Can anyone describe the sound of the Kharma...


Ceramiques 1.0? I am looking to jump back into high-end audio and am intrigued by the Kharma line. I previously owned Avalon Eclipse/ARC LS15/Manley Classic250 mono tube amps. I loved the holography of Avalon's and their musicality, but am looking for something a little less difficult to drive. Are Ceramiques 1.0 this speaker?

Thank you!

Jordan
128x128germanboxers

Showing 1 response by audiokinesis

The Ceramique 1.0 is among the most coherent multi-way speakers I've heard. Somebody did a really, really fine job on the crossover. They may not be the last word in upper treble detail, but with the right amplification they are almost buttery smooth and still quite dynamic. I believe that Paul Marks of Thor uses this speaker or one of its siblings when evaluating his electronics, and that's a pretty good endorsement. I'd say that very few 30-watt amps can drive them well, but the little Thor sure can.

I got to listen to the 1.0's in the same system as a pair of Watt/Puppies (6.0 I think), and the Wilsons had better bass slam and overall dynamic impact, along with a more extended top end. But the 1.0's sounded more relaxing and had "bloom" - they get the midrange right, and that's where it really matters. Note that they like a very dynamic amp (like the Thor); otherwise they can sound a little subdued.