Xerxes.X Turntable - 1995

The Roksan Xerxes.X turntable, released in 1995 to mark the 10th anniversary of the company, was a reinvention of their original design with a three-plinth construction aimed at addressing critical issues in timing, isolation, and torque stability that had plagued traditional turntable designs.

The three-plinth system of the Xerxes.X was a major evolution in the world of turntable design. The top plinth, which houses the tonearm and main bearing, was separated from the base plinth by Roksan’s innovative "Blobs," rubber-like isolators. These Blobs allowed the top plinth to be adjusted both parallel and perpendicular to the motor and main bearing, ensuring fine-tuned mechanical isolation. This was crucial in minimising vibrational interference from the motor and other external factors, further enhancing sound quality.

Instead of the traditional suspended sub-chassis found in turntables like the Linn Sondek LP12, the Xerxes.X introduced a sub-plinth that offered a much more rigid yet damped approach. This was achieved using polymers that absorbed resonances and prevented movement caused by stylus drag. As a result, the platter remained more stable during playback, addressing issues that could affect timing and dynamics. The innovative third plinth and compliant feet further enhanced isolation, offering similar benefits to suspended designs but with greater rigidity and control.

The AC synchronous motor, mounted in a novel way, could move slightly towards the platter in response to changes in torque demand. This prevented cogging or stalling that typically occurs when a synchronous motor is put under heavy load. By allowing the motor to move, Roksan ensured that it maintained optimal torque at all times, preventing the belt from fluctuating in tension. This mechanism kept the platter spinning smoothly and consistently, with the motor only offering enough power to maintain speed rather than driving it excessively.

The Xerxes.X featured a two-piece platter system. Although lighter than comparable turntables like the Linn LP12, the Xerxes.X platter’s design concentrated its mass at the edges, increasing inertia while minimising the burden on the bearing. The inner and outer platters were tuned to different frequencies to avoid resonant peaks, ensuring smooth and controlled playback. This unique design gave the Xerxes.X the ability to offer highly accurate speed stability and sound reproduction.

The main bearing of the Xerxes.X was an unusually long and fine single-point bearing. Unlike conventional bearings that tend to be bulkier, Roksan's bearing reduced mass and minimised mechanical noise. A small quirk of this design was the smaller-than-usual diameter at the end of the spindle, requiring the use of a small plastic cap for centring the record during playback. Once the record was centred, the cap could be removed, allowing the record to sit directly on the felt mat, reducing any extraneous contact with the turntable mechanism.