Big Karan amps

Cappuccino,
I'm just trying to get a feel of the Karan sound here. If they turn out responded better than most I have listed by fellow gon'ers, it sure is a worthwhile contender to look up and audition one myself too. Have you had the chance to compare them to Burmester 911mkIII or MBL9011 as yet?

Cappuccino,
Sorry, previous last line I was meant to say--should you later have the opportunity to such exposures do shed us some light here.. Cheers!

So it's more or less similar improvements wrought with their ic. However, to me spending on Ic first is still the better investment though. And do tread carefully, try not to get overboard and spend too much on particular makes of cable. Because (like me), when you change equipments later only to find them not being the 'best' match, there will be much wasted $$$ stack unused in your drawers.. =((

Has anybody compared Karans to the like of top line from Boulder, Spectral, Gryphon, Golmund or Soulution??

Cappuccino,
FM 711mkII is supposedly to be a direct replacement of the 611X (now discontinued). Don't know price yet. As for 115 they are comparable to the 611 power wise but in mono version and where much technological advances of their current flagship 1811 have been implemented into, as do the latest 711mkII (was told by the importer). Last time i checked (Aug.'08) lists were ar.--115 CHF80k, 811mkII CHF100k and CHF125k for the 1811.

I am actually now looking for a second amp to alternate with my old workhorse (611) which has been serving my home hassle free beautiful music for more than 15yrs. You see, if only those latest FMA's are more reasonably priced, I definitely wouldn't have any second thoughts. However, before plunging the range of 100k for an amp, I certainly need to do some homework and be on the lookout for possible better bargain elsewhere too--without sacrificing any sonic merits whatsoever of course.

Having said the above, a friend has actually done his round earlier this year with a number of highly touted best of the best ultra hi-end amps most retailing north of 50k. To cut story short, he ended up with a pair of 1811s. Does his set-up sounds like one hell out-of-this-world musical mega buck system--YES!! Do I like the cost--absolutely NOT!! As Karan is amongst the few brands that was not present during the shoot-out, I am very much curious of how they'd fare.. Tough--but who knows I'll be getting my bargain here.

Having said the above, a friend has actually done his round earlier this year with a number of highly touted best of the best ultra hi-end amps most retailing north of 50k.

< Oops..I meant early last year--2008! Sure doesn't feel we've passed it..

Cappucino,
Congrates!!
I was in your positioned, felt that magic of Valhalla too! If they sounded right in your system, leave the rest as is like what my 'cruel' dealer did, and just substitute a single pair of Odin XLR from your source to pre! Believe me, it will further propel your system to new heights! A magnitude of difference--more organic, more body, just more live across the board, most noticeable being in the mids! Since you are sooo..close, do at least try them out and have them in for a couple of days and see if you can go back to Valhalla.. =))