Roksan Xerxes Turntable – Oak / XPS Power Supply / Artemiz Tonearm / AT-OC9 Cartridge

Here we have an example of the original Xerxes turntable from British company Roksan. It is fitted with the excellent Artemiz tonearm and Audio Technica AT-OC9 cartridge combination and comes in good condition with a few light marks and blemishes, which. bearing in mind its age, is to be expected. Also included is the dedicated Xerxes power supply unit and of course our normal three month warranty, but please note this does not cover the fitted cartridge
Roksan Say….
Xerxes Turntable
The Roksan Xerxes turntable, introduced in 1985, was a landmark in the world of high-fidelity audio. Designed by Touraj Moghaddam, it quickly became known for its innovative approach to turntable design, challenging the norms of the time. Unlike traditional turntables that relied heavily on suspension systems to isolate vibrations, the Xerxes employed a rigid, three-layer plinth system. This design minimised resonance and improved sound clarity by reducing the mechanical flaws that could degrade audio quality.
The Xerxes was praised for its precise engineering and exceptional build quality, featuring a unique decoupling method between the platter and motor, which further reduced noise and improved stability. This turntable offered audiophiles a new level of detail and musicality, earning it a lasting reputation in the hi-fi community. The success of the Xerxes helped establish Roksan as a leading name in high-end audio, with the turntable remaining a celebrated product in the brand’s lineup for years to come.
Specifications:
Main Bearing Spindle: Hardened too steel
Bearing Ball: Tungsten carbide
Bearing Housing: Solid phosphor bronze
Platter: 2-piece aluminium alloy
Structure: 3-plinth design
Isolation: 3-level de-coupling
Motor: Custom made 24-pole synchronous
Pulley: Solid aluminium alloy
Drive Belt: Precision ground neoprene
Motor Mount: Unique synchronizing bearing
Motor Drive: External speed controller
Wow and Flutter: 0.02%
Rumble: – 80 dB
Dimensions: 450 (W) x 370 (D) x 115 (H) mm
Weight: 12.0 kg
Artemiz Tonearm
The Roksan Artemiz Tonearm, introduced in 1987, was a high-performance tonearm designed to complement the brand’s renowned Xerxes turntable. Known for its precision engineering and innovative design, the Artemiz was crafted to maximise the extraction of musical detail from vinyl records, offering audiophiles a superior listening experience.
The Artemiz featured a one-piece, low-mass, high-rigidity arm tube, which minimises resonance and enhances signal integrity. Its unique bearing design, which employs two pairs of ball races, ensures smooth and stable tracking across the record surface. This meticulous design allows the Artemiz to deliver exceptional clarity, detail, and dynamic range, making it one of the most respected tonearms of its time.
The tonearm’s adjustable counterweight and anti-skate mechanisms provided precise control, allowing users to fine-tune the performance to match their cartridge and system preferences.
Specifications:
Effective Length: 240 mm
Overhang: 17.5 mm
Head-Shell Offset Angle: 22.9 degree
Mounting Hole Diameter: 22.0 mm
Arm Board Thickness: 4.5 mm – 26.0 mm
Recommended Arm Board Material: Acetal or MDF
Recommended Cartridge Tracking Force 1.3 – 3.0 g
VTA Adjustment: Yes, via Arm pillar mounting adjustment
Recommended Cartridge Weights: 5 – 10 g (with standard counterweight)
Effective Mass: 9 g
Head-shell/Arm Tube: One Piece Aluminium Alloy
Arm Tube Fixing: Titanium coupling ring/stainless retaining screw
Bearing Assembly: Unique ‘Pyramidal’ Roksan design silent running; x12 Tungsten Carbide Bearing Balls; x4 Hardened Steel Bearing balls
Counter Weight Assembly: Unique Roksan ‘Intelligent’ type
First Break Resonance: 1.4 kHz
Audio Technica Said….
AT-OC9 Cartridge
In the constant perfection of record reproduction. Audio Technica unveil their latest numbers … AT-OC7 and AT-OC9. Having an almost identical ·on paper’ specification. both incorporate varying elements of the newest technology in materials and micro-engineering. many of them developed originally in applications for NASA and the hi-tech aerospace industry. The result is a sound quality previously considered unattainable in the sub £500 category.
Whilst the list of technical achievements is endless. the true test is in the listening.
“I will say with certainty that the OC9 is one of the very best cartridges I know. and can give it my strongest and most enthusiastic recommendation” HI-FI Review.
Specifications:
Frequency Response:15 – 50,000 Hz
Output Voltage: 0.4 mV
Tracking Force: 1.25 – 1.75 g
Weight: 7.8 g
Stylus: Square shank elliptical
Magnet Mould: Titanium Oxide/Potassium
Coils and Terminal Pins: PC-OCC