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
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.
I think Mes moved on up in the kharma line and is now enjoying a fully loaded pair of Midi Grand's :) though I could be mistaken.
Delancey,

Two words of advise.

Do not “update” your speaker to “higher” Kharma molders. The “higher” Kharma molders are very poor. The KRM 3.2 are accidentally very successful model.

Do not “update” your Lamm ML1 to Lamm ML2. With all Lamm ML2 beauty those 18W SETs are not the appropriate electronics to dive the sub 97-98 dB sensitive 4-ohmers.

Rgs,
Romy the Cat
I'm going to a bigger room and did indeed move to the Grand Ceramique Midi's, which are essentially the 3.2's with an 11" woofer. They work better in a bigger room, same sonic signature with a tad more ease of presentation. If the 3.2's fill your room, stick with them, you'll find nothing better. I equivicated for a long while, I was very, very happy with the 3.2's. But in a larger room, the midi's seem to work better- for me. What you hear is no "accident", they are the real deal. Two words of advice: Ignore Romy. And stay from molders. And Sculley for that matter.