2. amps-preamps
  3. 1048989628

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
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.
tunes4me
98 posts
 
Loose, do your self a favor and try Exposure....as Caterham hit the nail right on the head with his reply...Snap, Crackle and Pop...love it..
More to discover