Floorstanding loudspeakers — Kroma Atelier Thaïs

The Thais was the first floorstanding model in the Classic Series of Kroma Atelier, a Spanish speaker maker from Granada in Andalucia, and it is the second loudspeaker of that entry level range overall. The series groups the Mimi, Thais, Julieta, Stella and Elektra, and the Stella is the larger three-woofer tower in the same line. A pair costs GBP 22,950 in the base configuration in the United Kingdom, while US pricing runs from USD 26,900 to USD 28,100 depending on finish.

Key specs that matter

A single AMT ribbon tweeter works with two 6.5 inch mid/bass units whose cones use a paper fibre mix. Stated sensitivity is 90 dB, impedance is 4 ohm, and the frequency response covers 30 Hz to 25 kHz. Kroma recommends 30 to 300 W of amplifier power. The cabinet stands 100 cm tall, measures 23 cm across and 34.7 cm front to back, and each unit weighs 33 kg.

Engineering and use context

Kroma does not build the Thais from wood panels but from Krion, a solid surface composite made by the Porcelanosa Group from roughly two thirds natural minerals, mainly aluminium trihydrate, and a small proportion of high-resistance resins. Krion has no pores and does not react to magnetic fields, and the brand avoids metallic parts in the enclosure. Low frequencies are tuned by a bass reflex opening on the back panel, and every Kroma model is handcrafted in Spain. Crossover networks in the Classic range are passive and assembled with Mundorf components. The Thais has a narrow footprint that suits smaller living spaces where a larger tower would dominate. The base finish is white Krion, the side panels can be specified at no extra charge in titanium, aluminium, champagne, carbon fibre or wood, and custom paint in Aston Martin colours such as Magneto Bronze or Seychelles Blue costs GBP 1,085 more in the United Kingdom.

Pairing

The combination of high sensitivity and a low impedance load favours transistor amplification with a stable output into such loads, and even amplifiers at the bottom of the recommended window will drive the Thais to ordinary domestic listening levels. Valve designs with limited current delivery are a less natural match. Keep a gap between the back of the cabinet and the wall so the reflex opening is not choked.

Alternatives

The Kroma Atelier Stella is the taller Classic Series tower, using three mid/bass drivers and extending the rated response to 30 kHz.