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Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

Manufacturer details

  • Type: Active subwoofer
  • Driver: 15" High Modulus Sandwich Kharma Composite driver
  • Height: 561 mm (22.09 inch)
  • Width: 559 mm (22.01 inch)
  • Depth: 849 mm (33.43 inch)
The Exquisite Midi Subwoofer is equipped with the 15-inch High Modulus Sandwich Kharma Composite driver, which is fully developed by Kharma and consists of ultra high-tech formula-1 based fibre. The woofer is placed in a cabinet made of an extremely dense material and finished with wooden Macassar parts. Furthermore the Exquisite Midi Subwoofer is complemented with a trimming ring for the woofer and side trimmings to match with the entire Exquisite Collection. The carbon-look of this woofer in combination with the beautiful style elements lead to an impressive finish of the Exquisite Midi Subwoofer.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • Kharma loudspeakers distinguish themselves through the meticulous construction of their polygonal cabinets, crafted from high-density MDF and strategically damped to minimize unwanted resonances and optimize phase behavior.
  • They pioneered the use of carbon fiber in their Omega 7 midrange drivers, which Kharma claims are stiffer and less prone to breakup than traditional materials, resulting in improved clarity and detail.
  • Kharma emphasizes creating a holistic audio experience, designing their own cables and electronics to synergize with their loudspeakers and ensure optimal system performance.
  • A hallmark of Kharma is their unwavering commitment to aesthetic excellence, seen in the flawless finish of their cabinets, the artful integration of chrome accents, and the availability of bespoke color options to match individual preferences.

Elegance Series

  • Positioning: Entry-level line, designed for modern appeal and improved audiophile performance.
  • Description: Features Kharma Composite Drivers with carbon fiber and a pure Beryllium tweeter, offering a clear and refined audio experience. Compared to the Exquisite and Enigma Veyron series, the line is more accessible in terms of price, making it suitable for those seeking high-quality sound in smaller rooms or with a moderate budget.

Exquisite Series

  • Positioning: High-end line, known for its exceptional materials and construction.
  • Description: Uses advanced Diamond dome technology for tweeters and Kharma Omega drivers with ultra-stiff carbon fiber, providing musical wholeness and detail. This series is more sophisticated than the Elegance line, offering superior soundstage and build quality.

Enigma Veyron Series

  • Positioning: Flagship line, representing the pinnacle of Kharma's technological innovation.
  • Description: Incorporates Omega-F drivers and large Diamond tweeters, delivering extraordinary sound quality with high resolution and dynamic range. It surpasses both the Elegance and Exquisite series in terms of technological sophistication and performance.
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Avg. Product Price
$30,001-$40,000
Used For Sale
5
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
330
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
27
Founding Year
1993

Our take on the brand

Kharma is a hifi speaker brand that stands out for its iron-free magnet motor system in the Enigma Veyron Collection, which eliminates Eddy Currents, and its use of the largest Diamant tweeter surface in the industry. Their Exquisite series showcases unique engineering through minimal contact surface design with Tungsten balls and multi-layer high pressure laminate construction that reduces mechanical vibrations to near zero.

Look inside the brand

Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?

What's your approach to customer support?

What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?

What other products pair best with yours?

From our interview with
.
Brand Page

What if you spend more?

Product image
Wilson Audio
Subsonic
41000
41000
/
4
Reviews

The Wilson Audio Subsonic is the fraternal twin of the WAMM Master Subsonic. It features the same subwoofer drivers and the same internal volume. The differences lie in the finish details. The metal work in the WAMM Master Subsonic features the prismatic finish that mirrors (no pun intended) the WAMM’s main array gantry. On the Wilson Audio Subsonic, the metal work is from Wilson’s main line finish process—the same level of metal finish that has adorned Wilson products throughout the line.The Subsonic is the perfect addition to any of Wilson’s medium or larger floorstanding loudspeakers, either configured as a single mono unit, or as a two-channel stereo pair. In either configuration, it offers performance in the 10-30hz range that is only exceeded by the WAMM Master Subsonic itself

Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Subsonics allow the listener to not only hear the bass, but also to feel it, making the experience more immersive and powerful
  • Measurements showed very flat, very smooth response, plus or minus maybe 1 dB using pink noise
  • The blend is beautiful

Product Considerations

  • Each subwoofer is $41,000 US, the crossover is another $5,500, and an amplifier is also needed

Takeaway: The subsonics offer a unique and immersive listening experience, allowing one to not only hear, but also feel the music, making it more powerful and realistic. If one wants the best sound and has the budget, the subsonics could be a great choice.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Wilson Audio is often considered the quintessential American high-end hi-fi brand, a staple in premium audio dealerships across the country. Many reviewers use Wilson speakers in their own home systems, reflecting their reputation for outstanding dynamics, bass depth, and the ability to reproduce classical music with remarkable realism. Wilson focuses on creating an uncolored sound, aiming to replicate the experience of live, unamplified performances.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
McIntosh
PS2K
50000
50000
/
1
Reviews

Experience unparalleled bass performance with the McIntosh PS2K Powered Subwoofer. Crafted with meticulous precision and a profound passion for sound, the breathtaking PS2K is designed to elevate the listening experience of an already awe-inspiring home audio system by adding new depths of low frequency perfection. The PS2K subwoofer leaves no room for compromise. Four 13" woofers, or drivers, with massive magnets are the heart and soul of the PS2K. They utilize our patented Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP®) Magnetic Circuit Design, which significantly reduces distortion while increasing the driver's power handling and efficiency.

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Check Amazon
Expand Details

Product Strengths

  • Contains four 13-inch woofers and 2,000 watts of total power
  • The design uses McIntosh's patented Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP) Magnetic Circuit Design, which significantly reduces distortion while increasing the driver's power handling and efficiency
  • Each of the PS2K's four drivers is powered by its own 500-watt Class D amplifier
  • Features Power Guard and Sentry Monitor protection technologies

Product Considerations

  • Analog dials are used to adjust frequency and Q, lacking the precision of digital control
  • Frequency response and CEA-2010 max output stats are not revealed

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs REL No. 32: The REL sells for $10,000 each
  • Vs Magico Titan 15: The Magico sells for $32,000 each
  • Vs Wilson Audio Subsonic: The Wilson Audio sells for $39,000 each
  • Vs JL Audio Gotham V2: The JL Audio sells for $20,000 each
  • Vs Perlisten D215S: The Perlisten sells for $10,000 each

Takeaway: The McIntosh PS2K subwoofer is a powerful and meticulously designed product, made to elevate the listening experience with new depths of low frequency perfection. The PS2K will complement high-output loudspeakers, without running out of steam–even at high volumes.

Video review

Our take on the brand

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

McIntosh
PS1K
35000
/
Released
2024
Experience bass excellence with the McIntosh PS1K Powered Subwoofer. Expertly engineered with a passion for audio excellence, the PS1K enhances your home audio system by delivering deeper, more precise low frequencies.
Check Amazon
McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Expand Details

Our Summary

Product Strengths

  • Two 13" drivers feature McIntosh's proprietary Low Distortion High Performance (LD/HP®) Magnetic Circuit Design, which reduces distortion and improves power handling
  • Powered by two 500-watt Class D amplifiers for a total of 1,000 watts of output
  • Designed to complement McIntosh speakers, but can be used with any high-end system
  • Features McIntosh's Power Guard and Sentry Monitor to protect against overloading and short circuits
  • Bass is tight and clear for both music and movies, filling large spaces with ease

Product Considerations

  • Sheer size limits practicality, except in extremely large rooms

Takeaway: The PS1K offers undeniable performance with tight and clear bass for both music and movies. With protections against overloading, it ensures reliable, long-term performance for any high-end system

Video review

Our take on the brand

McIntosh is one of the most iconic amplifier brands in the world, recognizable for its signature blue LED displays and distinctive industrial design. With a legacy spanning decades, McIntosh is known to many, even outside the audiophile community, and is sold in both mass-market retailers and specialized hifi stores. Their amplifiers are characterized by a warm, tube-like sound that enriches the midrange and smooths out the overall tonal balance.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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