Kharma - what’s in a signature edition

**Mike** · February 2, 2022, 09:02 AM

I get asked often what is the difference between the non-signature and signature editions of the Kharma Elegance speakers.

Here’s the details:

The Elegance Collection has 4 different models, of which the Elegance S7 and the Elegance dB7 can be delivered in standard or Signature version. For the Elegance dB9-S and the dB11-S, the Signature treatment is always included. A Signature model can be recognized by the -S behind the model name.

There is a difference between both versions, with each their own characteristics and treatments. The Elegance Signature versions have a different treatment upon several levels of excellence:

For the midrange section, the Kharma Composite Driver in the standard version is interchanged with the Kharma Omega-7 driver in the Signature version.

Enhanced damping: The acoustical damping of the cabinet is enhanced to better absorb all energy trapped inside the loudspeaker in a wide frequency range.

Enhanced internal wiring: The cross-sectional conductive area of the internal wiring is increased to have a more refined signal transmission between the crossover and the drivers.

Vibration-reducing compound: The crossover and bas pipe on the back plate of the Elegance are treated with a special compound to bring mechanical vibration to an absolute minimum.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

**crwilli** · February 2, 2022, 01:24 PM

You’re killing me! 😂

**Ritmo** · February 3, 2022, 08:24 AM

I recently listened to the DB-11S at Mike’s store. It is a fantastic speaker. I’m surprised how this superb line doesn’t get more industry recognition.

**GSOphile** · February 3, 2022, 09:51 AM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

I recently listened to the DB-11S at Mike’s store. It is a fantastic speaker. I’m surprised how this superb line doesn’t get more industry recognition.

Just speculating here, but I suspect limited distribution perhaps due to pricing and strong competition from at least two premium US manufacturers, Wilson and Rockport, who offer similar products. I am an admirer of Kharma but have not heard them. Has anyone here who would like to comment compared the Kharma DB9-S with the Wilson Sasha DAW or the Rockport Atria II?

**Ritmo** · February 3, 2022, 12:14 PM

Originally Posted by GSOphile

Just speculating here, but I suspect limited distribution perhaps due to pricing and strong competition from at least two premium US manufacturers, Wilson and Rockport, who offer similar products. I am an admirer of Kharma but have not heard them. Has anyone here who would like to comment compared the Kharma DB9-S with the Wilson Sasha DAW or the Rockport Atria II?

I’ve listened to the DB-7, DB-9S and DB-11S at Mike’s. All very good and competitive at their price points. Kharma, Wilson, Vivid, Rockport and Magico have offerings at similar price points. All five brands are very good and very successful. Ultimately, the decision is down to personal taste.

**GSOphile** · February 3, 2022, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

I’ve listened to the DB-7, DB-9S and DB-11S at Mike’s. All very good and competitive at their price points. Kharma, Wilson, Vivid, Rockport and Magico have offerings at similar price points. All five brands are very good and very successful. Ultimately, the decision is down to personal taste.

No disputing that. I am a Magico owner. Kharma, Wilson, and Rockport offer similar ported designs. I would like to know how those who have heard similar models from these three brands contrast their sound. Or do they sound so much alike that a buying choice should be made largely on other criteria?

**a.wayne** · February 3, 2022, 02:51 PM

WA sounds completely different from Kharma , Magico sounds more in common with them than WA, i have never heard Rockport cant comment there.

Regards ...

**Kuoppis** · February 3, 2022, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by a.wayne

WA sounds completely different from Kharma , Magico sounds more in common with them than WA, i have never heard Rockport cant comment there.

Regards ...

As everything you’ve ever disseminated on this forum, that’s complete BS. You’ve never owned any of these brands, so how would you possibly know?

The Kharma sound is a blend of Magico and WA, but overall much closer to WA.

Do you ever have a basis for anything you say, or is it just a steady uncontrolled outflow of nonsense?

**kzhtoo** · February 3, 2022, 05:57 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

As everything you’ve ever disseminated on this forum, that’s complete BS. You’ve never owned any of these brands, so how could you possible know?

The Kharma sound is a blend of Magico and WA, but overall much closer to WA.

Do you ever have a basis for anything you say, or is it just a steady uncontrolled outflow of nonsense?

How do you like DB9-S? I’ll be interested to hear your take on DB9-S vs. S3 particularly in the bass, rhythm.

