Kharma CRM3.2 FE vs Sonus Faber Amati Anniversario

Jonathan, thanks for that insight. After reading your response and hearing from Glide2 (who I think you know), I've decided to remove the Kharmas from the list. He suggested adding the Wilson Benesch, which I haven't seen, but plan on looking to see if someone near Chicago carries them. I'll keep the Avalons in contention too, since they meet my size and aesthetics criteria. Any other suggestions will be appreciated.

Jtinn or
Is the vandersteen 5a as refined as the Amati or Kharma. I realise that 5a's will do macro dynamics, but what about the rest of the musical spectrum.

Bruce_1: Glide2 has a very good ear and has listened to many systems. While I like the WB speakers, they are not really my cup of tea. I prefer a bit more lifelike sound. The Avalon's are certainly worth listening to, but I would strongly suggest you listen a speaker I sell, the Von Schweikert's. What are your musical preferences? Maybe I could make some other suggestions as well.

Downunder: I would prefer the Vandy 5a's to the Amati. As far as the refinement, the 5a's are a terrific speaker, but you would not be comparing apples to apples. The 2 way 3.2, which has limited frequency range, air movement and dynamics has greater refinement.

thanks Jtinn.
I currently own Vienna Mahlers and want something that is a little easier to drive and have the option to go to tubes if I want.
I heard the SF Strads and they sounded amazing, however too rich for my pocket.

Vandy 5a's or Amatis anniversario are what I have been thinking of. Amp will be either cjprem350 or prem140 - depending on how SS the prem350 would sound with either.

My taste in music is pop/rock/alternative so I want dynamics, however with a slightly warm character to make the most of "hot sounding" recordings.

I would appreciate your thoughts.

ps, Von Schweikert's are not imnported into Australia.

I 'm sure that changing to the Von Schweikert's would be a step up from the Vandy's if I got in the $20k+ range of the line, however, they won't clear the WAF hurdle that initiated this quest to replace the 5's. My musical preferences are jazz, classical, and a mix of other genres (Blues, Bluegrass, 60's rock and soul, pop). I don't want to give up anything that I'm getting with the Vandersteens, but realize that it will be costly to improve on their sound plus make a major advance in appearence.