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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
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Harris4crna, just wondering if you had the chance to listen to the Accordos? I was interested in upgrading from my Auditors to either the Sonus Faber Olympica I's or Guarneri Evolution. I am a bit hesitant because it seems lately SF is moving away from its historic warm and romantic sound toward high resolution. I would appreciate any insight you may have on the Accordos.

Safe travels back to the States.
harris4crna's avatar
harris4crna OP
124 posts
 
Tboooe, have not listened to the Accordos, sorry. Although found great article reviewing the Accordos. http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/francoserblin2/1.html

I feel this may answer all your questions minus taking the plunge to review them yourself. As the article states, right amplifier is key which goes inline with the Ktemas. My simaudio 600i works well, but lacks the punch at low volumes. Other articles have a much favorable outlook, but the polish like there culture tell it like it is.

Hope this helps.
harris4crna's avatar
harris4crna OP
124 posts
 
Tbooe, had the opportunity recently to listen to the Accordos in San Diego on my last visit to the states, wow!!!! I happened to be trying out a new VPI Classic TT and requested the Accordos to be used for the trial since i own the Ktemas. Very impressed, loved the decor of the Accordos and highly recommend if willing to pay the 12,000 price.
tboooe's avatar
tboooe
1,009 posts
 
Harris4crna, awesome. Where in San Diego. I live very close..In fact in am in San Diego right now! :)
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
Tboooe. I also had the chance to listen to Accordos. If I had the money I would have bought them on the spot. I listened to them in San Diego also. I believe the place that has them is called Stereo Unlimited. The owner's name is Bruce.(619)223-4754. One of the nicest audio salons I've ever been in. Hope this helps.
Happy listening,
Tim
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