2. speakers
  3. 1045808008

Kharma 3.1 vs. Quad 988

I am purchasing the Manley Shrimp/Snapper combination and cannot decide between the Kharma 3.1 and the Quad 988. My listening room is 16x17 and I mostly listen to jazz and classical. I loved the Quads for their transparancy, soundstaging, and lack of coloration/distortion. They really made me feel passionate about the music again. However, I am having a hard time with the "wife acceptance factor" and a friend suggested the Kharma 3.1 . I know the Kharma 3.2 just got the great review and that there is a big difference between the two. However, for this price point I wonder what the feeling is out there since I have not been able to audition the Kharma 3.1. Thanks for the help.
vitman2020
danlevy
34 posts
 
I've heard the 3.2s but not the 3.1s. I love my 2.2s, an often forgotten mid-range model that is the perfect size for my room.

I suspect you will get a massive dose of the Kharma sound from the 3.1s at a fraction of the cost of the 3.2s, as all the Ceramique series share the same delightful, possibly awe-inspiring, characteristics.

Go for it...
glide3
402 posts
 
I have owned Quad 57's and have spent a bit of time with the 988's and have also owned Kharma 2.2's. You will not go wrong with either choice but you will not be disappointed with the 3.1's IMO. You've gotten good advice above.
john_tom
6 posts
 
I own the Kharma 3.0's and think they are fantastic!
cello
645 posts
 
A bit off the track, but does anyone have any hands on comparison between the Sonus Faber Extrmas, Kharma 3.1s or 3.2s and or the Quad 988 ?

How would you describe the differences in sound ?

jcaudio's avatar
jcaudio
237 posts
 
Tough call. Both are excellent speakers. Probably a couple of the best in the world. I love Quads. In fact I have owned 4 pair of different vintages. But for day to day listening and the ability to play all kinds of music I would probably lean towards the Kharma. Beautiful also.
I don't sell either brand so rest assured I am not trying to sell you anything.
More to discover