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Kharma Reference Monitors

I just got a pair of Kharma Reference Monitors this weekend and felt that I had to write my comments. In the time that I have been an audiophile, I have had only a few components that at their time made me feel they were the best by far: Audio Logic DAC, Magnepan speakers, CJ Art, Illuminati Orchid and now the Kharma Reference Monitors.

The Kharma's replace a pair of Wilson WP 6.0 in an 18'x15' room. The associated equipment is Levinson 31 --> Audio Logic DAC --> Bat VK50SE --> Lamm ML1 --> KRM 3.2.

These speakers produce such a smooth musical sound that seems to fill the room as if they were the size of Pipes or Maggies. The top end is as good, if not better than the 3.6's I used to own. The bass is very articulate and tight. It's not quite as powerful as the WP6.0 in my room, but much more musical. The soundstage/disappearing act these speakers have is unparalleled in my experience. Invisible like the Vergos and able to place instruments like the Eidelons or Pipes. But the most amazing thing is how musical they sound. Their speed combined with their accurate reproduction of tonal character is the closest thing to real instruments I have heard. These things really are something special.

Now I feel that I need to upgrade the rest of my system, maybe an Audio Aero source or Lamm ML2 amps or new cables but definitely not new speakers for a while.
delancey
blink609ad37
1 posts
 
I'm not sure if it is OK to suggest this, but you will save a good 40-50% off the price of the Kharma CRMs relative to the US MSRP if you purchase in Europe and bring them back as a tourist.
bamafan
74 posts
 
Be warned. By purchasing the speakers overseas and shipping them to the U.S. you run the risk of the U.S distributor not having to provide support in the event you have a problem. That could mean you would have to ship the speaker back to Europe if you had a problem. This could offset the savings.

rcprince
3,079 posts
 
As an Audio Logic fan, I wouldn't be too quick to replace that unit--see my review on the upgrades to the unit Jerry Ozment is doing involving transformer coupling, a $660 upgrade that, as each day goes by, is sounding better and better to me. Now I see what the people touting the more pricey Audio Note DACS were talking about. You might also check out the Lamm ML1.1s (only if you have an older pair of the ML1s; my understanding is that many of the internal changes in the new version were incorporated in the later production runs of the ML1s)), if you need more power than the ML2s can give you, as they sound just about as good to my ears.
delancey OP
47 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback. Rcprince, great review of the Audio Logic upgrade. I'm going to call Jerry about it. I am also borrowing a Capitole this weekend, so we'll see how they compare. I do have a later run of ML1's that Vladimir says are close to the ML1.1's. I agree they are close to the ML2s.
mes
393 posts
 
I know what you're saying re the 3.2's, I owned them and they are truly extraordinary. You are in for one happy ride. If you've not heard the Tenor OTL's driving the 3.2's, I strongly suggest you do so. As good as the Lamms are, and they are, the Tenor/3.2 synergy is pretty special and, in my experience, better than what you're now hearing. And it's not subtle. And if you're going hog-wild as far as front ends go, audition the new Meitner DAC6 with modified Phillips SACD 1000 as a transport. Peerless. Good luck and have fun.
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