2. speakers
  3. 1086965147

Candid opinions regarding Kharma Ceramique 2.2

As indicated in a previous post, I am trying to make some final decisions regarding speaker selction for a "mid-range budgeted" 2 channel system. This system will be for a dedicated audio room that we will be constructing this summer with dimensions 23Lx13Wx9H. My musical tastes of late include a number of alternative rock/indie rock/rock artists: Radiohead, Muse, Ryan Adams, Strokes, White Stripes, Franz Ferdinand, Interpol, PJ Harvey, Lucinda Williams, Beck, U2, REM, Modest Mouse, Shins, Air, Stereolab etc

To date, my problem has been limited access to auditioning equipment as I live in a small Canadian city. Many speakers have been auditioned on business trips and there are some I have yet to track down (e.g. Kharma Ceramique 2.2) Of the speakers I have listened to so far, my short list includes JMlab Utopia Alto Be, Dynaudio Confidence C2, and the Wilson Sophia. I want to listen to Dali Euphonia's MS4 and the Kharma Ceramique 2.2 and I am waiting to travel somewhere where I can seriously audition them. The likely electronics will be Simaudio P-5 preamp, W-5 amp, and Nova CDP. On the other hand, I am still considering the possibility of a tube pre-amp (e.g. Hovland HP200), but would definitely prefer to avoid a tube amp.

As much as I love the musicality, air, transparency of the JMlab Alto Be, I am troubled by it's price, bulk, and worry it may be a tad too polite for the music I listen to. Similarly, I worry the C2 maybe too polite and lacking a little in emotional dynamic bass. On the othe hand, as much as I love the dynamic bass response of the Sophia (e.g. playing White Stripes), and the precise focused imaging of that speaker, I worry the speaker maybe too much in your face for extended listening and enjoyment It can also be tough on poorly recorded discs ...

Therefore, I am not sure I have found the right speaker yet, and given all the recent excitement regarding the more expensive Kharma speakers, I have been intrigued to consider their lower more affordable model the Ceramique 2.2. Yet, reading the recent review by Becker on enjoythemusic.com, I worry that he felt the speaker was similarly too much in your face, too detailed, and impossible to ignore. Moreover, he states the speaker is on the "border where music could become irritable or edgy with bad recordings". At the same time, he remarked about the trademark Kharma disappearing act. Until I get a chance to travel down to NJ, I would greatly appreciate any candid opinions regarding this speaker. I have already been recommended by person from this forum to look at this speaker line. I am curious whether people feel this speaker mates well with SS electronics, as most of the positive Kharma reviews were with tube (or hybrid) equipment (Tenor, Lamm, or Manley). Does anyone have any personal experience using the 2.2 with Simaudio amps/preamps, or the Hovland preamp ? Is this speaker too big to consider for my room size ? Do people feel this speaker is fatiguing over time ? Can anyone comment on a direct comparison with I dare say, the WIlson Sophia (please don't shoot me !).

I thank you for all of your help, sorting out my confusion. I realize I must listen myself, but I am trying to psych myself up to travel to NJ to hear for myself.
thom_y
keithr
1,306 posts
 
Sophias are great speakers, and not "in your face." Kharmas got the focal tweets too, so going to be somewhat similar on the top end. The Sophias don't fatigue me like the W/P neighbors. There is a much more natural top to bottom coherance too.

I like the big Kharmas (midi grands, etc), but the smaller ones seem over priced for there bass extension/size etc.

I recently aquired Wilson Sophias, and they have flat out amazed me...even on lesser equipment. You like rock music, and want to jam out--the Sophias I think are better than the Kharmas in that regard. Yes, I love Radiohead too!

I like the Utopia line too, but feel the Novas are the best, and they are way to pricy. The Altos don't rock hard enough for me.

Cheers,
psjulian
99 posts
 
What are you worried about getting flamed for?? The Wilson Sophia is a GREAT speaker. I don't find it " in your face", I find it has great sound. I'm going this afternoon to have an extended listen to the Sophia. The Kharma is one I'm looking into also. Alot of people are jumping off the Kharma bandwagon and moving to the big VonSchwiekert(spelling?) just look at the adds here on the Gon. I would also look into Silverline. The Bolero has my attention. Peace and Good Listening, Pat.
cmo
471 posts
 
Have you thought about other types of speakers i.e. electrostatic, ribbon (Maggies), or horns?, or are you only into the dynamic/box???

I may be way off the mark by suggesting that you look at some Maggie 3.6's, ML Prodigy's etc. If you haven't you may like the sound.
jwells
60 posts
 
I share some of the same listening preferences as you, and I find my Merlin VSM-MM's to be heavenly. If you haven't considered these, you may wish to check into them. All of the qualities you mention looking for seem to epitomize these speakers.
thorman
1,262 posts
 
I have had Kharma 1.0 for a couple years now and judging from what i have heard listening to the 1.0 .2.0 3.0,that they all share the similar traits ,also getting a touch better each step up. My feelings are ,considering the type of music you listen and what you are looking for , I don't feel the Kharmas are the speaker for you. My guess is they may be too forward and may not have the bass slam that you might be looking for. Do'nt get me wrong i feel the 1.0 is the best speaker for me,but not just right for you. I wouldn't rule out B&W 801 Matrix series 2 or 3. I owned them for years and they ( in my mind ) would do well to serve you....Good Luck
More to discover