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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.
128x128harris4crna
harris4crna's avatar
harris4crna OP
124 posts
 

@sksos , that is great to hear. My Ktemas is my longest lasting piece of stereo equipment in my system.  Purchased in a Italy in 2011.  These will be buried with me. They are a finicky speaker, and it took time for me to find the right amp to drive them, but when I did they are magical. 

 

What has been your experience? 

 

glad to see this thread revived.

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 

I am a line source, dipole, ESL kind of guy. I have listened to the Ktemas extensively powered by a Bricasti Design M 25. I have to say The Ktemas are the best point source speakers I have ever heard and represent a fabulous value. The company will continue in spite of Franco’s death the only issue being the design of new products.

sksos
162 posts
 

@harris4crna I'm using a Bricasti M25 amp but the best I heard the Ktema's was with an Air Tight ATM-3211 monoblock amp. It's 120 W from the 211 triode push-pull circuitry. It was magical but only 90K sad 

I did replace the spikes that came with the Ktema's with some Carbide Base footers. Very worthwhile IMHO. 

{Dealer disclaimer} 

PS: Glad @mijostyn you enjoyed the Ktema's. I do everyday. 

harris4crna's avatar
harris4crna OP
124 posts
 

Bricasti M25 seems to.be a popular amp for sure. What I've read it's a clean, analytical and detailed sounding amp. Of course, I've never heard it. I'm primarily listening to the Ktemas using a Italian brand Synthesis A40. This is only a recent change within the past month. Prior, for the past decade I drove the Ktemas with Accuphase A70. I have no doubt the Air Tight amp did wonders. I know I read Franco himself used tubes for his own system. 

 

I really have not heard Ktemas outside of my system. I have heard the Accordos on a few occasions over the years. I saw the Essence in Tokyo in November, but the Japanese are not so willing to allow auditions unless willing to buy. Although, the Ktemas they did have on hand were serial number 001. Wonder how they got their hands on the first edition. Mine is serial.# 075, so still early stock. After multiple moves around the world, they are starting to show some age. Strings are losing it's elasticity and smudges on the chrome, but they are still singing without issues after 11 years. They are really well built for sure.

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