Roksan Kandy K2 TR-5 review

Don't let these Roksans slip under your radar, they're serious contenders for class-leading status Tested at £895.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Stunning speakers that deserve to be labeled as serious contenders for class-leading status

Pros

  • +

    Lively, entertaining and hugely enjoyable sound

  • +

    breathtaking detail in the treble

  • +

    tight, punchy bass

  • +

    excellent integration

Cons

  • -

    You might want a smidgen more bass

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

You're probably more accustomed to seeing Roksan's hi-fi electronics, but don't let the K2 TR-5s slip under your radar.

The K2s' black lacquered cabinets look elegant, and the speakers feel solidly built. Unusually the Roksans use ribbon tweeters, a piece of engineering normally reserved for a select few high-end speakers.

Why? Well, not only are ribbon tweeters expensive to use, but they also don't go as far down the frequency range as a traditional domed tweeter.

To get past this problem, the K2s use a smaller mid-bass driver to shake hands with the tweeter higher up the frequency range: in this case a 13cm unit with a custom designed, treated and coated paper cone. The result is a speaker that integrates seamlessly.

That tweeter digs up an unbelievable amount of detail. The climax to the LSO version of Tchaikovsky's Trepak could quite easily sound like a mess of percussion, but the K2s give each and every cymbal crash rock-solid edge definition.

They keep up the pace right to the end and finish with a powerful, dynamic flourish.

True joy in the top end
Switch to Basement Jaxx's Romeo and the treble sparkles with a beauty that most of the speakers in this test struggle to match.

The delivery is so open and revealing that the Roksans have no trouble uncovering the smallest, subtlest of details. They communicate what's on the track with confidence and precision.

This musicality translates across all genres and allows you gain enjoyment without having to focus your attention on any particular area of the music.

The smaller mid-bass driver means bass notes don't quite have the weight or depth of some rivals.

But the bassline to Lady GaGa's Starstruck still sounds taut and punchy, and the quality of each note more than makes up for any minor weight issues.

The solidity of bass and the speed and agility of the K2s ensures notes don't linger.

These are stunning speakers that fully deserve a five-star verdict.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


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