**Kuoppis** · February 3, 2022, 06:12 PM

I'm very pleased with the choice. It's a more complete speaker vs. the Magico S3 or S3 mk2, which I both used to own.

Bass is in a totally different league, the sound is fuller and has more bass heft. Nevertheless the double-niner has the Beryllium clarity, w/o ever being sharp. No Beryllium bite here, I prefer it to the Magico tweeters. The Omega-7 mid range is very detailed and dense in tonality.

Talking about the British PRaT, they definitely deliver on the toe-tapping.

**GSOphile** · February 3, 2022, 08:10 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

I'm very pleased with the choice. It's a more complete speaker vs. the Magico S3 or S3 mk2, which I both used to own.

Bass is in a totally different league, the sound is fuller and has more bass heft. Nevertheless the double-niner has the Beryllium clarity, w/o ever being sharp. No Beryllium bite here, I prefer it to the Magico tweeters. The Omega-7 mid range is very detailed and dense in tonality.

Talking about the British PRaT, they definitely deliver on the toe-tapping.

Your comments are very relevant to my situation (S3 MkII owner), Kuoppis. Thank you.

I have a dedicated 15 ft x 18 ft room with a low 8 ft max ceiling, speakers set up out from the long wall. Do you think DB9-Ss would overpower this room? (The S3 bass powered by a Diablo 300 is pretty decent in this room.)

**LVB** · February 3, 2022, 08:40 PM

Same Scan-Speak Be tweeter that was in the S3 Mk1. Not nearly as good as what you alredy have.

**a.wayne** · February 3, 2022, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

As everything you’ve ever disseminated on this forum, that’s complete BS. You’ve never owned any of these brands, so how would you possibly know?

The Kharma sound is a blend of Magico and WA, but overall much closer to WA.

Do you ever have a basis for anything you say, or is it just a steady uncontrolled outflow of nonsense?

I talk so you can eat kuoppis im generous ...!!!

**Kuoppis** · February 4, 2022, 12:23 AM

Originally Posted by LVB

Same Scan-Speak Be tweeter that was in the S3 Mk1. Not nearly as good as what you alredy have.

Incorrect. Magico S1 mk1 tweeter is Magico in-house made (motor etc.), although using external diaphragm. Unless you of course know something Alon doesn’t. The Kharma tweeter is indeed ScanSpeak made.

Further, even if any two drivers would be identical, how they’re implemented will determine the sound. And sound-wise any Magico beryllium tweeter, and the Kharma implementation are very different sounding. Maybe you check with Mike, he just got himself a pair of Exquisites.

**Kuoppis** · February 4, 2022, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by GSOphile

Your comments are very relevant to my situation (S3 MkII owner), Kuoppis. Thank you.

I have a dedicated 15 ft x 18 ft room with a low 8 ft max ceiling, speakers set up out from the long wall. Do you think DB9-Ss would overpower this room? (The S3 bass powered by a Diablo 300 is pretty decent in this room.)

That is indeed a good question, and also one I had on my mind when getting the Kharmas. But my room is about the same size, and I do not encounter any problems. That said, my room is acoustically treated.

When the double-niners were new, there indeed was a slight bass overhang. But once burning-in the topic has completely become a non-issue. Now the bass is just fantastic.

Key differences between the Kharmas and my earlier Magicos are, that while they also have Beryllium tweeters and offer all the material-induced detail, they’re silky smooth and do never show any Beryllium-bite. Second is that the bass is just way more substantial, making the music more full-bodied. Also imaging and sound-staging are wider and deeper.

I’m indeed very content with my choice.

**Kuoppis** · February 4, 2022, 01:13 AM

Hi Khin, the bass in particular is more fun, more lively, more solid. You’re getting very easily pulled into the music. As a result, music is more engaging.

I loved the S3 mk2’s, but I love the Kharmas more 😀.

**kzhtoo** · February 4, 2022, 12:49 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Hi Khin, the bass in particular is more fun, more lively, more solid. You’re getting very easily pulled into the music. As a result, music is more engaging.

I loved the S3 mk2’s, but I love the Kharmas more

.

Not sure that’s something I need to hear. Lol Thanks for info, Kuoppis.

**Ritmo** · February 4, 2022, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by GSOphile

No disputing that. I am a Magico owner. Kharma, Wilson, and Rockport offer similar ported designs. I would like to know how those who have heard similar models from these three brands contrast their sound. Or do they sound so much alike that a buying choice should be made largely on other criteria?

