the Karma is loud. This is the loudest portable device I have ever used.

Seconded. Which is probably why it sounds so good. You don't have to put the volume all the way up to hear anything. This is another reason I'm happy that I've got a US Karma model. I'm pretty sure that the European model's volume will be capped. (I believe this is obligatory because of a European law or something, but don't quote me on that)