Magazine Review: Fresh Water Comes From Its Source (Roksan Xerxes.20)

Audio Art Magazine
June 2006, Issue No.213

Fresh Water Comes From Its Source (*) 

Written by Martin Liu, Executive Editor
(translated by Tien's Audio Studio)

I always thought that the speakers and listening space are the most important elements in audio system. As long as you choose the right speakers, and find the right spot to put the speakers, you’ll all set. It’s okay to save some budget on amplifier, source, and other equipments, for they wouldn't effect a lot on sounds. Because of this reason, the front source of my system has costed me the smallest part on my audio investment. 


This month, I have the opportunity to listen to some great sources. They impressed me very much. For example, Micromega Aria. The essence of its sound is relax, natural, and full of details, plus beautiful tones, which all made me feel so good while listening to it. The biggest surprise however, comes from Audio Valve Sunilda Phono. After I purchased Roksan Xerxes.20 turntable last end of the year, I have been busy reviewing various equipments and did not have time to listen to it at all. This time, to test the phono, finally I have a chance to sit down and review the performance of analog system. 

Of course I know analog system is good, otherwise why am I willing to pay a great deal of money for turntable in this “post-SACD era”. But the whole set of Roksan analog system (p.s. by translator: Roksan Xerxes.20, Artemiz tonearm, Shiraz cartdidge) with Audio Valve Sunilda has performed so great that is far beyond my expectation. Orginally I thought that the transparency, gradation, and sound dynamics ripple which CD or SACD system has particularly good at, comparing with the shining analog system, those parts failed. Which part that obviously increased most? Lively, vivid, relaxation yet satiation, transparency and details has particularly improved. When I come home from work, no matter how tired I am, I have to play 2 vinyl records to my relief my addiction. 

Most importantly, after digital and analog test, my audio system has obviously upgrade. I can’t help praising” Wow! As it turns out that my system can reach such great step.” 

Due to analog system, the upgrade of my system even got me the bad idea of “Whether should I move the money that originally saved for my daughter’s summer camp payment to purchase this phono or not” It looks like I have under value the importance of source the all time. 


* The sentence is from a Chinese lyrics by Chu Hsi: 
THE BOOK (Translated by Xu Yuancho) 
There lies a glassy oblong pool, 
Where light and shade pursue their course. 
How can it be so clear and cool? 
For water fresh comes from its source.

(to be translated...) 


Related Articles: 
Magazine Interview: Audio Cite, October 2006 
Magazine Interview: Audio Art, February 2004 
Magazine Interview: GQ, October 2004 

Magazine AD: September, 2006 
Magazine AD: July, 2006 
Event: "The Choice of US$15,000...CD/SACD or LP?"
Event: July, Roksan Xerxes.20 On Show
Promotion: Roksan Artemiz Exchange (Old to Latest)