Wilson or Kharma


Let me start by saying that I know this is a very subjective question, still I need some valid opinions. I am thinking about going a different route with my system (I am currently using Martin Logan Prodigy's powered by an ARC VT-200). My room is 19x15x11.

I have a couple of reasons for the change:
1.I would like a speaker that did not require as much power, and I could in essence have more amp. options in this regard (although I do want to stick w/tubes).
2. I would like a speaker with a little more low frequency "impact" than my ML's (this might take the Kharma's out of the running??).
3. The Prodigy's are quite large, something a little smaller might be the ticket.

I have never heard either the Wilson W/P (7's)or the Kharma's (3.2's) and am going on review's and Agone feedback and threads. I would of course try to audition before purchase but it might be hard as there are no dealers for either of these brands in my area. I would like to buy used so that might be a concern as well.
Any feedback on this would be great........... anything else I should really consider???

Thanks
cmo
cmo

Showing 1 response by jwaugh

There is, in my mind, very little comparison to make here. I have spent a good bit of time with WP7s in a close friend's system and have owned the 3.2crms in the past. The Kharma's are very VIBRANT, immensely musical speakers. The soundstage is larger-than-life and detailed, and tonally they are phenomenal with good tube amps. That having been said, I was surprised at the bass you do get with them (so is everyone else consistently), but you don't get the lowest of the low bass. Kharma now offers subs built specifically to complement the 3.2s, though, and they are supposed to make the system completely amazing. If low end is critical and you are not happy with the impact of the 3.2s in your room, you can always add the sub (or better yet a pair) at a later timepoint. I never got around to it before I had to sell mine, so can't comment directly.

WP7s are better than most speakers out there. They tend to highly polarize people though. A lot of people love them and a lot hate them. You absolutely need to spend the money to listen to them before buying (an onviously good rule in general too, but essential here). I personally like them a lot but would never buy a pair with Kharmas as an alternative.

The choice is hands down for my own personal tastes, which seem to be somewhat similar to what I gather yours are. Kharmas let you just enjoy the musical experience in a way that most other speakers miss.

Just let me know if you have any questions, etc. By the way, I have nothing commercial to do with audio equipment. I work in dermatologic biopharm, so this is just a passion/hobby for me, but one I've spent a LOT of time on it over the years.

Good luck!
Jacob