Big Karan amps


Anyone with experience of the bigger Karan amps.
I am interested in the new 650 Monoblocks.
How does Karan amps sound compared to for example BAT VK-600, Theta Citadels, Ayre MX-R, Burmester, MBL and others?
I have Aerial 20T's.
cappuccino
Hi Westside_music (Gary) it's been nice chatting with you also.

Gary regarding the amps only offering single speaker binding posts and your reply mentioning that you have connected two sets of speaker cables with spads is just what I suspected. Are they the same speaker binding post being used for both the 650's and 1200's. Due to these amps actually having to be ordered and built would it be possible to order them with two sets of binding posts which would resolve this issue in question? I have and would be using my current Stealth Audio Cables "Dream", two sets per speaker so two spades per speaker binding post, will these fit okay if the two sets of binding posts is not available?

Personally I would not want to go from running true bi-wire running two pairs of speaker cables back to a bi-wire configuration where they actually split the wires etc.

I'm looking foward to learning more about Karan amps along with obviously hearing them.
Hello Westside_music,

My speaker cables (Elrod Gold Signature) are terminated by Bocchino spades which many consider to be simply the best - are very massive. What is the width of the space your binding posts allow for the spades?

Thank you

Thank you
Simon
Dev

I will have to look into this and get back to you about it. I have measured the binding post widths (WBT) and it is 5-6 mm. I tried again and can get two spades in without an issue but that of course depends on the size of the spades. I will be in touch with Karan Acoustics as to any possible options.

I understand what you say about not changing wires but I have done the comparisson of separate sets of cables versus the single (still true biwire but not separate cables) crystal ultra and I could discern no difference. I suspect it has to do with the type of insulation used. I did look up the stealth and understand their take on the topic. I too look forward to you listening and garnering your thoughts.

Simon

The Bocchino spades I am not familiar with, but did look them up. They look very impressive, is the sound commensurate? Depending on the model they are 3.5 to 4.5 mm thick so this would definitely be an issue. I am going to see what options there are, as the KA M1200s are custom built.

I will post again when I know. If you have any questions drop me a note.

Thanks to all for their interest in Karan Acoustics

Gary
Thank yoy Gary,

You can't install two sets of Bocchino spades. Does Caran binding posts accept bananas?

If so Bocchino bananas or WBT NextGen bananas will work fine - however, many audiophiles do not like bananas because their grandmothers told so and you will have to try to accomodate two sets of spades.

Regarding your question: "The Bocchino spades I am not familiar with, but did look them up. They look very impressive, is the sound commensurate?"

The answe is yes, yes and yes - particualrly in low frequency area. My comparison was only with WBT NextGen Silver locking bananas and spades. Be aware that supplier is not highly reliable and its a hell to deal with....but worth it. VERY EXPENSIVE TOO !!!!!

Thanks again
Simon
Simon

You are very welcome. The Karan will accept bananas. There is no option for a second set of binding posts.

Take care

Gary