The Roksan Caspian AV Series, released in 1999, marked a significant step for Roksan as it ventured into the home cinema market, blending its well-regarded audiophile expertise with modern A/V capabilities. The series included a DVD player, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), and a 5-channel power amplifier, each designed to deliver a high-calibre audio experience that was true to Roksan’s legacy.
At the time, the Caspian DSP stood out with its substantial build quality—measuring 435x420x70mm, it was clearly a serious piece of equipment that inspired confidence. Its robust construction signalled the premium audio performance it aimed to deliver. Users who interacted with the unit were often rewarded with the silky, smooth sound quality that defined Roksan products, bridging the gap between the artificial feel of home theatre systems and the naturalness of high-fidelity audio. While the DSP excelled in stereo configurations, it also provided competent surround sound processing, with Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS decoding included as standard features. Though some felt its sound presentation for home cinema was more understated compared to its rivals, this actually appealed to purists who appreciated its lack of over-processed sound. Its ability to serve as a dedicated stereo pre-amp was highly valued, making it versatile for audiophiles who wanted both an A/V processor and a high-quality stereo solution.
The Roksan Caspian AV Power Amplifier also impressed, offering five signal inputs and a peak-to-peak current output of 35 amps, ensuring dynamic and powerful sound reproduction across all channels. Its frequency response of 3Hz to 110kHz and extremely low harmonic distortion (less than 0.005%) highlighted its high-performance nature, while the signal-to-noise ratio exceeded 105 dB, contributing to clear, distortion-free audio. This amplifier was designed to complement the DSP, providing the clean, controlled power necessary for serious home theatre setups and stereo playback alike.
The design of the Caspian series was distinctly minimalist, which was a break from the button-heavy style of many Japanese A/V receivers of the time. While some users found the remote control to be overly simplistic, Roksan’s intention was to avoid overwhelming users with unnecessary complexity. This simplicity, while occasionally polarising, made the system easier to navigate for many. The decision to focus on essential functions demonstrated Roksan's commitment to delivering a straightforward, user-friendly product that didn't compromise on audio quality.
Caspian AV Series - 1999