Roksan Attessa Turntable. Belt-driven, with an intriguing aesthetic and a built-in phono amp 

UPDATE FROM ROKSAN: I received this comment from Roksan’s Electronics Design Manager and thought the point about the cartridge and tonearm was intriguing…“Enjoyed your review of the Attessa TT, you "got" it. Some of the niggles are deliberate design choices & the cartridge a custom compliance to suit the arm (surprised you weren't told that, it's what makes it interesting); Attessa is a true system not a random grouping of elements to hit an RRP target & that was captured by your review, excellent thanks.”

I appreciate that you take time to answer comments and questions in-depth with good, interesting information.

Having returned a second Attessa with substantial wobble, the dealer said Roksan had quietly acknowledged that there is an issue, they're aware of it, it's related to the weight of the platter being too heavy to be properly supported by the sub-platter. They said they'd had someone return an Attessa the previous day with the same issue. I hope anyone reading this thinks twice before buying this deck. Such a shame because the sound quality is excellent.

Nice review Paul

I like the way you describe transparency, which is perhaps the most important quality of a hi-fi setup. Tonal and spatial resolution. If you have these, your system is doing many things right. By the way, Attessa is a recycled name if I am not mistaken. It was Roksan's first CD player, early 90's I think.

Hi Paul, Pulled the trigger on the Attessa turntable in white to match the aesthetics of an Olasonic Nano-CD1 transport, a matching Olasonic Nano-UA1 integrated amplifier, a pair of old-school ADS L300C speakers, and a matching custom-built powered subwoofer. Adding an Origin Live Cartridge Enabler tamed a fair amount of motor born resonance, which seems to be settling down as time goes on. There's a fair amount of microphonic activity if the plinth is tapped - so I've stopped doing so. 33 1/3 and 45 rpm rotational speeds are within +/-1.5%. The internal phono stage seems quite a good match to both the supplied cartridge and the Class D amplification within the UA1. The UA1's headphone output is configured to drive headphones with both 3 and 4 band 3.5mm plugs which both the Drop HIFIMAN HE-X4 open ear headphones and the Paradigm Shift E3M IEMs are compatible. The Attessa turntable was fairly easy to setup. After installing the OL Cartridge Enabler, I was able to set the tracking force to be spot on at 2.0g. Anti-skating on the 2nd rod position seems optimal. and the azimuth adjustment in a lot easier than the Roksan Nima tonearm on my custom-built acrylic TT. Cartridge run in took less than three days to start opening up, and it's continuing to do so. I'd say that all in all, this is an excellent turntable for the money, particularly when considering the quite good phono stage within. Basically, it does everything you said it would. BTW the tonearm's aluminium is top side, while the ABS plastic resides underneath. Thanks for recommending it.

I have just purchased the roksan attessa turntable and the roksan K3 cd player i have them both connected to an Emotiva PT1 pre amp backed up with a Emotiva A2 power amp. The speakers I am connecting all this up to are a pair of Elac Debut Referance DBR 6.2 speakers. I wonder if this system is compatable ? any advice would be appreciated.

Great review of this tern table. Used to have an xerxes tern table. Always desired an Tms tern table

Very happy with mine for day to day use.

Roksan might've had the decency to put a red light SOMEWHERE on this turntable!

Paul, was able to modify the three "Fixed to the Plinth" damping feet to be adjustable. Replacing the 6mm screws of 7mm in length with 20mm long screws and a retaining nut to capture the fender washer pressed into each foot converts them to being fully adustable. Friction between the washer and foot is all that's needed to adjust the height by just turning each foot. Since the washer rests upon the foot, there is no mechanism to over compress the foot, reducing it's damping ability.

I’ve just got one of these and it sounds amazing. Only issue is the tracking weight always seems different as the arm sort of moves backwards and forwards a bit. Is this normal?

