Roksan Caspian 4G Integrated Amplifier Review
Refined British Power for Serious Audiophiles
The Roksan Caspian 4G Integrated Amplifier is a no-nonsense high-fidelity amplifier that continues the brand’s tradition of elegant design and outstanding sonic performance. Hand-built in the UK, it features a fully balanced Class AB topology, generous power reserves, and a minimalist aesthetic that hides a fiercely capable engine under the hood. In this review, we explore how the Caspian 4G performs, who it's for, and how it compares to other integrated amplifiers in its class.
Design and Build
The Caspian 4G maintains Roksan's signature brushed aluminum fascia, understated controls, and solid chassis construction. Every unit is hand-assembled in Britain, with attention paid to thermal stability, vibration control, and internal component layout.
The front panel offers a simple rotary volume dial, input selector buttons, and an OLED display. Around back, you'll find a full set of unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR inputs, speaker terminals, and a dedicated pre-out, offering system flexibility for both purists and those planning future expansion.
Amplification and Performance
The Caspian 4G delivers 85 watts per channel into 8 ohms and 125W into 4 ohms, with a fully symmetrical signal path that minimizes distortion and noise. The sound signature is immediately engaging: warm yet controlled, with precise stereo imaging and exceptional clarity across the frequency range.
The amplifier has a dynamic presentation, scaling effortlessly with demanding tracks or inefficient speakers. It retains composure during complex passages, revealing subtle musical textures without veiling or softness. Bass is tight and articulate, while the highs are clean, extended, and fatigue-free.
Connectivity and Integration
The Caspian 4G offers 5 RCA inputs, 1 balanced XLR input, and a preamp output. While it doesn’t include built-in digital inputs or streaming capabilities (those are reserved for the Caspian 4G Streaming Amplifier), it integrates seamlessly with high-end DACs and streamers.
This separation of analog and digital domains will appeal to purists who prefer to keep components modular, and it gives users the freedom to choose a DAC or streaming solution that matches their sonic preferences.
Specifications
- Type: Integrated Class AB amplifier
- Power Output: 85W @ 8Ω, 125W @ 4Ω per channel
- Inputs: 5 x RCA, 1 x XLR (balanced)
- Outputs: Pre-out, speaker A/B
- Frequency Response: 3Hz – 100kHz
- THD: < 0.005% @ 1kHz
- Dimensions: 432 x 80 x 330 mm
- Weight: 12 kg
- Finish: Brushed aluminum in black or silver
Sound Quality
Sonically, the Caspian 4G stands out for its natural tonality and dynamic energy. Vocals are presented with intimacy and realism, while instruments are well separated and vividly placed across a wide soundstage.
Unlike amps that prioritize warmth at the cost of speed, the Caspian strikes a balance: it’s musical without sounding colored, powerful without sounding aggressive. It partners well with a range of loudspeakers, from bookshelf to full-range floorstanders.
How It Compares
Against similarly priced amps like the Naim Nait XS 3 or the Rega Elicit MK5, the Caspian 4G offers greater power reserves and a more refined, neutral presentation. It lacks the integrated DAC or phono stage of some competitors, but what it does, it does exceptionally well: drive speakers with poise, control, and honesty.
Those seeking a true “integrated analog engine” will find the Caspian more focused and mature in execution.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Refined, powerful Class AB sound
- High-quality build and clean aesthetics
- Balanced and unbalanced inputs
- Partner-friendly across many speaker types
Cons:
- No digital inputs
- No phono stage or headphone output
- No remote app or streaming integration
FAQ
Is the Caspian 4G suitable for high-end loudspeakers?
Yes, its clean power and low distortion make it ideal for revealing and demanding loudspeakers.
Does it support streaming?
No. The Caspian 4G Integrated Amplifier is purely analog. For streaming, look at the Caspian 4G Streaming Amplifier.
Is there a built-in phono stage?
No, but you can pair it with an external phono preamp of your choice.
Conclusion
The Roksan Caspian 4G Integrated Amplifier is a beautifully crafted analog amplifier that prioritizes sound quality, reliability, and engineering integrity over feature creep. If you value clean, natural sound with plenty of headroom—and prefer to build your system piece by piece—this amplifier is one of the finest options in its class.
It’s not flashy, but it’s honest. And in a world of digital distractions, that’s a breath of fresh air.