Review Karat K8

SOLTON Karat K8 impressions after the 1st Year. First Impression, wow they are different. It took me a few minutes to get used the even Impulse over the full Volume range. The First Two Usages were Multiple Headsets, plus live Band  at two different School play’s performed in Sports halls with the usual Problems. Coverage of the Karat K8 is narrow. This also means less reflections of Floor and Ceiling, a focused Sound Beam. If the Speakers are flown on Truss, there is little Volume, a light Sound on Stage and Close under the Truss. I did cover the front row as extra Matrix just with a pair of 8”, and little power was required. No FOH EQ Compromising because of feedback, nice. On another Location, a full instrumented Fleedwood Mack Tribute plus support Bands, Located the Side of a stretch Tent.  I used the Karat on the Subs FOH and large Columns for the Sides, toghether with modern Subwoofers there was no need for High Volumes. I think part of this is owed to the small Sica 6.5” being able to move closer in unison with the Tweeter. The result was a very even Coverage on Sides and Front creating welcoming Atmosphere  and comfortable, relaxed looking Guests. The Finish: The Speaker has 2.000 W RMS 141 dB peak  500 x 710 x 345 mm and 32.5 kg ok to handle alone. They are narrow front to back, the Centre of Gravity is close to the Chest while lifting. The handles are in the right place large enough. While using the U brackets, the Setup with 2 Person is Saver. Conclusion : I think the Karat K8 behave/perform close to high Quality Column Speakers, just with more power. As a Friend of Coaxial Design, i was a little afraid of an 2 x Speaker with tweeter in between in a horizontal array arrangement. This Layout could mean hearing phasing, walking across or sometimes just turning the Head. To my big Relief i did not hear anything. And to ad another plus : Most compact Point Source Speakers do need heavy Processing and can sound a little Compressed. The Karat need little EQ. Would i buy the again ? YES I do think they have the potential to become a timeless tool. A "Thank You" to the SOLTON Family, to deliver a great Product.

Thor Zeller

Alphasound 

SOLTON Distribution Ireland