Amplifier for Kharma dB11

O

Opm

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Dec 12, 2021
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Spain
I just bought a Kharma db11 and I am very happy. The team that I have associated with is a dCS Bartok, AR Ref6 and AR Ref150SE.

I really like the way it sounds with AR, the amp has no problem handling the Kharma as they are speakers with a flat 6 ohm impedance so not a challenge for a tube amp. The dynamics are incredible and everything sounds very big and well placed, the depth is incredible as well as the palpability of the instruments. These attributes are what amaze me about this wonderful AR amp.

I have also noticed that Ref6 does not bring anything to the table and I prefer the direct Bartok.

That being said, I would like a slightly warmer and denser sound as I think the Kharma would appreciate it.

I had previously owned a Pass XA30.8, not with the Kharma, and it was a lovely, warm, dense, very smooth amp with the best midrange I've ever heard. But it had as many virtues as it did flaws. I know it's the smallest amp in the XA series, but it had no oomph, the ends were forgotten, and it was a bit dark and fuzzy.
With this amp I found that I liked what the pure Class A did.

Now that I have the Kharma, I would like to try a pure Class A amp but with power, control and oomph but dense, rich and slightly warm.

With all these attributes that I am looking for and from what I have read, I think the obvious choice, or one of them, would be Gryphon although I have never heard of it.

The simple option would be the Diablo 300 but it is not class A, so the two remaining options are Essence or Antileon EVO.

I would appreciate the input of people who have Kharma or those who have Gryphon.
 
Congrats on wonderful speakers. I heard those at Rance’s place and was blown away. I immediately ordered a pair, but we won’t see them for a few more weeks.

The Pass INT-250 might fit the bill perfectly. It has enough class A sound to give you the characteristics you want and it’s got plenty of power.

We are about to experiment with the AudiaFlight stuff, so stay tuned.

Personally, I’m really enjoying the NAIM/Kharma synergy. If you look at NAIM, ignore their power ratings.

In the store, Kharma with Classe Delta monos/Delta Pre has been a popular pairing.

Another fabulous pairing is the Block Audio - it’s probably my favorite or definitely top two with Kharma. But those are monoblocks and a killer preamp.


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Thanks for replying Mike.

I had previously owned a Naim Supernait 3 and it was warm and very punchy but lacked refinement. I guess the higher series will have more refinement. Naim's problem is that you have to enter its wiring ecosystem and leave the amplifiers on 24 hours a day for optimal performance.

Have you ever tried Kharma with Gryphon?
 
Opm said:
Thanks for replying Mike.

I had previously owned a Naim Supernait 3 and it was warm and very punchy but lacked refinement. I guess the higher series will have more refinement. Naim's problem is that you have to enter its wiring ecosystem and leave the amplifiers on 24 hours a day for optimal performance.

Have you ever tried Kharma with Gryphon?
Click to expand...

The higher NAIM has the refinement, but like you said, their cabling is unique.

I would encourage you to look into Block Audio.


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I heard the Kharma Equisite Midi with the Conrad Johnson Gat 2 Pre and Art 300 monos at Capital Audio Fest, and it was one of the best systems I've ever heard. I would take that over the $1M VAC + Von S system.
 
Very true post that room on analog to me best of show
Only on digital did the vac room excel above the kharma I never got to hear digital in the kharma room
 
Mike
Are you Audiaflight dealer now ?. I can vouch for strumento no.4 mk2 and they are world class. Eager to hear your thoughts on audiaflight with kharma. At some point I want to change speakers to Marten or kharma or vivid G1 or Goebel. Please post the results of audiaflight and if possible video too.
 
RaChiK said:
Mike
Are you Audiaflight dealer now ?. I can vouch for strumento no.4 mk2 and they are world class. Eager to hear your thoughts on audiaflight with kharma. At some point I want to change speakers to Marten or kharma or vivid G1 or Goebel. Please post the results of audiaflight and if possible video too.
Click to expand...

Not yet. The distributor has been after us so we are set to give the two integrates a listen in a week or two. The Strumento 4 is a terrific amp.


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GSOphile said:
So Mike, no mention of Boulder, like maybe the 1161, do these lack synergy with Kharma?
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Oh, not at all. The Boulder sounds terrific. Hopefully Craig will chime in. Kharma’s really aren’t fussy with amps. I love them with VAC, Boulder, Block, NAIM, Classe, Luxman, etc.

Unlike some speakers, the Kharma’s are quite amp friendly.


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The Boulder 1161 drives the DB11-s to fabulous levels. It never ran out of steam during 5 or so hours of listening. It helped me make a purchase decision.
 
Mike doesn't carry it anymore, because of their stupid business decision to not have an American distributor, but Gryphon sounds insane with Kharmas.

The Diablo powers them beautifully.
 
a.wayne said:
Wait , Mike doesn't carry Gryphon anymore ..?
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Nope. The dummies fired their distributor. The distributor who busted their ass to put them on the map here. Replaced with Lurch. A washed up useless tool. Flemming would never have supported this move. Call it pure and simple: GREED.




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Dang, I’ve never heard of Audiaflight, but looking at their site, they look very nice. I sure appreciate a brand willing to show their internal construction since, after all it’s the parts flowing the electrons and not the box that makes the sound! I would love to hear the Strumento no 1 preamp.
 
Hello, thanks for answering.

I don't know why I am not receiving response notifications.

Could you comment in detail how does the Deiablo sound? Does it respond to thick, slightly warm sound with oomph and without sounding bright?
 
MDP said:
Mike doesn't carry it anymore, because of their stupid business decision to not have an American distributor, but Gryphon sounds insane with Kharmas.

The Diablo powers them beautifully.
Click to expand...

Hello, thanks for answering.

I don't know why I am not receiving response notifications.

Could you comment in detail how does the Diablo sound? Does it respond to thick, slightly warm sound with oomph and without sounding bright?

Regards
 
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