Roksan Xerxes Turntable Package With Power, Stand, and New Sumiko

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General:

Like new condition vintage Xerxes, the model that put Roksan on the map.

Complete package including an outboard motor controller, outboard power supply, integrated floor stand, and brand new Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 Low Output cartridge which is a wonderful match to the Linn Basic tonearm we just fitted.

Brand Background:

Roksan was founded in 1985 by Tufan Hashemi and Touraj Moghaddam, graduates of the University of London, Imperial College London and Queen Mary College. The name Roksan itself is derived from the name of Roxana, daughter of the Persian King Darius. This closely reflects the Persian heritage and roots of both Hashemi and Moghaddam. Not surprisingly many of Roksan's product names have references to names of cities, places and famous people of Persia.

Moghaddam, having then just obtained his PhD at Imperial College, became dissatisfied with the state of the audio arts when he heard his little TV set more musically satisfying than his already high-end (non Roksan) turntable/tri-amped audio system, and began experimentation. He deduced that where the existing turntable design failed was that the cartridge could not accurately follow the record groove. The mean line traced by the groove relative to the body of the cartridge needed to be constant. His ideas led him away from using the sprung sub-chassis as part of the suspension system. Moghaddam built a prototype using a fire door. Hashemi, a friend who had heard the radical new prototype turntable instantly wanted one. They teamed up to start the company.

The concept stunned the trade when it was demonstrated at the 1985 hi-fi show where the Xerxes Turntable was launched. Soon after, Roksan’s expertise was poured into amplification and digital sources. These designs continue to set the standard for high-end music reproduction. Roksan also remain a true innovator and developer of high-end vinyl replay. The combination of innovation, sound quality and reliability has given Roksan an enviable reputation since day one.

In November 2016, British loudspeaker manufacturers Monitor Audio Ltd acquired Roksan. With Monitor Audio, Roksan will be revising and refining current products and of course developing innovative and desirable new products. The company will be able to offer superb sounding combinations of award-winning electronics and loudspeakers designed to complement one another perfectly. The acquisition of Roksan by Monitor Audio will boost the quality, desirability and strength of all products from both brands.

Ownership:

Single Owner

Connections:

Included Stereo RCA Cable 

General Sound:

Accurate to the recording

Cosmetic Condition:

8 - Very Slight Signs of Use

https://skyfiaudio.com/pages/our-rating-scale

Working Condition:

Working perfectly and tested in our lab.

Included:

Unit, power cord, power supply, speed controller, Sumiko Blue Point No. 3 Low Output cartridge, and floor stand.

Packing:

Original Manufacturers Packing

Weight:

40 lbs.

Age:

1995

Reviews:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roksan_Xerxes 

Testing Process:

First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings.  We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range.  There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum.  We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure.  On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.  

We then asses the platter speed by using one of several methods, the most accuse is a playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency out put with a frequency counter or oscilloscope.  We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure its within spec.  We do this for all speeds available for that particular model.  Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on table drive design.  Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment.  We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure its properly lubricated keeping in mind that some don't require lubrication at all.

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.  

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism, replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the arm design.  We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:

Pivot to spindle adjustment

Tracing force

Anti-skate

Tonearm height

Lifter height

VTA

Azimuth

Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.