Still Sweet Like Kandy
by Venoth Nair
The new K3 integrated amplifier is the latest piece of hardware developed by London based British audio specialist Roksan. Known for their unique design and fantastic audio quality it’s easily comprehensible why this new product from Roksan can stir up quite a bit of interest. A member of the new K3 range, the K3 Integrated Amplifier symbolizes Roksan’s new approach to equipment design with the inclusion of digital media via both mobile devices and electronic online streaming.
The K3, like the rest of the equipment in the range, sports a beautiful new fascia design which is made from a single solid piece of aluminium. The solid plate is machined and worked by hand till it is perfect and comes in 3 beautifully classy colours for those looking to match their amplifier to their décor. The included remote control is also given the Roksan treatment with its unique rounded shape with chrome all around the body.
The design details carry onto the chassis of the unit which has an improved topology to help improve the dissipation of heat generated by the K3. Improved engineering concepts are also applied on the inside of the unit with its symmetrical amplifier layout, high quality internal components and an improved power supply layout all in the name of achieving superior audio performance.
Connectivity include up to 5-line level inputs along with a moving magnet phono input for those looking to go nostalgic and use a turntable. The amplifier also features digital media playback with the inclusion of Bluetooth audio streaming via Aptx technology for higher quality audio performance. If you’re looking to have some personal time with your music, the K3 features a headphone output as well which will be able to drive most headphones for those moments when no one else needs to hear what you’re listening too.
A single pair of pre-outs is also provided, giving you the option to add the K3 power amplifier into the mix for more power or to bi-amp those pesky demanding speakers. Alternatively, the outputs could also be used to hook up a subwoofer for the more bass hungry audiophile looking for more thump in the low end. Just so you know, the K3 comes with a confidently authoritative 140 watts of power at 8 ohms. Enough for most decent Hi-Fi speakers.
In addition, there is also a bypass input allowing the amplifier to be used as a power amp in a multichannel system to power a pair of speakers. In this mode, the K3’s pre-amp section is turned off and the unit functions purely as a power amplifier where the volume is controlled by the primary surround sound receiver. What this means is the K3 integrated lets owners maintain Hi-Fi quality sound in two channel mode and maintain functionality in a multichannel setup as opposed to having separate amplifiers for both systems.
Hooking up the K3 couldn’t be simple enough. Connect your speaker cables, hook up your source equipment, plug in the power socket and you are good to go. The main power switch for the K3 is located underneath the unit on the left side just below the front fascia. Once powered on you simply need to hit the mode button to turn the unit on from its safe mode to begin listening. Input selection is made using the left and right input select buttons on the front. When it’s time for some Bluetooth audio, all that needs doing is a single hit of the Bluetooth button which activates the K3’s pairing mode followed by a scroll through your device to locate the K3 and pair the two up. That’s it.
Audio quality from the K3 is purely spectacular, able to carry itself well with any kind of music with its upbeat, dynamic and highly detailed sound. The K3 has a sound scale that is truly large and is able to easily fill spaces with a full-bodied sound. Bass is particularly impressive with delightful depth and solid punch. Even with Bluetooth, the sound maintains its great character only showing a little weakness when compared to the usual line level sources.
The Roksan K3 is an integrated amplifier designed for those looking to keep with their Hi-Fi roots while keeping one foot in the modern digital audio age. The multitude of internal improvements along with the inclusion of Bluetooth helps to update and improve an already excellent winning formula. If you’re looking to get yourself an amplifier for your Hi-Fi setup this amplifier is definitely one that you should audition. The Roksan K3 Integrated Amplifier retails for RM 8900.
For further details contact:
WKH Distribution Sdn Bhd.
Tel: 03 62700035
Kenny Sea: 019 3395186
