Roksan Caspian Reference Phono
Roksan phono preamplifier compatible with MM and MC, with switchable gain and impedance and capacitance settings, for precise matching to any turntable cartridge.
Description
The Roksan Caspian Reference Phono is a dedicated phono preamplifier, designed to be connected between a turntable and an amplifier. It provides amplification and equalisation of the signal from the cartridge, before transmission to the line preamplifier stage or integrated amplifier.
This unit is compatible with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges, thanks to gain switchable across three positions: 40.6 dB in MM, 56 dB in MC1 and 65.5 dB in MC2. Loading impedance and capacitance are adjustable, allowing the electrical interface to be matched to the cartridge in use rather than relying on a single fixed setting. Total harmonic distortion plus noise (THD+N) remains below 0.01%, and output impedance is kept under 50 Ω, two values that limit coloration of the signal passed downstream. The 26 dB overload margin offers a comfortable buffer against level peaks, useful on dynamic musical passages or poorly centred records. Power comes from a dedicated linear reference module (DS1.5), a design intended to limit the interference typical of less carefully designed power supplies.
This preamplifier is aimed at vinyl listeners who already own a quality turntable and cartridge, and who want a separate phono stage rather than a phono input built into a general-purpose amplifier. The impedance and capacitance adjustments make it a sound choice for anyone who owns, or plans to regularly swap, MM or MC cartridges.
Technical specifications
| Type | MM / MC phono preamplifier |
| Gain | 40.6 dB (MM) / 56 dB (MC1) / 65.5 dB (MC2) |
| Settings | Adjustable load impedance and capacitance |
| Distortion (THD+N) | < 0.01 % |
| Output impedance | < 50 Ω |
| Overload margin | 26 dB |
| Power supply | Reference linear (DS1.5 module) |
What to check before buying used
The rotary gain potentiometer and the impedance/capacitance switches, used each time the cartridge is changed, should be tested across their full range to rule out crackling or poor contacts. The DS1.5 linear power supply should also be checked, particularly the condition of the filter capacitors, whose ageing can result in background hiss or reduced dynamics. Finally, check for the absence of hum when connected, which would indicate an earthing or shielding issue on the phono inputs.
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