Roksan, the iconic British hi-fi manufacturer, is marking its 40th anniversary with a celebration of its storied legacy in audio engineering. Founded in 1985 by Tufan Hashemi and Touraj Moghaddam, two University of London graduates with a passion for music and precision engineering, Roksan has spent four decades redefining high-fidelity audio with innovative designs and a commitment to musical excellence. To commemorate this milestone, the company has released a long-form brochure and a special anniversary video, offering an in-depth look at its journey from a bold startup to a globally respected brand.
It all began with Xerxes
Roksan’s story began with the launch of the Xerxes turntable, unveiled at a London hi-fi show in 1985. Designed to challenge the industry’s status quo, the Xerxes introduced a groundbreaking approach to turntable construction, focusing on reducing mechanical and acoustic interference. Its unique belt-driven, non-suspended design set a new standard, earning praise for its precision and musicality, and positioning Roksan as a formidable rival to established brands like Linn and Rega.
More diverse portfolio
Over the years, Roksan expanded its portfolio beyond turntables, introducing acclaimed products like the Artemiz tonearm, Kandy and Caspian electronics lines, and the innovative Darius loudspeakers, which were among the first to mechanically isolate the tweeter from the bass unit using springs. The brand’s commitment to blending technical precision with emotional engagement has remained a hallmark, with each product designed to deliver a deeply musical listening experience.
Joining the Monitor Audio Group
Since joining the Monitor Audio Group in 2016, Roksan has continued to evolve while staying true to its roots. The acquisition brought significant investment, enabling the company to relocate its production to Essex, where its latest Caspian Series 4G—launched in 2024—is now hand-built. This series, including the Caspian 4G Integrated Amplifier ($3,750) and Streaming Amplifier ($5,000), reflects Roksan’s signature blend of elegant design and modern functionality, catering to both vinyl purists and digital streaming enthusiasts.
Rob Barford, CEO of Monitor Audio Group, emphasized the brand’s revitalization: We’ve strengthened the foundation of Roksan, ensuring it remains a beacon of British hi-fi craftsmanship.
A testament to its founders’ vision
The anniversary celebrations highlight Roksan’s human-centric approach. The commemorative brochure chronicles the brand’s evolution, from the Xerxes to its current digital-ready lineup, while the anniversary video features insights from key figures like Software Test Manager Joe Deller.
Hi-fi is deeply personal—it’s about what sounds right, what feels right, Deller said. Roksan has a long heritage of designers and engineers who genuinely love the products they create.
Roksan’s 40-year journey is a testament to its founders’ vision of combining engineering rigor with musical soul. From its Persian-inspired naming—derived from Roxana, daughter of King Darius—to its bold designs, the brand has consistently pushed boundaries. As it looks to the future, Roksan remains committed to its audiophile roots while embracing digital innovation, ensuring its legacy endures for music lovers worldwide.
For more details on Roksan’s 40th anniversary, here’s a link to explore their 40th anniversary brochure.
