2. amps-preamps
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Roksan Integrateds

I've been on a crazy search for some form of pre/power combo or suitable integrated for my NHT 2.5i's.

I've looked at all kinds of items. Some were out of my budget, which, of course, are the items that I like most.

The other day I heard a product that is the absolute lowest priced of all of my options - the Roksan Kandy mkIII. I didn't listen for a long time, but I can say that it sounded pretty good with my speakers. The only thing I found was that it could have been a bit more refined and airy sounding.

I'm wondering if the Roksan Caspian might be an improvement in these areas over the Roksan Kandy III.

I had never heard the Kandy before the other day and I had always discredited it b/c it is below the range (price wise) of what I am looking to purchase.

My speakers are NHT 2.5i's (going to keep them)
Source is Rotel 971 transport w/ MSB 1/2 Nelson link III (keeping this source as well)

Would the Caspian power the NHT's to the same degree as the Kandy III? What other improvements can I expect with the Caspian?

thanks

steve
loose

Showing 2 responses by caterham1700

caterham1700
271 posts
 
RE:"you guys can't tell me that NONE of you know the Caspian integrated...."

I know the Caspian series well,and have used Caspian IA as an stereo integrated, as a pre-main stereo combo in conjunction with the Caspian PA,in vertical & horizontal biamp and triamp configurations with the IA as a pre and up to 3 PA's.I'm quite fond of them.
No idea about Kandy other than some sessions with Kandy mk1 in less than familiar surroundings a few years ago and no comparison against the Caspian series at all and therefore felt unqualified to answer your original post.
caterham1700
271 posts
 
You shouldn't have any problems driving your NHT's with the Caspian to fairly high listening levels.
Tonally, the Caspian is slightly warm in overall balance with excellent tautness,control and authority on the bottom, sultry lower mids,a liquid midband, a smooth fleshed out upper midband that leans toward the slightly dry, and a sweet extended top-Good air but lacking somewhat in transparency.The current Caspian mkII betters the mkI to a significant degree in this area.Even so I'd call Caspian mkII "open" rather than truley transparent.
They are highly rhythmic,tuneful and expressive-Good boogie factor, much in the Naim/Exposure mold with a presentation that falls neatly between those 2 lines(ie-closer to Naim Nait5 than Nait3)
Very articulate and refined.Speed, articulation and paceyness are it's forte'.
Staging is broad and expansive,favoring width over depth.
Adding a Caspian PA fairly well transforms the presentation and you get more openness,crispness,refinement,authority, dynamic contrasts, improved low level resolution and expands the soundstage in all directions.
The combo of Caspian IA with PA compares favorably with the best separates at an equivalent expenditure and represents an excellent value.I think the Caspians amoungst the most musically accomplished and versatile of it's genre.The only quibble is that slight lack of absolute transparency.Switching speaker cables to 47Labs OTA reduced the complaint to the level of "who cares?"I'd also advise upgrading the power cord.

Best,
Ken
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