Glad to hear the “Bye-Bye for now” tag line. You introduced me to a manufacturer with which I was not familiar. It might have strengthened your review if you had compared it to products with which I am familiar (at least with the reviews of same) like the offerings of Rega, Pro-Ject, Fluance, etc. Of course, I’m no expert, I’m currently trying to get the most out of two old Numark Pro TT-1 DJ models. On other works, I’m trying to get myself up to the level I can fully comprehend and act on you most excellent, professional reviews. 🙂

I'd love to see a group test with this and others around the competitive £1k price point. Like the Rega 6 and Project X2

I am looking at upgrading a Technics SL-1200GR (that I am using with AT33EV, Origin Live Mat and Gravity One into Graham Slee Accession MC with Enigma). I am trying to decide between the Technics SL-1200G, Roksan Radius 7 and Origin Live Swift with a OL tonearm. Alternatively I am tempted to try to upgrade my 1200GR by adding Isoacoustic Gaia feet and Origin Live Strata mat. But would these mods bring it up to any of the three new options? Your advice is highly appreciated!

I noticed the platter worble abit there, problem with bearing or the finished with the platter.

Do you recommend the felt mat with this turntable or acyrlic mat will be better???

Second the lad who said that Roksan should have forgone the internal phono pre-amp and one should forge their own path in that regard. Also, the grounding post appears a bit unusual - a sort of "star" headed screw above the input terminals. Does Roksan provide the tool necessary to loosen this such that one can attach the grounding wire? Also, do they provide a proper tool to undo the cartridge from the "head shell" if one chooses to upgrade down the winding audio garden path? Otherwise, a very proper review.

I have always purchased record decks when they have vicious cueing which is there to protect the stylus from being thumped down onto the record. Some of the newer decks around have dreadful cueing when the arm just thumps down onto the record. How does this compare? Does it have slow cueing which is important if you don't want to put the stylus tip out?

Hi Paul, found a better cartridge match with Attessa TT. An SAE 1000LT HOMC now replaces the stock Roksan Dana MM. The result is a more balanced spectrum, a deeper soundstage, and better microdynamics.

Love that Alexander O'Neil lp cover! Jimmy Jam Terry Lewis(the producers) are the Lennon/McCartney of funk-Soul !

Hi Paul we always have a nice time thanks to you. I notice a lot of these higher end decks coming out lately have built in phono amps , but for the life of me I can’t understand why . It just doesn’t strike me as likely that someone spending this kind of money would not know the advantages of a separate amp . And with the money saved they could replace the rather basic phono outs with some better quality units. I may have missed it but dose it come with a lid? , because that tone arm looks like the ultimate dust magnet . All those nooks and crannies to clean with no arm clip might just drive one to distraction Still it’s obviously a very good deck judging by your review . And as I always say if you won’t the best advice about hifi , just you go and have a listen to Paul he will sort you out 😀. Best regards to your good self 👍👍👍

Future classic here kids,,!!

I have a rega p3 with exact cart. But i also have the Roksan Attessa Integrated amp. Ive been looking at upgrading my deck. Would the Attessa TT be a good move or the Project Debut Pro or could these be perceived as more of a sideways move? I like the phono stage in the roksan amp but i also have an ifi phono, the basic version that ive been switching between for comparison. Also ive seen the Roksan TT reduced to £599 in some retailers, any help appreciated 👍 many thanks Paul

What is your preference, Pro-ject Debut Pro or this? Thank you.

Hi, I am thinking of purchasing this turntable which is on sale at the moment. I was wondering if you can tell me if the DANA cartridge and stylus can be replaced with any alternatives if damaged as they seem rare and expensive to replace like for like? Really appreciate any help around this.

Thanks for the great review, Paul! How would you compare this with the Funk Firm Gett! 2? They seem evenly matched...

Hi Paul and thanks again for a nice review. I myself will start again with vinyl and are looking for a good midrange TT. I used to have a Micro Seiki Belt Drive TT and after that a Pink Triangle LPT many years ago and sold them. Now I am more excited by a direct drive TT Like the Technics SL 1500c or SL 1200 GR but not fixes in that. How would you rate the quality of these compared to the Roksan? Thanks in advance for your opinion!

