Kharma Mini or Avalon Eidolon diamond

Emigene,

You picked two fine speakers and to be honest i feel the most critical factor in determining which one would be right for you would totally be a room issue. If you are considering the Avalon Acousics Eidolon Diamond then the Kharma ceramique 1.1 with Enigma upgrade would probably be the Kharmas you would compare the Eidolon Diamond to. The Kharma's tend to be a tad more bass shy than the Avalon's. The Avalon's offer full range sound, but do not play as loud. The Kharmas work well with tubed units and the Avalons tend to like a lot more power. As far as resale value goes it is hard to compare. I have not seen many Kharma 1.1's for sale. The Eidolon Diamonds used prices seem to be a little above 20K. I have seen the Kharma Exquisite 1D go for 33K and the little 3.2 go for 9K. Overall by these price comparisons and the time in which each speaker is available in the used market makes me think that the Avalon's are the better speaker for resale value. They, Avalons, tend to sell faster and at a bit higher price.

hope this helps,

Johnny

The room is always the issue.
if you do not impliment professional measuring and apply acoustic room treatment, you will throw away lots of dollars and never reach full potential be it Kharma or Avalon or any speaker
Kharma can be driven with almost any tube amplifier they are easy load and so have a broad range in amplifier choice.
When i compare the Kharma 3,2FE to the Avalon Opus Ceramique the choice for me is an easy one: Kharma.
I have experienced Avalon speakers on many occasions and it always turns out that when partnered with Spectral amps they finally do shine.
Avalon uses a very complicated crossover with many parts and Kharma does the opposite.
And that's what you will notice when reviewing amps to partner for instance the Avalon Eidolon.
furthermore Avalon has a strong tendency to throw the soundstage behind the speakers and does this with any music you pick. even close miked recordings sound like coming from another room (somewhat exaggerated here) but personally i do not appreciate this 'effect'.
When it all trickles down both Avalon and Kharma are topclass performers but Avalon does not touch move and inspire like Kharma.
Kharma touches the heart. Avalon makes you think about it.

Tuboo,

Very interesting. I had a pair of avalon Eidolon's and found the opposite to be true. The speakers presented a near holographic soundstage. Sounds came from beside and almost behind me.