Roksan Radius 5, five star status?

[Al ears]

Is it just me or is the review of the Roksan Radius 5 a little over the top in giving 5 stars.

Admittedly I have the wood laquered plinth version, but the build quality is atrocious.

The supporting feet cannot be used to level the turntable as if unscrewew even in the slightest the whole thing wobbles and the clamp that holds the tonearm cable in place is a waste of space. I had to glue mine in as the coarse threads just ripped the chipboard to bits.

More is the pitty but I sold a Michell Mycro to acquire this turntable. Wish I hadn't bothered really!

I'd give it 4 stars for sound quality and 3 for build.

 

[Charlie Jefferson]

Not too sure about the 5 star rating, but I own the acrylic version and it's lovely to look at and a fantastic listen.

Admittedly, my previous turntables were lower down the food chain so I'm not really able to do star ratings with any semblance of objectivity.

Just been veering away from the Beatles remasters for a sly hour or so and playing a couple of recent record fair acquisitions, Liztomania Soundtrack and Tippett's Child Of Our Time, both sounded great in one strange way or another.

Vinyl still rules. Mostly.

 

[fatboyslimfast]

I sold mine...there was just something missing (and no, it wasn't the lid!).

I was a little concerned with just how much vibration from the motor was making it to the platter plinth as well.

Needless to say, my LP12 doesn't suffer from this...

 

[Charlie Jefferson]

fatboyslimfast:I sold mine...there was just something missing (and no, it wasn't the lid!).

I was a little concerned with just how much vibration from the motor was making it to the platter plinth as well.

Needless to say, my LP12 doesn't suffer from this...

Re Roksan & LP12 , are we talking substantial levels of improvement here in detail retrieval?

I'm intrigued because I listen to so much vinyl that the upgrade itch is ready to scratch. Are we talking 2K plus for an LP12?

 

[fatboyslimfast]

Detail retrieval, maybe a little, but not earth-shattering. There is a more "musical" and less "clinical" sound from the LP12.

*edit* mine was also a maple, and the Acrylic was known to be better, so bear this in mind...

The main difference for me is the amount I want to listen. With the Radius, a couple of albums was enough before my concentration went, and I disappeared for a cuppa/read something/etc.

With my 1980s LP12, I lose track of time completely, and it has resulted in some quite late nights...

If information retrieval is your thing, I would probably stick to the Radius unless you are going for a modern LP12 (i.e. Cirkus/Keel etc) which are more tuned to modern tastes. And for this, you are probably looking at the thick end of £1500 plus, which should get you a cirkussed LP12 with either a MK3 Ittok or Roksan Nima...

If you want to waste enjoy hours playing your old favourites and discovering new gems for around £7-800, the LP12/Valhalla/Ittok gets the thumbs up from me.

 

[Charlie Jefferson]

Thanks for your informative reply FBSF.

Yes, I suppose detail retrieval is one of my things. My acrylic Roksan has a Nima arm, and really does a great job in this department with most of the LPs I play.

As ever though I'm curious about what would be the next choice if I wanted a big step up in playback quality.

Like the proverbial moth to a flame I'm drawn to the supposed Linn sonic superiority, but would consider listening to other offerings.

My budget is between £2,000-2500. Then again I would happily try tinkering with a cartridge upgrade if I thought that might reap significant rewards. My current MM is the Goldring 2400, and the deck is connected to a Musical Fidelity phono stage. (V8-LP, if I've remembered that correctly).

Oh, and I love the styling and overall aesthetic of the Roksan.

 

[fatboyslimfast]

I'm thinking a Michell Orbe SE with Technoarm or Origin Live RB250?

Good looks, impressive detail, and roughly around the right cost.

I haven't heard one personally, so time to take your Radius to a Michell dealer to audition methinks!