Nice looking TT and a thorough review as usual. If I were in the market though, the built-in phono amp would be a bit of a put-off. At this price i'd rather simplify the TT, cut the dodgy switches, and forge my own path through the pre-amp minefield.

Paul I enjoyed your segment on "transparency" but it also made me wonder what other turntable could you compare this to... meaning out of tables you've reviewed (and can remember), regardless of price, which one does the Roxane have the same level of transparency. Naturally for most of us in the market for turntables, if that said turntable was a multiple of the cost of the Roksan ($1200 USD), then my attention will definitely be peaked!

Hi Paul, a most comprehensive review. How do you think it compares to the Technics SL1500C which also has a built-in phono stage.

I’ve the project essential 3 is it worth he upgrade

Heldon, nice choice! Richard Pinhas is a great guitarist.

What a lovely looking turntable, I assume you would recommend this over the p3 with exact cartridge?

Phono pre sharing psu with motor??

Me again ! I see what you mean by ' transparency' listening to Slave to Love by Bryan Ferry, its like Uncle Bens Rice, every instrument separate and full of flavour! just perfect. Also one of the most seductive songs ever written BTW.

I bought one of these. It played albums at 37rpm and singles at 49.4rpm - okay if you're a fan of Pinky & Perky, which I was, but not any more. Also, the arm-lift lever (cue-ing lever?) was positioned way too close to the arm itself, so it jogged the tonearm onto the record, in a "non-too-healthy" kinda way. Positive reviews notwithstanding, I sent it packing with its tail between its legs and didn't ask for a replacement.

Bearing/motor/plinth/arm/cartridge in order of importance. Roksan should be applauded for being bold and different.

Bought one of these from Richer sounds cheap (ish!)as it was returned by previoux owner who couldn't get along with it. Apparently he found the setup too fiddly. Anyway I haven't owned a turntable in over 35 years so I suppose I'm a bit of a newbie. Christened her with a brand new copy of Dark Side of the Moon. OMG wow! What a treat for the ears!

I give you a thumbs up but never watched the turntable review, can you do a review on good integrated amps please

I used an original Xerxes for more than 30 years so was intrigued about this design. The cartridge however is basically an Audio Technica AT-520EB, which is £120. So did Roksan shake their magic wand at it in any meaningful way?

Hi Paul, Had a custom tonearm mount 3D printed to add a second tonearm to the Roksan Attessa turntable ... a 2nd generation Roksan Nima with a vintage Ortofon MC20 aboard. It feeds into the Origin Live Discovery 1 phono stage and onto my tube gear. Having way too much fun ~ let me know if you want to see photos :)

Nice review, Paul. I was a little surprised to see the platter was not precisely centred. The fact that it performs so well indicates that the fundamentals of the design are good, however, the manufacturing tolerances have, perhaps, slipped a tad. The switch on the back is almost certainly just a dipswitch mounted flush to the inside of the rear panel. Again, a cost cutting mechanism. But, hey, for under a £1,000, it sounds like you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.

Roksan or clearaudio concept. Now that rega 3 is off the chrimbo list!

Arm reminds me of the NAD 5120 tonearm.

Paul, do you know what the Subplatter is made of

Great review, Tnx! What phono amp would You recommend, or what price range?

What’s the music clip used as the lead in for the closer look section please? I couldn’t identify it. Thanks. Nige.

How would compare to a current Rega Planar 3?

it seems better than it´s older brothers ,then sound if better it´s an ok turntable

Unmistakably Roksan, very nice design. How does it stack up against the Rega P6?

