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Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: Roksan Xerxes X Turntables by Don T

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REVIEW: Roksan Xerxes X Turntables

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Model: Xerxes X
Category: Turntables
Suggested Retail Price: $2700.oo
Description: turntable
Manufacturer URL: Roksan
Manufacturer URL: Roksan

Review by Don T on February 03, 2002 at 06:51:34
IP Address: 207.254.7.3
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for the Xerxes X


The Roksan Xerxes X w DX2 replaced a Linn LP12 Valhalla/Ittock and a Rega Planar 3 in my system last summer. I was able to purchase the deck with the DX2 module for $2000.00 as a dealer demo, instead of my original intention of upgrading the LP12 to the Lingo/Cirkus level. The bounce of the LP12 was maddening and I was concerned the Lingo/Cirkus mod would not be able to completely overcome the strong bass enhancements of the LP12 which I felt were a bit to much of a good thing when combined with my loudspeakers the Spendor SP100s.

Its taken my awhile to come to grips with this turntable, which I've equipt with the Rega RB600 tonearm. Several cartridges have been attempted all with reasonable results, but there is a synergy achieved with the Dynavector XX2 moving coil cartridge. This is by far the most expensive cartridge have had in the setup, but the results easily justify the cost. Additionally I think the deck would justify a better arm, the RB600 is excellent, but its my suspicion the Roksan easily could justify a different arm - but for now I'm happy with the Rega.

Sonically the table is special in its musical point of view. Its has a good full range response with a powerful bass, but is different from most decks in that it preserves the timing relationships between musical components. With the XX2 installed its amazing to hear a fully developed soundstage with a rythmically correct musical structure. For me and my musical preferences, this is something that is quite rare in the world of TTs. What this leads to, IMO, is the ability for me to enjoy more recordings based on their rythmic nature in addition to and regardless of the 3 dimensional qualities of the disk. I've always attempted to be able to enjoy music with my systems and this table with its mix of virtues helps to expand the records that I consider to be well recorded - and being able to capture the strengths of all recordings is what a TT should be about.

The DX2 unit is the top of the line power supply/motor controller for this table and has a retail price of $1500 and the deck itself sells for $2000. I removed the pads that the dust cover so the cover now rests on the table when its not spinning disks, and I also religiously use the centering spindle.

I view this table as an excellent value and it easily justifies justifies its expense. I think a decent powerful amp, a great phono section, excellent cartridge and great speakers all help to highlight its strengths.



Product Weakness: Semi function dust cover.
Product Strengths: Great music, and good looks and value.


Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier: Exposure DR4
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Exposure 21 / Exposure 13
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Pioneer Elite 19RW
Speakers: Spendor SP100s
Cables/Interconnects: Nordost Blue Heaven - pre/phono - exposure speakers and pre/amp
Music Used (Genre/Selections): pop/rock/alternative/blues/folk
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner




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Topic - REVIEW: Roksan Xerxes X Turntables - Don T 06:51:34 02/3/02 ( 3)