2. speakers
  3. 1365966895

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.
harris4crna
milimetr
152 posts
 
I use Ktema with full Jadis tube system.
Ktema if set up wrong can sound too bright.
This if 4-way design where bass is reproduced by two large drivers per cabinet. Mid bass has much smaller driver so amplifier that support mid bass is higly recommended.
In my system Jadis JA80 amplifiers (or new JA120) supports Ktema extremely well. Tube amplification supports Ktema extremely good sophistication and allow to combine the best musicality known from Sonus Faber with clarity and resolution.
milimetr
152 posts
 
BTW. How large is your room?

My room is 6 meters long and Ktema is about 120 cm apart from front wall measuring from the back of the cabinet.
Try to give your speakers as much space as you can.

Try to toe in your speakers that axes cuts just in front of the listener nose.

Try to use supported pads under the spikes.

I would avoid using Yter speaker cables with Ktema even if you think that Ktema is wired internally with Yter. Belive me Ktema is not wired by monowire palladium wires. You can check it if you unscrew for a moment plate with binding posts... With Yter Ktema sounds not so good...

I found extremely good results using French/Canadian wires made by Ocellia. Quite affordable and can bring to light best Ktema atributes.
harris4crna's avatar
harris4crna OP
126 posts
 
Milimetr,

Thank you, great advice. My current setup is very temporary. The Ktema will be packed and shipped in the next couple weeks. I am moving back to the US from Italy. I will definitely take your suggestions. I have not spent much time listening to tubes and prior to make my next big upgrade, I surely will. My SimAudio 600I currently is doing fine and will need to until I save my pennies for the next purchase. As far as wiring, I am currently using Transparent and again, it seems to be working just fine. When I get to my new place and get everything set up I will surely update the thread and may have more questions.

Thank you
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
126 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.
More to discover