Why the switch from Kharma/Tenor to DarTZeel/VSA

I still have Tenor. I heard the VR-11 in San Marcos and thought the VR-9 would be a nice fit for me. There is still nothing better in digital so Emmlabs is still tops.

You both obviously have not heard the VR-11's. I am able to hear what the best my gear can put out. I had the reviewed pair of Kharma Midi Grands with Enigma that Frank P wrote in on Stereotimes. I find the Von Schweikert to my ears, compared to the Midi's, better in all areas and I know those Midi's are better than your Kharma's you are comparing the VS to Nrchy. Just my opinion though.

You're right Brian. It is about preferences and I am sure most dealers do have that dealer/customer dealer/manufacturer relationship. You have this relationship too don't you?

I am not saying the Kharma's are not great. They are but I liked what I heard from the VR-11's better. As far as the DartZeel, I liked what I hear from the Tenor compared to the Dart I had in my room even though the Dart is the best musical sounding solidstate amp I have heard.

Michael

Hiya Frank,

I am not getting the VR-11's. I am getting the VR-9's which are half the price of the 11's, 2/3 the size, and use the same drivers. The 9's are what I was comparing the Midi's too. Yes, there are no 9's built yet but I am told by Kevin at VSA they use the same bass cabinets and are very simular in sound but that the 11's are for a much bigger room. They also use the Rives Audio room adaption. Not all VR-9 or 11's for that matter are going to former Kharma owners.

The Midi's with Enigma are now $47000 and if you want the diamond tweeter they are even more than the VR-9's at $62000.

I do notice that there are hardly ever any upper model VS's on the market but even before the recent interest in VSA I have noticed more than the usual Kharma's for sale. I do have the VR-4jr at home until the 9's arrive and I am quite impressed with these little guys and the best part is their price.

Anyway, I have heard the Kharma's top model Exquisites and I know it is unfair to compare them to say the VR-11's without the two of them being in the same room with the same electronics. Hopefully some reviewers will be able to do this in the near future. ;^)

Frank, I see your point about comparing a speaker by the same company. So, yes, it is unfair to make any comparison to a speaker that has not been built yet.

I never listed my Kharma's for sale. They sold without listing like they did with you and the new owner is lusting over them like the both of us did. Mark has sold his without listing too. I can tell you they are reselling for a lot less than they did before and I had mine less than a year.

There are a few out there that want Kharma's and have stated to others to let them know they are selling theirs before listing. With the recent price increase hardly any are going new and many going used. :-)

MM

Well, Gladstone you are the second person I know of in two days who has ordered the jr's. This other person went from Kharma's 3.2's to jr's. The world is getting smaller!

Thanks Frank! Yes this thread has been very entertaining. LOL! I will always have special thoughts for both pairs of Kharma's I had the joy of owning.

This hobby never ceases to be fun and now that these new VR's will be very heavy maybe I will be too lazy and old to move them for any others. LOL!!! Riigghhtt.....

Great post Mark! Hey, I am happy too!!!!! Happy! Happy! Joy! Joy!

How is it sounding?

MM

Hey Mark, again great post.

I need to call you so send me an email again with your number as I misplaced it.

Michael