Kharma 3.2 to MidiGrand Upgade???

Frank,

Niacin ? Perhaps you can fill me in on this ? group and widen my musical library. In my life, Niacin (a.k.a nicotinic acid) is what your internist or cardiologist prescribes on top of Lipitor, Crestor, or Zocor, to help prevent overpaid plumbers like myself from having to shove drug-coated stents down plugged coronaries. (something has to pay for these toys)

However, based on your story regarding the Lamm ML2.1's + Grand ceramiqes and JV's write up in TAS on the Midi Exquisite, Sub, and ML2.1's combo, I would think that one drug the ML2.1 doesn't require is Viagra (or Cialis). Tough to believe it's only 18 WPC.

Owl,

Similar to Frank, I could get you to fill me on electronica ... On Boxing Day, I was busy filling in some of the holes in my software library, by studying the various lists "best of 2004" CD's. Probably, too light for you, but I did pick up some interesting electronic/dance discs e.g. Junior Boys (from Hamilton, ON of all places !!!) & Mylo (Destroy Rock & Roll) Unfortunately, I can't speak from experience, as it may still be a few more days before my Midi grands arrive and I can set up my Trek 5200 on a trainer and try to get back into shape while listening to Radiohead, Modest Mouse, Arcade Fire, or Interpol.

In my protracted search for speakers, I briefly wondered about buying a pair of 3.2 FE CRM's + a Kharma sub (based on the HE2004 hype) vs. the midi grand enigmas. Price wasn't that much different if you went used/demo and bought a new sub. But, even though my room is about half the size of yours, I worried that 3.2/sub wasn't as ideal for type and volume of music I listen. I also worried about the potential of blowing the midrange of the 3.2's driving them that loud, as they do the work of woofer and midrange. I would think with your room size, you probably would love going with the larger 3-way speakers.

Look forward to hearing whether you upgrade.

SirSpeedy,

There is a beer that is famous in my city called Keith's (I think it sucks) Nonetheless, the slogan for the beer is silly and stupid:

"Those that like it, like it a lot."

I guess that is the story with Kharma's. Despite the fact that they are expensive and have their limitations, those that like them, like them a lot.

And, I suspect that many people buy them used or as demo for much less than their list price. Interestingly, there wasn't much buzz in the internet over Kharma from the CES. But, still many of us feel that Kharma is hard to beat in many areas.

Sooner or later you may break down and get a used pair of 3.2's.

Carl,

I am ecstatic to hear about your opinion of the Lamm M1.2's. I bought mine without auditioning, although it was highly recommended by another Audiogoner who originally was a Tenor/Kharma guy. Three reviews (if you can believe) have also been excellent. I just received the amps today, and I am expecting the Kharma Midi Grand Enigmas any day now. I can't wait to finally hear them for myself in my new dedicated room.

It's the old chocolate vs. vanilla thing, but I have to say that when I was auditioning the Kharmas and switched from the Nagra MPA (SS), to Tenor OTL and then Nagra VPA (push-pull), I much preferred the sound of the tubed equipment. I think it took me 10 seconds of one Coldplay song after changing to the OTL to realize what my preference was, although everyone is different. Edge gear was on my list of considerations, but like a lot of things I never got to audition it. I It is good to hear that the Edge NL amps work real well with the 3.2's, suggesting that SS can work as well as tubes with the Kharma line. Most Kharma reviews have concentrated on tubed equipment in the past for what ever reason.