Roksan Attessa
Contents
Roksan Attessa – 1250 Euro
Very little we have heard of Roksan. The last experience was years back with a speaker. Or in other words: we’re going in fairly without any prior knowledge. And that can be positive, since it also eliminates preconceived notions.
The Attessa series is fairly new and is also available with a BluOS streamer. Our model has both analog and digital inputs, but lacks the streaming option that the streaming amp does. We see five digital inputs (including bluetooth) and three analog, with one for phono. That’s a wide selection where everyone should be able to connect what they want.
Under the hood is a powerful Class A/B amplifier with 80 watts into 8 Ohms and 130 watts into 4 Ohms. We measured 65 watts into 8 Ohms (0.065%) and 100 at 4 Ohms (0.18%). Both measured at the tipping point. The power of 80 watts into 8 Ohms does come out if we set the cross to 1%, however, the measurement stops there due to instability.
The Sound
The Roksan comes across very clean. Very quiet and stress-free. The sound balance is quite neutral, which might make it sound a bit clinical compared to other – warmer – amplifiers. But it isn’t. The bass just comes through the Sopras when it’s in the music. It just doesn’t get turned on; the amp keeps a good grip. The ‘colder character’ could theoretically also be in the more dominant 3rd harmonics. But that’s just guesswork to be honest.
Also, the whole thing sometimes seems a bit blacker in the background than the bulk of the other amps. Perhaps this is also due to the sharp onset of, for example, percussion or guitars; we really hear everything…. It reminds in a way of class D. Class D amplifiers can do that too…. it will be the speed. The neutral tonal balance and control are also reminiscent of Class D.
The imaging is slightly forward. Voices are just above the Focals. Effects come into the room nicely with the Roksan. The only thing we miss a bit is depth in the image. But let’s face it: there are few amplifiers in this class that offer it all.
At the end of the line, this is a very correct sounding amplifier. The whole thing comes across as neutral and the Attessa has a good grip on the speakers. Next to a Rega Brio or Cyrus ONE it ‘swings’ perhaps a little less… but well: it’s also what you are looking for. Every amplifier has its strengths. And those of the Roksan are clearly calmness, control and neutrality.
Measurements
The Roksan measures incredibly well. Very clean. The distortion is extremely low. Both at 1 watt and at 10 watts. That indicates that Roksan does have its act together. It also shows in the playback: controlled, clean and tight. It is an amplifier for those who want to follow everything well and love insight. Without a doubt a technical masterpiece in this class. The response is reasonably straight with a small bump in the bass (5 Hz to 20 Hz is 3dB) with a friendly rounding from 20 kHz to 90 kHz.
Specifications
| Brand and Type | Roksan Attessa |
| Inputs digital | Bluetooth, coax, optical |
| Inputs analog | 2 x rca line, 1 x phono |
| Outputs | 2 x speaker, pre-out, 3,5mm minijack |
| Power specs | 80 watts, 0.1% THD+N, both channels |
| Measured power | 65 watts at 0.065% THD+N |
| Dimensions / Weight | 43.2 x 7.6 x 34.6 cm – 10,3 Kg |
| Price | 1250 |