Wilson Audio Watt Puppy 7 vs. Kharma 3.2

Thank You All. . . for the Very helpful information.
A mention was made regarding the "Proper Set-up" for the Wilson WP7's. (?) If I purchased a used pair on-line, would I be out-of-luck with "correct" set-up? What are the proceedures required to set-up the WP7's for optimal performance?

proper setup for wilsons?

patience & a good ear.

also, IMO the rives setup methodology (found on AA faq) is the best way to get them right.

rhyno

"I will provide some additional information about my system. My room size is about 22' x 22' with a 20' high ceiling. Accoustics are difficult, due to several open walls leading into other rooms and windows."

You may want to look into the new Focal SM11's or SM8's with built in DSP may be the best choice as the modestly priced 8's ($7500/pr) have a Beryllium tweeter and these speakers redefine neutral, but play louder and have better bass and clarity than either of these two over laquered wannabe's. The 8's would wear out the similar Kharma's in every possible category and the Kharma's still can't be eq'd to correct room problems. W-cone Focal and Beryllium tweeter, versus old school tioxid and ceramic?

The SM11's ($20K) are unbelievable for such a small package and with the room correction built-in to the effects of your cubed room could be minimized, especially since you can sit near-field on these monitors. The 11's can match the Wilson in every positive way....the only reason I bring this up is your room is a cube and I suspect it has big windows etc, so no matter what speaker you buy your room is a big ugly acoustic monster that must be dealt with and considered.

Personally I think both the Wilson and the Kharma's are weak choices at this price point and if they are so tricky to setup, you can forget it in your room. Also the Focal speakers are designed for near-field listening so you can cozy up to them to further eliminate room effects.

If you're looking for sonic value for $20K, you may want to look elsewhere, although pride of ownership is very high for both these models, the fact is an ATC Anniversary 100's can put the smackdown on Maxx's and Midi Exquisites at $26K (ie high value, but no braggin' rights), you may want to consider the price of entry to the Kharma/ Wilson club and what you're paying for. Have to remember Focal tioxid tweeters are $20 and the Accuton/Scan speak mids are $175. So what are you paying for really?

Well I guess that's off topic enough to make some people angry at me. But buying difficult speakers and placing them in a difficult room seems like a difficult time to get "musical" results.

What do you think?

Have to remember Focal tioxid tweeters are $20 and the Accuton/Scan speak mids are $175. So what are you paying for really

I'm not contesting the point you're making & I second the usefulness of Focal's built-in DSP.
However the point about pricing applies all around; while the ceramic drivers alluded to are slightly more expensive than you note, the Focal "W" driver are similarly priced. For that matter, the standard ATC drivers are only slightly more costly. The beryllium tweet OTOH, is VERY expensive (or was -- focal doesn't seem to want retail sales anymore).
But, it's good to ask ourselves the last question every now & then: "What are we paying for?" The design (choice of units, xover, cabinet design) & box maybe? When a manufacturer hits upon a "good sounding" design, the price escalades fast regardless of component cost maybe?

Can anyone expand the topic and tell me if you have experience with Kharma vs. Sonus Faber (Stradivari or Amati?) I'm in the process of deciding between those speakers, and am afraid I will lose a degree of musicality if I go for Kharma (midi exquisite) vs Stradivari.