Kroma Thaïs Xtreme - UK Exclusive Launch at KJ West One
On Wednesday January 25th we had the privilege of unveiling Kroma Atelier’s Thaïs Xtreme loudspeakers at KJ West One in London’s West End. It couldn’t have been a stronger introduction, with the system featuring an all-star cast including Engström’s ARNE integrated stereo amplifier (in stunning all-black), the MONICA pre-amplifier completed with the new M-Phono (in matching copper finish), the LARS power amplifier (in white), Brinkmann’s Balance turntable, all powered by Shunyata Research through the Denali power distributor and state of the art cables from the Omega range.
The above was more than enough hi-fi to deliver beautiful sound, but it was the addition of our final (deceptively discreet) component that really stole the show: the Shunyata Research ALTAIRA grounding system sent jaws to the floor of the demo room the second the music started playing.
Our friends at KJ West One know their stuff, and it doesn't take them long to know if they’re listening to something special. With very little fine-tuning of their positioning, the Thaïs X speakers delivered an extraordinary sound that was immediately met with a satisfied nod, or a somewhat disbelieving shake of the head. This is one of their notable strengths: while all speakers benefit from precise placement, with the Thaïs X it feels effortless - just plop them down and they’re dialled in, as if they’ve been silently studying the room the entire time while you were setting up everything else.
When the percussion and power chords of Great White’s Get On Home kicked in, faces melted. Audiophile or not, it was difficult for anyone in that room to maintain a stoic expression… and this was streaming.
Then came the showstopper: we connected Shunyata’s ALTAIRA grounding system. Expectations were mixed, perhaps a minor improvement here or there? Ears were keenly tuned in, attentive, prepared to sniff out some tiny change, a percent or two less noise perhaps?
When the same track kicked in again, it was clear there was no need to be carefully looking for anything. It hit you then and there. Heads were shaking with incredulity.
”Wow.”
”I mean it’s crazy, right? It’s insane.”
”Yeah… I mean… that’s incredible.”
Again, the KJ guys know their stuff; there’s not much out there that will surprise or blow them away anymore. The Thaïs Xtreme, Engström’s ARNE and LARS amps, and Shunyata’s other kit was all fantastic - exquisite even - but then everyone in the room pretty much knew they would be.
ALTAIRA, on the other hand, nobody was ready for. It’s a real testament to the team at Shunyata Research that after years of listening to the finest audio equipment on the planet, the guys at KJ West One can still be completely dumbstruck by something. But a word of warning is in order: once you hear ALTAIRA, you can’t unhear it.
Our demo at KJ ended with the following words (and note that we’ve removed numerous expletives):
”I hate hi-fi. I’ve spent so much money on hi-fi. And now I have no choice but to go and spend more…
I hate hi-fi.”
Well, don’t say we didn’t warn you…
