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
When first auditioned in Italy I thought they were bright also, but the soundstage was amazing. I brought my amp to the audition. I took a gamble and figured they needed to be played for a bit to settle in. I was 100% correct. Settled in and amazing. I continue to audition other speakers and still nothing compares. I'm still novice and have no doubt others compare, but for me this speaker will be buried with me. Now, I'm in the market for a new amp. Efficient on mid and hi, but my simaudio integrated wont push the low end how I want.
Bvdiman - obviously the amp was bought first and then the search for speakers went on..if you can read between the lines..Ktemas are just over-rated, for their price TAD Compact Reference packs a stronger punch..and..may be a better buy.
Yeah, I would have never paid the $40,000 price tag for this speaker or any speaker for that matter. Since I paid half that price I see I got a killer deal for the best speaker I have ever heard. Happy listening.