) 1x RCA Stereo (Pre3) 1 x Subwoofer |
| Speaker Connections | 1x Pair of Speaker binding posts (L&R) | 1x Pair of Speaker binding posts (L&R) |
| Other Inputs / Outputs | Wi-Fi 4 BLE 12V Trigger Wired IR | Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 W-Fi 5 Wi-Fi 4 BLE 12V Trigger Wired IR |
| Intelligent DSP | Yes | Yes |
| Primary Interface (on the unit) | Dynamic Control Dial (with haptic feedback) to control volume, inputs & power | Dynamic Control Dial (with haptic feedback) to control volume, inputs & power |
| Secondary Interface (on the unit) | N/A | Backward, Play/Pause, Forward |
| Remote Control | Black, 15-button IR remote. Bead blasted & anodized aluminum extruded case with laser etched logo | Black, 15-button IR remote. Bead blasted & anodized aluminum extruded case with laser etched logo |
| Power Supply | 600VA / 36,400uF per Rail | 600VA / 36,400uF per Rail |
| Phono Inputs | MM/MC | MM/MC |
| Gain MM | 53dB | 53dB |
| Gain Adjustment MM | Low (-6dB), Mid (0dB default), High (+6dB) | Low (-6dB), Mid (0dB default), High (+6dB) |
| Input Impedance MM | 47k ohms/100pF | 47k ohms/100pF |
| Gain MC | 73dB | 73dB |
| Gain Adjustment MC | Low (-6dB), Mid (0dB default), High (+6dB) | Low (-6dB), Mid (0dB default), High (+6dB) |
| Input Impedance MC | 100 ohms/470pF | 100 ohms/470pF |
| RIAA response accuracy MM/MC | +-0.3dB 20Hz – 20kHz | +-0.3dB 20Hz – 20kHz |
| DAC Technology | Rapture DAC, Dual Mono Balanced | Rapture DAC, Dual Mono Balanced |
| DAC Format Support | PCM | PCM |
| DAC Sampling Rate | up to 24bit / 192kHz | up to 24bit / 192kHz |
| Volume Control Technology | Hybrid Digital Analogue | Hybrid Digital Analogue |
| Volume Control Matching | <0.25dB | <0.25dB |
| Bluetooth Protocols | A2DP Audio Profile | A2DP Audio Profile |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX & AAC | SBC, aptX & AAC |
| Bluetooth Range | >15m | >15m |
| Coax Inputs (D1, D2) | up to 24bit / 192kHz (Stereo) | up to 24bit / 192kHz (Stereo) |
| Optical Inputs (D3, D4) | up to 24bit / 192kHz (Stereo | up to 24bit / 192kHz (Stereo |
| HDMI ARC & eARC | No | Yes (HDMI ver 2.0) |
| Maximum Input Level | 6.7Vrms | 6.7Vrms |
| Music Sense | A2 Input | A2 Input |
| AV Mode | A2 Input | A2 Input |
| BluOS Streaming Supported | No | Yes |
| Audio Formats | N/A | MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, WMA-L ALAC, OPUS |
| Hi-Resolution Audio Formats | N/A | MQA, FLAC, WAV AIFF, Supports converted DSD playback via the desktop app only |
| Sampling Rate | N/A | up to 192kHz |
| Bit Depth | N/A | 16 – 24 Bits |
| USB | N/A | 1x Type-A port for connection to USB memory stick (FAT32 or NTFS formatted) and supported peripherals |
| Supported Operating Systems | N/A | Music playback from network shares on the following desktop operating systems: Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, Vista, 7, 8 to current Windows Operating Systems and macOS versions** |
| Mobile Application | N/A | Free BluOS Controller App available for download from the respective App stores of Apple iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, and iPod), Android devices, Kindle Fire, and Windows or macOS desktops |
| Supported music services and partners | N/A | Over 20 natively integrated streaming services. For more information go to https://bluos.io/ |
| Third-Party Certified Services | N/A | Apple Airplay, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect |
| ROON Ready | N/A | TBC (To Be Confirmed) |
| Control Integrations | N/A | Creston, Control4 (OS3), Control4 (OS2), RTI, URC, BluOS URC Driver, URC, Lutron, NICE, GIRA, BluOS Integration Utility, BluOS Cusomt Integration API |
| Maestrounite Supported | Yes | Yes |
| Network Connectivity | Bluetooth LE Wi-Fi 4 (Only connects for Over-the-Air Updates) | Bluetooth LE Wi-Fi 4 (Only connects for Over-the-Air Updates) |
| Mobile Application | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Over-the-Air Updates | Firmware Updates are available via the Maestrounite-configured Wi-Fi connection. This can be set up to connect & update on user requests or during periods of inactivity. | Firmware Updates are available via the Maestrounite-configured Wi-Fi connection. This can be set up to connect & update on user requests or during periods of inactivity. |
| Wired IR Input | 5 – 14V, Mono 3.5mm jack plug, any polarity | 5 – 14V, Mono 3.5mm jack plug, any polarity |
| 12V Trigger Input | 5 – 14V, 3.5mm jack dual polarity (On / Standby) | 5 – 14V, 3.5mm jack dual polarity (On / Standby) |
| 12V Trigger Passthrough | 3.5mm jack Pass-through from input only | 3.5mm jack Pass-through from input only |
| Nominal Mains Voltage | Auto-Selecting Power Supply, 100-120VAC & 220-240 VAC | Auto-Selecting Power Supply, 100-120VAC & 220-240 VAC |
| Power Consumption | Max 610VA, Standby 0.5W, Network Standby 2W (Standby Plus, allows fast boot) | Max 610VA, Standby 0.5W, Network Standby 2W (Standby Plus, allows fast boot) |
| Available Finishes | Silver, Black | Silver, Black |
| Construction | Extruded and machined aluminum front & top cover with extruded aluminum heatsinks. | Extruded and machined aluminum front & top cover with extruded aluminum heatsinks. |
| External Dimensions with all accessories fitted (HWD) | 93 x 432 x 378 mm (3 11/16 x 17 x 14 7/8”) | 93 x 432 x 378 mm (3 11/16 x 17 x 14 7/8”) |
| Weight | 15.2 kg (33 lbs 8 oz) | 15.2 kg (33 lbs 8 oz) |
Bottom Line
At double the price of Roksan’s Attessa Integrated and Streaming Amplifiers, the new Roksan Caspian 4G series will need to offer a substantial sonic upgrade. However, its unique design along with the simplicity of a single control dial could be enough to interest buyers that may be considering the Cambridge Audio EXN100 Streamer and EXA100 Integrated Amp combo, or the Rotel RAS-5000 or Hegel H400 streaming amps.
Price & Availability
Roksan products are available via Authorized Dealers at the following prices:
- Caspian Series 4G Integrated Amplifier – $3750 / £3000
- Caspian Series 4G Streaming Amplifier – $5000 / £4000
For more information: roksan.com
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Johnni
October 12, 2024 at 7:40 pm
They stopped making the Xerxes 20+. Company has been going downhill since Touraj left and Monitor Audio took over.