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Power Amps for Kharma

I currently have the following set up: Meinter CDSD transport & DCC2, Linn Klimaxx mono blocks, Kharma 2.3F speakers, Kharma interconnects, Shunyata power cords & Hyda 8.

Though I do actually like the Klimaxx vs most solid state amps I've heard. big Krells, Spectrum, Pass Labs, Hovland Radia etc, I am sure there are others that may be worth experimenting with.

But perhaps more importantly, I've never owned or exposed extensively to tubes. Plus what is generally described as tube sound sounds appealing to me: more air, transparency, a bit of inner warm glow (without being excessively colored hopefully) in the mid range.

Having said that given the Kharmas do not extend to the lowest registers of bass, an amp that can help on this, though not resolve as it is impossible, would help too. Or perhaps I shld investigate Kharma's new sub.

So any recommendations? From the media and Audiogon I gather Lamms would be a good match. But would like to investigate more. Also rated power with tubes is so confusing for me, SETs vs push pull...what is needed? Any help would be most appreciated.
henryhk
mikelavigne
2,164 posts
 
Henry, Kharma's are not generally a good match for the typical SET amp since SET's (in general) have some coloration (warmth) to the sound that the amazing clarity of the Kharma's reveals as distortion. also, SET's are typically less extended both in top and bottom than a push-pull tube design and the Kharma's can take advantage of that extention that non-SET's provide.

i would say that the Lamm ML2.1 is an SET that certainly does not fall into the 'typical SET' type warm sound......although 18 watts will be marginal in other ways.

the Kharma 3.2's will be ruthless with any sort of edgy amp or warm amp....the price of clarity. the 3.2's will tell you exactly what any amp is truely doing. people that complain that Kharma's are 'too lean' sounding are typically dealing with an amp with less refinement and naturalness than the Kharma's need.
henryhk OP
648 posts
 
Thanks a lot Mike (I presume). I have heard about the DarTZeel though not sure if I can audtion or purchase them from where I live, Hong Kong: will check. By the way, I own the 2.3F which are a 3 way with the focal tweeter, not the new diamond tweeter: is it worth upgrading to the diamond? I did try the 3.2s and like them a lot but thot the bottom end as a tad weak: the 2.3F was better in this area....though the Midi Equisite is probably even better: but alas out of my price range at the time and plus my listening room is not huge anyway (though not all that small either). Also, what a great system and especially room of yours! I am dying with envy.
iujona
30 posts
 
the new kharma amps will blow any of these away...u gotta hear them...better than the LAMMS, TENORs, LINNS..i ordered a pair myself
speakerdude13f8
18 posts
 
"the new kharma amps will blow any of these away...u gotta hear them...better than the LAMMS, TENORs, LINNS.."

Iujona: Please contact me offline. I've just gotta find out what it is you're smoking.
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