Summary: I bought the Caspian integrated Amp M-1 in 2005 for 1400 Euro. The sound quality was great considering it's size.
For about 1.5 years it played fine but suddenly there was no more sound coming out of the left speaker. Since I was well within the warranty I took the amp back to the store where it was sent to B&T HiFivertrieb (which is Roksans importer in Germany). After 4 weeks I had it back. To keep it short: now, 10 months later the amp is back in repair for the FORTH time. Always with the same problem. They keep repairing it, it works for 4-8 weeks and the problem shows up again. I have exchanged my speakers in the meantime and the cables but it keeps breaking.
So: do yourself a favour and buy another brand but Roksan. The amplifier I owned before ran for more than 10 years with one single failure. This one I use only in my livingroom and don't use it on partys and it keeps breaking.
Strengths: Good sound quality
Weaknesses: poor product quality. Many defects.
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Summary: This is for the Caspian Integrated(Original Model)
A very good all round amplifier.Has a particularly nice bass quality which is strong and tuneful.Midrange and treble both smooth,with good dynamics and detail too.
Will drive low impedences well due to it's massive 50 amp output,which is more than many power amps can deliver.
It's neither bright or dull,so it can be matched well with pretty much any components
Strengths: Very good all round the spectrum
Weaknesses: No real weaknesses
Similar Products Used: Naim,Linn,Exposure,Cyrus
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Summary: This review is for the Roksan Caspian Power Amplifier and not the Integrated Version.
My system is composed of the following: Arcam FMJ CD23 cd player (with original factory installed feet removed and replace by 4 size 2 viprapods), Mission 783 speakers (spikes removed), Arcam AVR100 as a preamp, Roksan Caspian Power Amplifier, DH Labs Air Matrix Interconnects w/ Ultimate RCA plugs, DH Labs Q10 speaker cables (internal biwire), and Absolute Power Cords. I listen to different genres of music: electronica, rock, pop, classical, and jazz.
For two years, ive been driving my fronts from my Arcam AVR100. Then came the opportunity to buy a Roksan Power Amplifier over at Agon. Using my AVR100 as a preamp and the Roksan Caspian as the stereo amp to drive my fronts, I noticed a punchy, energetic, and detailed improvement. The increase in transparency was noticeable. Vocals had more detail and definition. Separation of second voices from the main voice was more obvious. Bass was cleaner and clearer. Violins (and the midrange) however were a tad richer (probably because of increase in bass). On the other hand, this very same quality gave guitars more life and vigor. The presentation wasnt as airy as the Arcam AVR100. Nevertheless, listening to the Roksan Caspian was more enjoyable than the Arcam AVR100. There was no experience of fatigue at all.
As a footnote, I tried placing vibrapods under the Roksan Caspian but decided to remove them since i felt the Caspian sounded more exciting without the pods.
For the price, I got this amp ($500) I am rating it as a Bargain, Giant Killer. For its performance, Im giving it a rating of 4 stars.
Strengths: Punchy. Exciting. Detailed. Transparent. Music is enjoyable to listen to (No Fatigue!).
Weaknesses: Not as Airy as Arcam. Midrange may sound a tad richer.
Similar Products Used: Arcam, Naim, Onkyo
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Summary: Jeepers creepers, I was the winner on this amp on e-bay for 400. It just seemed good for me at the time. I feel sorry for the guy that sold it to me for that price. I feel that it is the finest thing that I own. This amp brought me into truely HI-FI. I base all my preamps and speakers around this amp. With proper preamp this is as fine of quality and sonic discourse that can be had. I have a new Rotel preamp coming for my two channel syst. this weekand we will see.(literally) My favorite amp.
Strengths: Bass, treble and highs, with dignity and authority
Weaknesses: It shuts down when I get crazy
Similar Products Used: NEC Adcom Carver NAD BGW Dynaco Audiosource Soundcraftsmen Crown
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