realworld experience: Kharma subwoofer + 3.2 CRM


Beyond the shows and the recent positive comments by Jon Valin in the latest Absolute Sound, does anyone own the Kharma subwoofer and 3.2 CRM combination. If so, would they like to share their experience. What about playing this combination fairly loud (e.g. alternative rock/rock) ? How does the combo compare to say the Grand Midi's ?
thom_y
some interesting and varied responses ...

first, it doesn't seem that anyone has any personal experience beyond hearing it at the show ... is there anyone who actually owns the combo who would care to add anything ?

second, Exquisites Midi's or 1D's are out of my budget ... therefore, I'm primarily interested in knowing how the subwoofer/3.2FE CRM combo compares to some of the more "affordable" speakers (e.g. CE 2.2 or the Grand Ceramique Midi)

there does seem to be varying opinion as to whether the sub intereferes with the soundstaging of the 3.2 and how well they integrate compared to a more full-range Kharma speaker. J Valin in the Aug/Sept TAS suggests : "the 3.2s and their sub made a terrific combo-far more "of a piece" than I would ever have guessed ... " He then concludes: I could live with the Kharma 3.2/sub, and probably will." ... interesting ?

Any further thoughts. What about playing the combo reasonably loud vs. the 2.2 or Grand Midi ? (Even the Grand Midi is out of my budget, unless I buy a demo/used one).
I am good friends with Lloyd Walker.He stated to me that he prefers the 3.2/sub to the Midis.He had extended exposure to the two systems at the "Show".He mentioned that he was impressed with the "new" Kharma tweeter,but was interested in getting his hands on an Enigma sub to compliment his 3.2s. .From my understanding,from his trip to J.Valins',was that the "new" Midis were a bit of a pistol to drive {in the bass}.
The 3.2's with the subs are not nearly as good as the Midi Exquisites. The midrange driver and the tweeter are far better in every way. I think Thom_yis talking about the Midi Grand Ceramiques and the 3.2 CRMs. With or without a subwoofer, the limitations of the 3.2's are still there.

The 3.2's are not intended to be a speaker that can play at high sps's. They will blow drivers when pushed. The Midi's can go quite a bit louder (10db).
Jtinn, I notice that you have your Kharmas up for sale here on the AGon.What gives?? Have you found a speaker that you prefer over the Kharmas??
Tom, I believe Jtinn is the US westcoast dealer (? importer) for Kharma. So those 1As may not be his personal pair.