Kharma CRM 3.2F

Ulrik: "what makes them special...at this price". A tough question!
Subjectively, I found these speakers to be very open, natural & fast in the mid+upper register, a quality I'd commonly attrubute to stators. The hi-frequency extension sounded far superior to my old stators, AS I HEARD them (my stats happened to be in the same room). The lower end was pleasing & very easily perceptible, crisp enough (I don't mean not harsh) to distinguish between plucking & a bow. The low bass I can't openly comment upon: the music was flowing (remember, I listen to classical for judging) so, harmonics must have been present. At least I wasn't "trying hard" to compensate for sounds that were not quite there -- or where too far into the b/ground when they shouldn't be -- as often happens in my case.
This all with a "normal" volume -- for me @ 15"/10" to the hr on the CAT -- i.e. on the low side for most of us, I suppose.

As to the price -- I can't judge. Take my words as a brief description from s/one who does NOT have these speakers, i.e. their only worth is in the spontaneity of my reactions to the sound -- if that. No golden ears here by any stretch of the imagination.

Others, who HAVE these or other Kharma models, can surely provide more and better details!

No doubt Kharmas a great speakers and every model I have listened to have impressed me.When we get into these prices there are quite a few notable mentions.Another superb one is the Lumen Whites(Whitlelites,Whiteflames)(*yes I am dealer for them).They also use Ceramic drivers(even for the woofers) and to me surpass the Kharmas.The technology used is rather radical(no stuffing,based purely on the shape of the cabinet to eliminate resonances)but I can tell you it works flawlessly.They were at CES last year,with limited gear,their own amps primarily,but those who heard the room were very impressed.This year they will be all over Hoviland,Ayon,Mastersound ect. and other big names.Something that you should consider listening to.Right up ther among the best of the best.www.acousticdreams.com

While I agree with Sattothestars about the Lumenwhite speakers being very nice, IMHO, they are not even in the same league as the Kharmas.

They are not as fast, not as transparent, not as resolute, not as easy to drive. They do not have as good bass, the detail retrieval is not nearly as good either.

Let me make it clear, I spent quite a bit of time with these speakers and I found them very alluring, but not like real music. It really is a matter of taste. I try to listen to live music of most kinds weekly and that is my reference.

John, sell the Lumenwhites, but own the Kharmas. :)

Brad: Sorry I did not respond sooner, I just saw your post.

The Kharma 3.2 Reference Monitor is an experience each time you listen. With most speakers I have owned and heard, I find myself breaking down what I hear; picking apart the system or focusing on their strengths or their weaknesses. Just being able to enjoy my music each time I listen to the Kharmas without thinking about the system or what can be tweaked is what they are about. They are the largest 70 lb speakers I have ever heard. The sound stage is unsurpassed. It is enveloping and addictive. The midrange is unencumbered, the highs airy and extended, and the bass is deep, dynamic and textured.

Do you think I like them? :)

I have contacted a Kharma dealer in my country and when I asked for a discount on the CRM 3.2F he said that he would give me big discount if I bought more than one set of Kharmas!! I told him that I was having enough trouble putting together the money for one set! However I did ask how big a discount he would be willing to give and he said that he would give 20% discount if I bought 2 sets! Thats pretty good. In Europe the price of the CRM 3.2F is 14500 euro. With a 20% discount it is around 11.500 euro.

Would any of you guys be interested in helping me out? It seems like a good deal for anyone looking for this speaker. If you are not interested in this model I can ask my dealer if the discount is good on other models as well.

Answer in this thread or email me personal.

Best regards

UGM