By: Dipin Sehdev
The year is 1985. A young, fiercely competitive London-based audio company bursts onto the scene, challenging the established order with a radical idea: a turntable that prioritizes rhythm and melody over all else. The Xerxes, a name that would become synonymous with a new philosophy of sound, was born. Four decades later, Monitor Audio Group celebrates the 40th anniversary of this iconic British brand, Roksan, a company that has consistently followed its own path, carving a legacy of distinctive design, precision engineering, and an unyielding commitment to the soul of music.
From Xerxes to Xerxes 20 Plus: A History of Disruption
The story of Roksan is a narrative of disruption. In the mid-1980s, the high-fidelity landscape was dominated by a handful of titans, most notably the Linn LP12. This turntable, beloved by a legion of so-called "Flat-Earthers," was the undisputed king of its time. Enter Roksan, with a completely different approach to turntable design. The founders, Tufan Hashemi and Touraj Moghaddam, believed that the platter and tonearm of a turntable should be isolated from motor vibrations and other external influences to an even greater degree than existing designs. This led to the development of the Xerxes, a turntable with a unique three-layer plinth system that effectively decoupled the critical components.
The Xerxes was an immediate sensation. It wasn't just a new product; it was a philosophical statement. The late Art Dudley, Deputy Editor of Stereophile Magazine, a publication known for its discerning taste, couldn't help but praise the Xerxes, calling it "so good, and so superior to the pre-Lingo LP12, that honest listeners among the so-called/self-called 'Flat-Earthers' had no choice but to say so." This praise from a respected voice in the industry was a testament to Roksan's groundbreaking approach. The Xerxes didn't just compete with the Linn; it presented a new, compelling alternative, focusing on a more emotionally engaging and rhythmically vibrant sound.
Over the next two decades, Roksan continued to innovate and expand its product line. The Xerxes evolved into the Xerxes 10, then the Xerxes 20, and finally, the Xerxes 20 Plus, a testament to the brand's continuous refinement of its core principles. The company also introduced a range of other groundbreaking products, including amplifiers, CD players, and phono stages, all of which shared the same design philosophy: to reproduce music with an authenticity and emotional impact that went beyond mere technical specifications. The Caspian series, first launched in the early 2000s, quickly became a benchmark for integrated amplifiers, celebrated for its powerful yet refined sound and its distinctive, minimalist aesthetic.
The Monitor Audio Era: Preserving Heritage, Embracing Innovation
In 2016, a new chapter began for Roksan when it was acquired by the Monitor Audio Group (MAG). This acquisition was not a hostile takeover but a strategic partnership aimed at preserving the brand's unique identity while providing it with the resources and R&D capabilities to thrive in the modern era. As Rob Barford, CEO of Monitor Audio Group, explains, "We’ve strengthened the foundation of the brand by investing in a new production line, we’ve brought in more expertise in electronics, software and mechanical engineering and we’ve professionalised all the processes that ensure we can continue to deliver consistently strong Roksan products now and in the future while keeping everything that made Roksan special in tact."
This new era for Roksan is best exemplified by the Caspian 4G series, the latest iteration of the brand's legendary integrated amplifier. Launched in 2024, the Caspian 4G is a perfect blend of Roksan's rich heritage and Monitor Audio's cutting-edge technology. The design retains the classic Caspian form factor, but under the hood, it's been completely re-engineered to meet the demands of modern audiophiles. The most significant change is the move back to UK production. "With the help of our dedicated team of technicians, we’re proud to be able to state that Caspian Series 4G models are hand built right here at MAG HQ in the UK," says Barford. This commitment to local craftsmanship and quality control is a powerful statement about the brand's values and its dedication to its customers.
Caspian 4G: The Specs, The Price, The Availability
The Caspian 4G is a stunning example of what Roksan can achieve in its new era. The series is currently comprised of two models: the Caspian 4G Integrated Amplifier and the Caspian 4G CD Player, with plans for a matching Caspian 4G streamer in the near future. The integrated amplifier, the centerpiece of the series, is a dual-mono design, meaning each channel has its own dedicated power supply, which leads to a wider soundstage and better channel separation. It's a Class AB amplifier, a design known for its combination of power and sound quality, and it delivers a robust 100 watts per channel into 8 ohms. The amplifier features multiple analog inputs, including a high-quality MM/MC phono stage, a nod to the brand's turntable heritage. It also includes a modern digital section with multiple inputs, including coaxial, optical, and USB, and supports high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192kHz.
The Caspian 4G CD Player is more than just a disc spinner. It's a high-end digital audio hub with a premium Burr-Brown DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and multiple digital inputs, allowing it to be used as a standalone DAC for other digital sources. The player's transport mechanism is a custom-designed, low-noise unit, and the power supply is completely isolated from the digital and analog stages, minimizing interference. The result is a sound that is both detailed and musical, bringing out the best in both new and classic CD collections.
The Caspian 4G Integrated Amplifier has a suggested retail price of approximately £3,500, while the Caspian 4G CD Player is priced at around £2,500. Both models are available now from authorized Roksan dealers worldwide. The company has also hinted at a Caspian 4G streamer and power amplifier to complete the series, with pricing and availability to be announced at a later date.
The Roksan Ethos: A Personal Connection to Sound
Beyond the technical specs and the price tags, the true essence of Roksan lies in its unique ethos. Michael Johnson, Monitor Audio Group Global Marketing Director, describes it perfectly: "For 40 years, Roksan has followed its own path, defined by distinctive design, thoughtful engineering and a clear point of view. Its personality is quietly unconventional, often expressed through unique forms and innovative ideas that continue to set it apart."
This unconventional spirit is reflected in the passionate people behind the brand. As Software Test Manager Joe Deller points out, "Hi-fi is deeply personal - it’s about what sounds right, what feels right. Roksan has a long heritage of designers and engineers who genuinely love the products they create. That passion is what sets us apart." This deep, personal connection to the music is what has driven Roksan for four decades and what continues to inform its design and engineering philosophy.
To celebrate this milestone, Roksan has created a beautifully designed long-form brochure that tells the story of the brand's evolution and identity through the years. The company has also released a powerful anniversary video featuring the voices of the people who have shaped Roksan's sound and spirit. These initiatives are not just about marketing; they're a tribute to the people and the passion that have made Roksan a truly special brand.
The Future is Now
As Roksan embarks on its next 40 years, the company remains committed to its core values while embracing the future. With new innovations in streaming, smarter connectivity, and a steadfast commitment to craftsmanship, the next chapter in the Roksan story promises to be just as inspiring as the last. The Caspian 4G series is just the beginning of this new journey, a powerful statement that Roksan is not just a brand with a rich history but a company with a vibrant and innovative future. It’s a future where tradition and technology coexist, where the soul of music remains at the heart of every product, and where the unconventional spirit of Roksan continues to challenge, inspire, and delight audiophiles around the world.