I very much align with the description of sound qualities of the Kharmas provided by Kuoppis. The Kharmas sound qualities are more to my liking than either WA and/or Magico.

And, to be fully transparent, I have owned Wilsons (Alexias). Have not owned either Magico or Kharma speakers. I’m very happy with my current MBL 101E MK2’s. With that stated, if I was looking for a new set of speakers, Kharmas would definitely be on my list - at or near the top.

**Kuoppis** · February 4, 2022, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

Not sure that’s something I need to hear. Lol Thanks for info, Kuoppis.

Apologies my friend. No need to worry, the Magicos are really great speakers

.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Kuoppis** · February 4, 2022, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

I very much align with the description of sound qualities of the Kharmas provided by Kuoppis. The Kharmas sound qualities are more to my liking than either WA and/or Magico.

And, to be fully transparent, I have owned Wilsons (Alexias). Have not owned either Magico or Kharma speakers. I’m very happy with my current MBL 101E MK2’s. With that stated, if I was looking for a new set of speakers, Kharmas would definitely be on my list - at or near the top.

Well Mike, the MBLs definitely are destination speakers. So congrats for your decision.

And I also agree with what you say about Kharmas. They in a way blend transparency and full-bodiedness.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**u-sound** · February 4, 2022, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Hi Khin, the bass in particular is more fun, more lively, more solid. You’re getting very easily pulled into the music. As a result, music is more engaging.

I loved the S3 mk2’s, but I love the Kharmas more 😀.

since you had the sabrinaX inbetween, can you do any comparison to the kharma?
maybe different pricepoints, however it would be interesting.

**u-sound** · February 4, 2022, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Ritmo

I very much align with the description of sound qualities of the Kharmas provided by Kuoppis. The Kharmas sound qualities are more to my liking than either WA and/or Magico.

And, to be fully transparent, I have owned Wilsons (Alexias). Have not owned either Magico or Kharma speakers. I’m very happy with my current MBL 101E MK2’s. With that stated, if I was looking for a new set of speakers, Kharmas would definitely be on my list - at or near the top.

i found the alexias to be slouches, loved the alexia2. have you auditioned newer wilsons?
this spring comes the new alexiaV...probably going to order it blind.

**Kuoppis** · February 4, 2022, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by u-sound

since you had the sabrinaX inbetween, can you do any comparison to the kharma?
maybe different pricepoints, however it would be interesting.

IMHO, if you’re into the Sabrina X price range, don’t go get them - run. For the money, they’re an outstanding speaker.

Just imagine this, I had the Lansches before with the renown Plasma tweeter. Based on what I can hear, I really preferred the WA tweeter to the technical Plasma marvel. That’s the beauty of trickle down: introduced in a several hundred K speaker, you can get it in the 20K Sabrinas.

If you have a not too large listening space, and don’t play fighter jet take-off noises at original levels on a daily basis, then the Sabrina X’s really are a steal.

But you cannot compare the Kharmas and the Sabrina X’s 1:1, because the Dutch beauties cost almost double the WA’s. Not surprisingly, the Kharma double niners play bigger and offer a bit more of everything.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Ritmo** · February 4, 2022, 03:03 PM

Originally Posted by u-sound

i found the alexias to be slouches, loved the alexia2. have you auditioned newer wilsons?
this spring comes the new alexiaV...probably going to order it blind.

Clearly, the Alexia 2s were an improvement over the originals. Now, the originals with the proper setup and ancillaries, were/are a very good speaker.

I haven’t had the opportunity to hear the Alexx Vs nor the XVXs. Feedback from friends that have very good ears and whose opinions I trust is that both are excellent transducers.

As for Alexia “V”, in the tradition of WA, they do a very nice job with trickle down technology. So the new version should be yet another step forward benefiting from the development of the XVX and Alexx V.

**a.wayne** · February 4, 2022, 04:42 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Hi Khin, the bass in particular is more fun, more lively, more solid. You’re getting very easily pulled into the music. As a result, music is more engaging.

I loved the S3 mk2’s, but I love the Kharmas more 😀.

Ahhhh all that vented bass you weeped and wailed all over when swinging on sealed , deaf and hypocritical to boot ..!!!

Imagine when those Kharma’s get on a real amplifier

Regards

**Henry303** · February 4, 2022, 05:28 PM

Funny, we, audiophiles, tend to do a lot of self-convincing.

