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Kharma CRM3.2 FE vs Sonus Faber Amati Anniversario

Has anyone listened to both these speakers who could provide a comparison? I currently own Vandersteen 5's and am considering moving up (in aesthetics and cost, and I expect sound quality) to one of these $20K+ speakers. I am trying to find a beautiful looking and sounding speaker (WAF problems increasing with the 5's) that is no larger than the Vandys (preferably smaller) that will work well in a room with a listening position about 10 ft from the speakers. Amp is DNA-225 moded by SMc, speaker cable is 8m of OCOS. Music is classical, jazz, and diverse mix. Thanks in advance for suggestions.
bruce_1
downunder
1,329 posts
 
What do you not like with your vandy 5's?. have you considered upgrading to the 5a's. These are know to be a great speaker.
Definately with the karma's you will loose bass compared to your 5's, unless you are planning to add a sub.
I don't know how thye Amati's sound, howver today I listened to the Stradivari's and they sounded just awsome, great warmth with control and transparency. Easily the best speaker I have ever heard.
argento_audio
4 posts
 
All the speakers you mention (including your current speakers) are very good speakers. I think you will miss the bass of the Vandersteens going to either of your alternatives. The rest of the frequencies are probably more a matter of taste. Before buying anything you should listen to a set of Avalon Eidolon Vision or even the Eidolon Diamond. They will fulfil both your size and visual requirements and they sound amazing. If you go for the Eidolon getting a second DNA 225 and running them in mono will be a good idea - The Eidolon like power I have experienced while experimenting with amplification for my own Diamonds.
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
Coming from the Vandy 5's, the Kharma 3.2's will have some advantages, but will leave you a bit wanting in the area of dynamics and bass depth.
bruce_1 OP
96 posts
 
Downunder, I love the 5's and the upgrade to the 5a's would be a very cost effective way of improving the sound even more. The reason I'm interested in changing speakers is that as we have improved our living room decor my wife has become increasingly disenchanted with the looks of the 5's. She would prefer speakers that are more attractive and preferably smaller That is why I'm thinking of the Kharma's and Amati's.

Argento, I thought about Avalons, except I was considering the Opus, since I believed the Eidolon's would be too much speaker for our LR (12x18). Also, I don't have the amp the Eidolon needs to sound their best, so that upgrade would add a lot more to the cost. At least that has been my thinking to this point. The Opus might be a good, and less expensive option though.

Jonathan, I was hoping you'd respond, given your extensive experience with the Kharmas. I knew I'd lose bass depth with the Kharmas, but didn't think I'd give up dynamics. Could you elaborate?
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