2. speakers
  3. 1045808008

Kharma 3.1 vs. Quad 988

I am purchasing the Manley Shrimp/Snapper combination and cannot decide between the Kharma 3.1 and the Quad 988. My listening room is 16x17 and I mostly listen to jazz and classical. I loved the Quads for their transparancy, soundstaging, and lack of coloration/distortion. They really made me feel passionate about the music again. However, I am having a hard time with the "wife acceptance factor" and a friend suggested the Kharma 3.1 . I know the Kharma 3.2 just got the great review and that there is a big difference between the two. However, for this price point I wonder what the feeling is out there since I have not been able to audition the Kharma 3.1. Thanks for the help.
vitman2020
jtinn
1,124 posts
 
As a Kharma dealer and a lover of Quads, I do not envy what you must be going through. The 3.1 will give you everything you get from the Quads but quite a bit more as well. You will get the great midrange (I personally think it is even better), but a much more dynamic and lifelike sound. The soundstaging is incredible.

Good luck!
danlevy
34 posts
 
I've heard the 3.2s but not the 3.1s. I love my 2.2s, an often forgotten mid-range model that is the perfect size for my room.

I suspect you will get a massive dose of the Kharma sound from the 3.1s at a fraction of the cost of the 3.2s, as all the Ceramique series share the same delightful, possibly awe-inspiring, characteristics.

Go for it...
glide3
402 posts
 
I have owned Quad 57's and have spent a bit of time with the 988's and have also owned Kharma 2.2's. You will not go wrong with either choice but you will not be disappointed with the 3.1's IMO. You've gotten good advice above.
john_tom
6 posts
 
I own the Kharma 3.0's and think they are fantastic!
More to discover