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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
 

Ktemas really do well with Class A amps tube or SS. They are easly to drive, but need the power to really extend bass. I would not use any other type of amp. 

harris4crna's avatar
harris4crna OP
124 posts
 

Yes, I wonder if the 901 would work. Interesting dual amp.function. Perhaps it will provide the power needed to drive the bass. I owned simaudio 810a and it did not do well with Ktemas. My Accuphase A70 does well. 

sksos
162 posts
 

@harris4crna What happens to Ktema?

I've now owned the Ktema's for over a year and with over 30 + speakers through my listening studio, these have been by far the best I've had. A keeper! 

        https://imgur.com/a/t59o9k5

{Dealer disclaimer}

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.

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