I'm surprised you swallowed the bumph from Roksan referring to the cartridge. It's obviously an AT VM520EB, albeit a special version with a white stylus body and guard. As for a price of £250, they're having a laugh, it's £105 but I guess they're just trying to out-do Rega in the overpricing of other people's cartridges league table. That said, the choice of AT as the cartridge OEM is a plus in my opinion, I'm a particular fan of their range, I've been running exclusively AT440MLBs for the last 7 years or so. The good news for buyers of this turntable is that there is an effortless, multi-step upgrade path with the stylus. There are the EN, ML, SH and SLC options to go to at a later time, which will yield well known, good results. With a little effort, the RigB cartridge body replacement will push the limits even further.

Is there an easy way to adjust VTA?

How does it fair with products in the same price range. I know lots of people will be staring at the Rega RP6, so is the slight price drop for the Attessa worth it? Hmm. :)

I had a nice time 😂

£399 at Richer Sounds atm - for a relative newbie to vinyl this seems a bit scary given the niggles and awkward setting up required. But seems like a real bargain at this price though. Worth the effort?

No test of a turntable is complete without testing speed and wow with strobe.

Hello Sir and greetings from an ex-pat in Germany! I've been watching you for a few weeks now, due to the fact that I have decided to return to the audio world (been using Sonos for a few years now), therefore your insights have been very welcome. The problem with this "World" is that the selection is huge and sorting through all of the choices is difficult. This is where god-sent reviewers like yourself are worth their weight in gold! I personally had decided to buy (with my limited budget) a Rega Brio with a P3 and Dynaudio Emit 20 speakers. Unfortunately you have now made me uncertain about the P3. Would you suggest the Roxsan over the P3? If you have no time to answer. no problem. Thanks again for your support for the newbies!

Possible Roksan Blak review?...

The cart looks like AT120E series.

First time I heard transparency was connecting a naim 5i cd player and spinning gold dust woman on rumours remastered. Wow. All became clear. The rabbit hole 😂

Leave the arm lift in the up position. No stylus damage will occur. Unless you sleeve it!!

What about 78 speed?

Now £549 at Richer Sounds

I really feel that turntables... When operating properly have no "sound". It's the cartridge you are hearing.

I prefer tonearms with removable headshells

It is a very good looking turntable, but with no cradle clip nor a dust cover it's incompatible with the average cat that might be living around the house.

wow, what fuss about the phono/line switch!

A wal-wart power supply at this price point, they have got to be kidding 🙄

Just bought this turntable. The sound is astounding but on mine the platter has such a pronounced wobble, any sustained note bends in pitch to a distracting degree, worse than a dodgy tape deck. It's unlistenable. Whats worrying is that your video shows a similarly pronounced wobble - I am hoping my replacement will work as it should, but i'm not hopeful after seeing yours... EDIT - Replacement turntable also has noticeable wobble. a £995 record player that can't play a sustained note at stable pitch, can't spin a record straight and level, should not be getting reviewed this well. Mine's going back for a refund. It's a shame because the sound quality is remarkable, if you ignore the shocking pitch bend.

Sorry, eiert der Plattenteller ?? Falls ja, das ist ein No-Go !!

A personal question to you. But don't laugh, please! Why don't you never use the lever to lower the tonearm?

That phono switch is such a poor design for turntable a penny short of a grand I'd rather go for the project debut pro.

I see a platter that wobbles, For the price that is unacceptable. And the switch in the back is nothing more than a failed attempt to keep it as cheap as possible, which will be reflected in other areas of this table as well, That arm is a stamped metal design and is low quality. I would steer way clear of this product; there are many other choices at competitive price points of much higher quality and precision. Don't waste your hard earned money on this.

funny cover

I can't talk about this particular product because I never seen it in real and never listened to it. As a audio technician, all Roxan products I used to service in my carrier where anything but crap, especially there amplifiers. Not sounding so good, and worst, UNRELIABLE ! So, in my opinion, it means don't loose your money with those products. You can get much better for the same price !

Poor design of this turntable! I rather own a Lp-120x they build this better! The screws on the phono outputs on this unit was chewed up like the factory didn't care how they put it together! I won't buy one of these I wouldn't even try it if you gave it to me free! I rather own a Fluence before this one!