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Hi-Fi Plus, Issue 99Reviewed by: Alan Sircom
Comments of Note:
“The first thing that grabs you about the Roksan is the speed precision.”
“Its precise, tight pitch control led it to be dubbed as ‘CD like’ by its detractors in the past, but in hindsight, that’s more of a complement than an insult.”
“Roksan’s big claim has always been detail retrieval, for good reason; this turntable gets an amazing amount of detail off the record.”
“The Xerxes’ ability to make sense of the data presented just makes you hungry for more.”
“This detail retrieval touches almost every aspect of the musical performance.”
“A good high-end system is all about detail retrieval, a ‘walk-in’ sound stage, tonal accuracy, dynamic range and frequency extension. Reading back the findings of this review puts the Xerxes in lock step with many of those values.”
“The Roksan Xerxes.20plus is the perfect example of why good things stay good.”
(Referring to his 25 years of reviewing) “Had I reviewed one when I started this lark, I’d have been impressed. And I’m more than impressed now!”
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Hi-Fi News, Yearbook 2012Score: 'Highly Commended'
Comments of Note:
"What you're presented with is a sound that seems to be closer to the nature of the recording - there's the feeling the 20plus removes itself from the equation and can throw open a window on to the recording as few others can do."
"Clarity is exceptional too. The precise click of the rim shots on 'Your Latest Trick' from Dire Straits' Brothers in Arms [Vertigo] were pinpoint sharp and focused, while the lead guitar's echo sliced through the air like a samurai sword.
"The Xerxes 20plus guise retains its place as one of the most innovative and best-sounding turntables around. And when part of a top-flight Roksan package with arm and cartridge, this deck takes the listener to another level, well beyond the sum of its parts."
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Hi-Fi Choice, January 2012Reviewed by: Jason Kennedy
Feature: 'Blind-Listening Group Test: Turntables £2,000-£4,950'
Score: 5 Stars , 'Recommended'
Comments of Note:
(reviewed with the DS1.5/XPS power supply and the Tabriz Zi)
"The 20plus is a considerable refinement of the original Xerxes design."
"This turntable is immensely adjustable; you can vary the angle of the subchassis in two planes and even the angle of the platter via the main bearing."
"The Xerxes has always had a reputation for great timing and this quality is amply demonstrated in this latest version."
"It's a thrilling experience that makes pretty much everything you spin sound more engaging and enjoyable, whether it's heavyweight dub or the nimble playing of acoustic guitars."
"The Xerxes in this guise is an inspiring turntable and one that will have you engrossed from the first track."
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Hi-Fi News, December 2011 Reviewed by: Andrew Simpson
Score: 'Highly Commended'
Comments of Note:
(Reviewed with DS 1.5, Tabriz ZI and Shiraz MC Cartridge)
"No expense has been spared on the deep-lacquered real wood veneered finishes which all look simply gorgeous and make this one of the best looking turntables on the market."
"The 20plus throws open a window as few others can do."
"Moving on to The Beatles' White Album gave the Xerxes the perfect vehicle to show off it's unique ability to put a listener at the centre of the performance."
"I began to realise how good the Xerxes was at capturing the vocal delicacies which put the real emotion into a performance, making you want to explore a singer's stories and the passion that drives them."
"...the clarity that the 20plus achieves is exceptional."
"The area where the Roksan's strengths can be appreciated the most is bass."
"Thanks to some well thought out refinements, the Xerxes in 20plus guise retains its place as one of the most innovative and best-sounding turntables around."
"This is a fascinating design, beautifully built and clearly finished to an extremely high tolerance."
Read the Full Review here.
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What Hi-Fi?, 'Ultimate Guide to High End' 2011 Score: 5 Stars
Comments of Note:
"Spin your treasured piece of vinyl and the Xerxes uncovers masses of detail and organises it with real precision".
"The Roksan has great agility, defining notes superbly."
"It's Roksan's policy that most of the modifications are retro-fittable - so even the earliest decks, now almost 25 years old, can be brought close to the latest specifications. In an age where so many products have short lives, that's a breath of fresh air..."
Verdict - "Exceptional. The Xerxes is a long-running design that keeps improving."
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What Hi-Fi?, High-End Ultimate Guide, September 2010 Score: 5 Stars
Comments of Note:
"...the 20 Plus is the best-made, best-sounding Xerxes yet."
"The motor housing is free to move around its vertical axis, ironing out speed irregularities, and the bearing minimises mechanical noise well."
"The Xerxes uncovers masses of detail and organises it with remarkable precision."
"The Roksan has exceptional agility, defining notes superbly. The tweaks refine these strengths and make the 20 sound even more controlled than before."
"Breathtaking dynamics, timing and resolution...lovely build and finish..."
"Exceptional. The Xerxes is a long-running design that keeps improving. We haven't heard a better deck for the money."
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What Hi-Fi?, Hi-Fi Ultimate Guide, March 2009Score: 5 Stars
Comments of Note:
"...the 20 Plus is the best-made, best-sounding Xerxes yet."
"The Xerxes uncovers masses of detail and organises it with remarkable precision."
"...has excellent agility, defining notes superbly."
"Breathtaking dynamics...lovely build and finish..."
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Hi-Fi World, December 2008 Reviewed by: Adam Smith
Score: 5 Globes
Comments of Note:
"...requires minimal fettling and assembly to have records spinning in a short time."
"...concise and well illustrated instructions...both arm(Roksan Artemiz was used) and turntable are beautifully built and immaculately finished..."
"The result was a lovely fulsome low end to all sorts of music."
"...let me hear right into the performance..."
"The Xerxes 20 Plus has the rare ability to cut right to the heart of the performance without masking or subduing any part of it."
"...pulled the whole affair apart with precision, leaving each backing instrument in focus behind the vocals...without muting the essential warmth of the song."
"...sweet, detailed and blessed with staggering clarity."
"...beautifully judged overall balance."
"AGAINST - nothing at the price."
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What Hi-Fi?, October 2008 Score: 5 Stars
Comments of Note:
"...one of the most pioneering turntables on the market", thus being awarded 5 Stars.
"...one of the most innovative record players available."
"It's beautifully made..."
"The Xerxes has always been a resolution king...uncovers masses of detail and organises it with remarkable precision."
"...this deck is up there with the best money can buy."
"The Xerxes is a class-leading deck..."
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