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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
steakster
720 posts
 
FWIW; Rick Becker, a reviewer for the online magazine
Enjoythemusic.com uses Manley Mahi tube monoblocks with his Kharma 2.2s. These amps have only 40w ultralinear, 20w triode. His system sounds sublime. The soundstage is so huge that I could actually leave the sweet spot in the listening chair and walk 5 ft toward the speakers w/o losing any imaging. I couldn't believe it. The bass is on the soft side but . . .
thom_y
192 posts
 
Perhaps more than you, I was very reluctant to consider tubed equipment when I was first deciding on my amps. Yet, once I started looking at Kharma speakers, I realized that I much preferred the sound of tubed amps or at least hybrids with these speakers. I first heard the Kharma Midi Exquisites with the Tenor 150 Hybrid, but I then got scared away from the Tenor because of some early equipment problems and then by their financial situation. Yet, it was real hard to decide on an alternative, as I loved the combination of the Tenor hybrid with Kharma. The only SS that I ever listened to with the Kharma (ceramique 1.0) was the Nagra MPA and I then switched between the Tenor75 OTL and the Nagra VPA push-pull. Of the three, I kept coming back to the Tenor, yet I didn't think the OTL was the right answer for my situation (given my musical tastes, listening volume) and found it a bit lacking in the bass.

In the end, I settled with the Lamm M1.2, without ever auditioning them. I made my decision just after Tenor went into receivership, as I finally decided that I didn't want to risk going with the Tenor. A fellow A'gon, who owns both, highly recommended the Lamm M1.2 as an alternative to the Tenor, as did the dealer, and now after a few months of listening I am very happy with my choice. I think you definitely should put it high on your list. With your solid state background, you definitely will appreciate it's tube benefits, yet without some of the associated hassles or tradeoffs.
henryhk OP
648 posts
 
Thanks for the comments. What about WAVAC, Cary, BAT amplfiers? What are the rough power guidelines for SET, push pull etc tube amps if I want drive the Kharmas?
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
If I can add my 2 cents.My pal has a Rowland 8t,driving Kharma model 1's.He has a high res set-up as well,and is getting truly high quality sound.Particularly well controlled,and deep,tuneful bass.Also,and importantly,he gets a superb degree of timbral accuracy,normally associated with all tube systems,though his is a hybrid(tubes in phonostage).
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
What about the new Karma Amps??? They aren't that expensive, and sound great wth the Karma speakers...
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