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Franco Serblin R.I.P. What happens to Ktema?

Again, my heart goes out to his family and his legacy. I have had the opportunity to listen to both the Ktema and Stadivari side by side. I came to listen to the Strads since i was thinking about purchasing them. The owner insisted i listen to the Ktemas, so i said OK. I attached my modest simaudio 600i integrated and played Traci Chapman. Wow, i immediately heard the separation, the dynamic soundstage and even the precise base. Truly, i felt the sound was a bit bright, but i understand these particular speakers have not been broken in yet. My girlfriend which has no audiophile background nor listen to much music said, the sound is no longer muffled in comparison to the Strads. So i turned to the owner and stated, "by you playing the Ktemas, i no longer want the Strads, unfortunately i cannot afford the Ktemas" needless to say i walked away empty handed, but i really are considering the Ktemas.

So i sit wondering, what will happen to company following the passing of FS? Are the Ktemas limited? Should i think about the availability of replacement parts in the future?

Any advice or suggestions would be highly appreciated.
harris4crna

Showing 3 responses by suntrapak

suntrapak
5 posts
 
I have the Ktema's. Over the past 20 years I have owned a number of his speakers and loved them all. During those years I also had a number of other speakers from different manufacturers and always returned to Franco's designs. For the first time EVER have I found a loudspeaker that I will keep forever. It is unlike anything I've ever heard in my home or a hifi shop. For those of you considering a pair but concerned about driver availability in the future I understand but there is risk in everything. My dealer seems to be fairly confident that replacement drivers will be available for some time and that the company will continue.
suntrapak
5 posts
 
Harris4crna, Congratulations!! I am currently using a Burmester 036. Am happy to share any detailed information.... I will be auditioning an Einstein Audio offering as a matter of interest as I understand that Franco used one with the Ktema's and want to hear what he heard from that amp (recognizing it will not be exactly the same based on room etc) but am curious about synergy. Regarding placement, I think they are far less forgiving of slim clearance to side walls than rear walls in both of my rooms. Additionally, in my rooms they like as much space as I can give them between speakers. They like silver wire or wire that has silver as a component alloy in my system/room. I am currently auditioning pre/power to find the best match and will update you, if you like, on current findings and the auditions completed to date. Happy listening....
suntrapak
5 posts
 
I do feel it's enough power in my setting. The burmester really is a very nice sounding amp and I have preferred it to several others auditioned...far more music is coming out of speakers with the 036 in line. Completely understand about tubes and am somewhat inclined to avoid them myself, even having been a tube junky for decades. I'll keep you posted. Also, I'm interested to hear how things progress with you....stay in touch.
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