2. speakers
  3. 1216340650

Kharma 3.2.2: which tube amp to use?

After living with Kharma 3.2 and now 3.2.2 for 5 years with SS amplification, I am looking to try out a tube amp. My current amp is Goldmund Telos 400 (being put on sale on A’gon). My preamp is Vitus SL101. My room is 10’ x 14’. My source is a TW Acustic turntable. Current sound is fast, highly detailed, with great imaging. But on the dry and analytical side. I hope a tube amp can fill in some of the missing midrange harmonics and timbres, add bit more air and bloom. Add bit more flesh on the bones.
I am looking at SET amp and not sure which one will drive my 3.2.2 (90db, 3.5 – 4ohm) without giving me loose bass, and also not too much heat (considering my smallish room). I read Kharma 3.2 was voiced with Lamm (don’t know which model).
Your suggestions will be much appreciated.
128x128alectiong
alectiong's avatar
alectiong OP
110 posts
 
Hi Thorman, thanks for your suggestion. I am not familair with the Thor name but will look into it.

Hi Argyro and Sirspeedy, I have the Lamm ML2.1 SET on my radar. But wasn't sure if its 18W can control a 90db speaker. Was wondering whether the Lamm ML1.1 push-pull 90 watter would do the job better. I wish for the supposedly SET magic, but don't want flabby bass. The Wavac MD-805 55 watter is also on my list.
owl's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
owl
139 posts
 
Have had the 3.2's with ML2 and it's plenty good, even with very loud technorave music, and to me the only amp I'd use with them. I did have a friend who had ML2's with them then dropped them for the ML1.1. I think the soundstage opened up a little more with perhaps a shred more precise imaging, detail, grip and control but the inner detail and beautiful tone and sense of continuousness that the ML2 is capable of was gone. IMO Lamm's best design by far is the ML2.
hotbird
61 posts
 
Isn't Thor Audio already history ?
Check
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1195506858
fjn04
1,561 posts
 
You may consider a Vac 30/70, which is essentially two 30/30's
run in mono. Or of course just the more common Ren 70/70. This would be plenty of power, a bit of added warmth, but still very good detail. Not too hard on the eyes IMO either. The Lamm ML-2 is obviously a great amp too, although I have only heard it once in my memory.
sns
3,435 posts
 
My next speakers will likely be Kharma 3.2's. I am presently using an Art Audio Carissa Signature (18wpc, 845 tubes) with Merlin VSM-MM and Superbam. I believe the Kharma and Merlins present a very similar load to the amp (Kharma may have slightly lower impedence across the board), the Carissa Sig. is wonderful with the Merlin, bass is easily controlled with a synergistic setup. I hope to try the two together in the next year or so.
More to discover