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
loose OP
239 posts
 
WOW CATERHAM!

Now THAT'S a response!!!!

thank you so much. You just confirmed what my assumptions were about the caspian's performance.

I'm in luck too - I get to hear it before I buy! WOO HOOO!!

thanks again
loose OP
239 posts
 
well, i tried the Caspian mkI with my speakers, but it just didn't do the trick

it had firm control of the bass and was very smooth, but it was too recessed in the midrange

the treble was either too rolled off OR it simply didn't have enough transparency...not sure which...

I think the Kandy mkIII was a better match...but still not perfect...

the struggle continues..

Does anyone know if the Caspian MkII has remedied these issues that i have mentioned?

thanks

steve
lohkkw51e5
13 posts
 
I own a Roksan Kandy MkIII. Why do you seem so determined to have the Caspian work? I recently brought home 6 different amps for home demo, and liked the Unison Research SR1 most of all. Check out posting at http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/amp/messages/15459.html. I expect that the Unico may be as good if not better. It has made me a believer in hybrid amps. Heard the Pathos Logos at a shop and it too was impressive. I would suggest the Logos if your budget can stretch that far, or the Unico if it can't.
loose OP
239 posts
 
well, i picked up a Unison Research Unico to try out at home.

First impressions...

Open, very wide, quite detailed (but not hyper-detailed like some others)

Quite good imaging...sometimes it seems a bit 'phasey' (certain details seem to come from 'odd' placement points - not sure if it's a funtion of the recordings that I just didn't notice with my previous equipment)...

Biggest concern - Bass. Seems to be a bit sloppy. I suspect that it's because my speakers are ported. I've heard that using the Unico with ported speakers may produce this type of result... I imagine it would be much better with regard to bass using sealed speakers.

I don't think I'm going to keep this unit. I realize that it is in a 'higher league' than the rest of my equipment, but because I cannot afford to switch all my associated gear, I think that I'll have to find something more in line with what I currently own.

Any comments? thoughts? thanks

steve
thomasahelton
13 posts
 
I use a Caspian int and all I can say its one of the best all around amps I had listened to. Comparing it to Naim, Musical Fidleity, Sim, Creek and others. I found to be very musical, detailed and natural sounding with pretty good imaging and soundstage. It will be more of what the kandy is. I have a problem with amps making my B&W's P5's sound harsh and bright so with NHT's being a bit bright the caspian would tone it down. I have to say its was quite an experience listening to Caspian compared to the others.
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