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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
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
What about the new Karma Amps??? They aren't that expensive, and sound great wth the Karma speakers...
thorman
1,262 posts
 
Ive been using the Thor TPA 30 watt monos with the Kharma 1.0 with great results. For air and transparency they are incredible .Build quality is exceptional. The other great thing is they are completely idiot proof to use.Thor Audio may not be the biggest name in Audio, but for certain its one of the best! A new review of ther mk2 TPA30 is avaialble at www.soundstage.com Good luck on your choice.
rcupka
47 posts
 
FWIW, Kharma's were voiced using Lamm amps. I have found both ML2 and ML1.1's to work quite well with my 3.2's.
sirspeedy70680e509
1,064 posts
 
I truly love the little 3.2's,though I don't own them.I have heard them with the new Kharma amps,which to me are not nearly in the league as some other amps.The Cary 805's I would think can be a viable match,but the best I've heard,and by a long shot,are the Lamm amps.

I still have a hunch that the 805's could "DO" the Kharma's to the max,and for less than half the price of the Lamm gems,and I suspect the Canary Audio amps are also "KILLER".

Not surprisingly,my pal gets fabulous sound on his 1.0's with the solid state Rowland 8t.These amps have a stunning tube like timbral balance,with incredible control over his 11 inch woofers.Any thoughts of the Kharma sub in his set-up would be overkill,as he has an excellent "hardwalled" room,and is loading the room very well.Just my 2 cents.Good luck to all you lucky Kharma users!!
henryhk OP
648 posts
 
Thanks to all. Can somebody explain to me the key sound and power (ability to drive Kharmas in particular) btwn SET & push pull?
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