Roksan Radius 7 turntable

The Roksan Radius 7 turntable is the last version of the long line of the Radius series. The dynamic London-based manufacturer is once again developing its best-seller by making subtle modifications to improve its sound reproduction.

ROKSAN RADIUS 7: CHASSIS

The Radius 7 takes up the double acrylic chassis with a "glass" aspect that made it famous. It rests on 3 specific stands that increase the decoupling of the whole and remove the vibratory effects as much as possible.

The motor rests on a 20 mm plinth and the tonearm on another one, isolated from each other by silentblocs.

As always with Roksan, the finish is outstanding, completely flawless and of the most beautiful effect.

ROKSAN RADIUS 7: MOTOR AND DRIVING

The 24-pole synchronous motor has also been optimized for vibrations and combined with a 20ppm regulator/oscillator. This allows a significant decrease in wowing and "rumble" effects.

It also allows an electronic speed change 33/45 rpm. It drives the opaque acrylic platter by its periphery via a silicone belt.

ROKSAN RADIUS 7: MECHANICS

The mechanical elements (spindle and bearing) are particularly well designed.

The rolling ball at the bottom of the spindle is called "cement", i.e. it has received a thermochemical treatment that consists of making carbon penetrate into steel to allow it to harden. After this, the steel becomes very hard and resistant.

ROKSAN RADIUS 7: NIMA TONEARM

We find the NIMA Unipivot tonearm by Roksan, which received some small modifications. The aluminium tube has been weighted and offers an effective mass of 15.3g.

This tonearm is also more rigid and the internal wiring receives new high-quality and silver-plated OFC copper conductors with PTFE insulation.

The counterweight is decoupled and designed for off-center mounting, allowing an easy azimuth correction. It is possible to adjust VTA for an optimal alignment with (almost) all phono cartridges.

The phono cable is connected via a 5 pins DIN type SME/Ortofon. So it could be improved in time.

ROKSAN RADIUS 7: TEST AND LISTENING

During our tests, we associated this vinyl turntable with three different phono cartridges, both MM and MC: an Ortofon 2M Black, an Ortofon Quintet Black S and a Hana SL.

However, this choice is not really limiting because the tonearm is rather versatile by its technical characteristics. However, we recommend a cartridge with a mass between 5 and 12g, a tracking force of max. 3g and compliance between 9 and 18 mm/N. We have left the original cable, but we have had excellent results with slightly higher-end models.

The first measures highlight plenty of detail and surprising dynamics. The restitution is precise, articulated and offers an excellent melodic tracking. The Roksan Radius 7 remains more neutral than the majority of competing British turntables, while favoring musicality to the rigor.

The balance is successful and contributes a lot to the realism of the restitution. Dynamics throughout the entire spectrum promote foot tapping and swing.

With a good low output MC phono cartridge, this turntable offers perfectly identifiable and precise sound levels, in depth as well as in width. On classical music, it is excellent but not outdone on Rock or Jazz!

This Roksan Radius 7 turntable, in its new version, is still an excellent and wonderful turntable and a reference of musicality in this price range.

Our favorite!