Kharma CRM3.2 FE vs Sonus Faber Amati Anniversario


Has anyone listened to both these speakers who could provide a comparison? I currently own Vandersteen 5's and am considering moving up (in aesthetics and cost, and I expect sound quality) to one of these $20K+ speakers. I am trying to find a beautiful looking and sounding speaker (WAF problems increasing with the 5's) that is no larger than the Vandys (preferably smaller) that will work well in a room with a listening position about 10 ft from the speakers. Amp is DNA-225 moded by SMc, speaker cable is 8m of OCOS. Music is classical, jazz, and diverse mix. Thanks in advance for suggestions.
bruce_1

Showing 2 responses by howie

I agree with Rgs92's comments for the most part. Except, I would say that the 3.2s do produce a huge soundstage. In fact, the speakers' soundstaging capability is probably one of the things that is most immediately apparent.

Since you're concerned about aesthetics, you might want to know that the 3.2s are very friendly speakers to place. You can pretty much have it close to the rear wall without having the bass sound too boomy. Some have the speakers really close to the side walls with success as well.

I listen to instrumental jazz a lot and to me, the 3.2s' best attribute is its production of instrumental/tonal colors. The speakers sounds very flat, so it might not appear to be a "dynamic" speaker until you play a good recording. Only then, would you find the sound to be "explosive". Associated equipment and cables can make a big difference in my experience.

I listened to Sonus Faber (Guarneri, Cremona, and Amati at the time) extensively before purchasing the 3.2s (I also had aesthetics in mind). With the 3.2s, you really do get the whole "vivid digital picture" analogy, while Sonus Faber was more analog softer picture (different but no worse).

In terms of bass and dynamics, the 3.2s are fast and articulate, while the Sonus Faber's bass tends to be just a tad slower which tends to give it more oomph! Basically what I'm saying is that high pitch instruments can play very dynamically, but for some music, having the bass fundamental correct is the key.
Yep, WAF or in my case GAF, can be an interesting ordeal (interesting if you can find some humor in it). I showed pictures of the various speakers to my gf prior to the purchase of my Kharmas. Wilson Sophias? They look like garbage cans. Sonus Faber? They look beautiful but not in my room. Changing your amps and other associated gear after you had bought those "approved" speakers can change the whole WAF out of harmony as well.