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
Doug,

Great point.....I was looking at David Lewis's website and noticed he was an authorized dealer. It would be great to have a speaker that is limited and perhaps a collectors item in the future, but I do not have the money to just throw away like that.

Good point
Just sent an email to both David Lewis Audio and the authorized dealer here in Italy. I requested a letter from the company stating my warranty will be good and replacement parts will be available in the future. Thank you. This is exactly the response I am looking for prior to purchasing these speakers.
Well, the seller here in Italy stated he knows the the son-in-law personally, which is the production manager for Franco Serblin. The seller claims production will continue. The warranty will be good and honored. Interesting, i cannot find a phone number to ask them personally.
Harris4crna ask him about the drivers in the speakers?
Ask him, If their off the shelf drivers, or drivers made to Franco Serblin's specifications by a driver manufacturer.
Thats the most important thing.
My friend has the Dunlavy 4A speakers and even though Dunlavy no longer exists, the drivers are easy to get cause they were off the shelf Scanspeak and Vifa drivers.