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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
113 posts
 
Spoke to the manafacture in Germany today. He stated the production line is stable, warranty will be honored and service granted. Unfortunately, the states will not honor the warranty if bought overseas, which in my eyes is a bunch of bull. Very similar to Sumiko not honoring warranties from overseas. The manafacture stated FS is coming out with a third speaker which lies between the other two in the future.

True, im taking a chance on a specialty item and never know may get burned, but at least i am going in with my eyes open. Been told by three different authorized dealers and the manafacture that i am safe and making a great purchase. I will let you know how it goes.
doug99
288 posts
 
When you get them, tell me how you like them?
harris4crna's avatar
harris4crna OP
113 posts
 
Will do, im getting the tonight. Delivery at 9pm. Who delivers at 9pm, the italians, haha.
bvdiman
491 posts
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnQ7MzjOotE

Congrats Harris4crna! They sure look beautiful and sounded great.. Even the smaller ones too are nice. I used to own Strads for couple of years. Make sure to post some pics and impressions.. Enjoy!
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
Harris - AFAIK, Franco Serblin setup the company with his son-in-law, who before joining forces with Franco, run the company Yter (cable manufacturer) for many years. The fact is that he was running the company single handedly for almost a year, as Franco was already very ill for quite some time. I see no reason why they should close their doors in the near future.
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