I have owned Quad 57's and have spent a bit of time with the 988's and have also owned Kharma 2.2's. You will not go wrong with either choice but you will not be disappointed with the 3.1's IMO. You've gotten good advice above.
Kharma 3.1 vs. Quad 988
I am purchasing the Manley Shrimp/Snapper combination and cannot decide between the Kharma 3.1 and the Quad 988. My listening room is 16x17 and I mostly listen to jazz and classical. I loved the Quads for their transparancy, soundstaging, and lack of coloration/distortion. They really made me feel passionate about the music again. However, I am having a hard time with the "wife acceptance factor" and a friend suggested the Kharma 3.1 . I know the Kharma 3.2 just got the great review and that there is a big difference between the two. However, for this price point I wonder what the feeling is out there since I have not been able to audition the Kharma 3.1. Thanks for the help.