**kzhtoo** · February 4, 2022, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Apologies my friend. No need to worry, the Magicos are really great speakers

.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I held off on upgrading to S3 mk2 or A5 a few times because I didn’t think the upgrade would be that significant enough. I usually want my speaker purchase to knock my socks off. Hopefully I get to hear dB9-S soon.

**Kuoppis** · February 4, 2022, 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

I held off on upgrading to S3 mk2 or A5 a few times because I didn’t think the upgrade would be that significant enough. I usually want my speaker purchase to knock my socks off. Hopefully I get to hear dB9-S soon.

Probably a smart move. I found the move from S3 mk1 to S3 mk2 to be a significant improvement, but moving to the Kharma double niners would be an even bigger gain.

I hope you get a chance to hear them somewhere.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Kuoppis** · February 4, 2022, 11:52 PM

You turn on the music, and get instant Kharma.

I got mine in the custom GunSmoke Grey

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Mike** · February 5, 2022, 12:03 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

You turn on the music, and get instant Kharma.

I got mine in the custom GunSmoke Gray

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Gorgeous.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

**kzhtoo** · February 5, 2022, 12:10 AM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

You turn on the music, and get instant Kharma.

I got mine in the custom GunSmoke Gray

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Love the color. Kharma’s are one of hottest looking, along with Zellaton and Magico in my eyes.

**Kuoppis** · February 5, 2022, 12:41 AM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

Love the color. Kharma’s are one of hottest looking, along with Zellaton and Magico in my eyes.

Background of the color choice was based on good experiences with the Bronze color S3 mk2’s I used to have. I never grew tired of that color, and also wifey told me they were my best looking speakers to-date at that point.

So I decided to get the double niners also in something else than the standard black or aubergine. I think they turned out great.

And of course the stunning build quality is really a Kharma feat. If I remember correctly, it’s a seven-layer lacquering.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Kuoppis** · February 5, 2022, 05:23 AM

More Kharmafest…

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**AJR** · March 23, 2022, 02:43 PM

Kuoppis - how are Kharma’s going? Well, is my guess. But dying to know.

**AJR** · March 23, 2022, 02:46 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Background of the color choice was based on good experiences with the Bronze color S3 mk2’s I used to have. I never grew tired of that color, and also wifey told me they were my best looking speakers to-date at that point.

So I decided to get the double niners also in something else than the standard black or aubergine. I think they turned out great.

And of course the stunning build quality is really a Kharma feat. If I remember correctly, it’s a seven-layer lacquering.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Interesting. I also have the bronze Magico S3s which everyone loves. I would go for aubergine if I decide on Kharma

**AJR** · March 23, 2022, 02:47 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

More Kharmafest…

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

This is a little too metallic for my taste. But still look gorgeous

**AJR** · March 23, 2022, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by AJR

This is a little too metallic for my taste. But still look gorgeous

My taste should not be surprising given my Gryphon pre-amp and power amp!

**Kuoppis** · March 23, 2022, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by AJR

Kuoppis - how are Kharma’s going? Well, is my guess. But dying to know.

Hi AJR, the Kharmas are really a treat.

I’ve had them for about 5 months in my system, and I guess they’re about burned-in now. I still hear small improvements happening in the top-end, details, and sound stage, but I guess they have mostly settled.

The sound is a bit of a blend of the Magico transparency in the top-end, and the yummy Wilson Audio low-end. Mids are nice and detailed through the in-house Omega carbon mid-range. All-in-all they’re very balanced, with excellent imaging. And there are more degrees of freedom dialing them in, compared to Magicos.

Just switch on your system and experience instant Kharma

.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**Kuoppis** · March 23, 2022, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by AJR

This is a little too metallic for my taste. But still look gorgeous

The finish is really immaculate, 7-layer coating I believe.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

**crwilli** · March 23, 2022, 03:33 PM

Aubergine for reference. DB11-s

**kzhtoo** · March 23, 2022, 05:18 PM

Originally Posted by crwilli

Aubergine for reference. DB11-s

Delicious looking

**Ritmo** · March 24, 2022, 06:55 AM

Originally Posted by kzhtoo

Delicious looking

And sounding…

**AndrewR** · August 25, 2023, 01:16 PM

Has anyone had experience with Kharma and Audio Research as a pairing ? S7-S or DB7-S and ref6se / 75SE as an example. Any feedback greatly appreciated thank you!

Thread: Kharma - what’s in a signature edition