Please forgive the spelling errors. Typed it on my Ipad. I think you get the point. |
Yes, this is a great review. I can be witnessed to exactly what the reviewer stated about the Ktema. What is great about this review are the pictures of the Ktema standing next to my current speakers, the SF Cremona Ms. The size is perfect, the sound is great, the price is expensive, LOL. My Simaudio 600I seems to do ok with Ktema, but I can tell these speakers like more power. I have to ramp it to a exponential level to get the bass response that I am looking for. How perfect it would be for my little 600I to run these flawlessly. Truth is I am not content with the Cremona, so might as well eat some Top Ramen for the next year and pay for these.
Just wanted to know more about the warranty, and what the future holds for these speakers. |
Doug,
Great point.....I was looking at David Lewis's website and noticed he was an authorized dealer. It would be great to have a speaker that is limited and perhaps a collectors item in the future, but I do not have the money to just throw away like that.
Good point |
Just sent an email to both David Lewis Audio and the authorized dealer here in Italy. I requested a letter from the company stating my warranty will be good and replacement parts will be available in the future. Thank you. This is exactly the response I am looking for prior to purchasing these speakers. |
Well, the seller here in Italy stated he knows the the son-in-law personally, which is the production manager for Franco Serblin. The seller claims production will continue. The warranty will be good and honored. Interesting, i cannot find a phone number to ask them personally. |
Doug, yes he told me they were Scanspeak drivers. |
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/francoserblin/4.html
Serblin's newest speaker is a four-way five-drivers design with two 230mm modified Scan-Speak woofers. These hidden drivers fire against the rigid rear baffle and deflect their emissions through vertical slots. The cabinet otherwise is sealed and not ported. There are similar breathing slots close to the sides of the two 100mm coated paper mid/woofers with metal phase plugs which release the internal air pressure. These paralleled mids loaded into a separate chamber are equipped with rigid moulded baskets and large motors. The tweeter is a coated Scan-Speak D2905 silk dome which Serblin views as the best transducer Ragnar Lian has designed who counts as one of the most famous driver designers alive. This tweeter is equipped with a non-resonant rear chamber.
Ktema uses same tweeter as the Armati Futuro and SF GUARNERI EVOLUTION |
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. |
Will do, im getting the tonight. Delivery at 9pm. Who delivers at 9pm, the italians, haha. |
Suntrapak, Elberoth, Bvdiman: i am really happy with my purchase. Just was not happy with the Cremona M's. i needed a full dynamic sound and I believe i found it. Unbelievably my Simaudio 600i feeds the Ktemas just fine, but i know the speakers would like more power to run the lower end at low listening levels. Suntrapak, if you don't mind me asking, what are you using to power your Ktemas? Any advice in regards to best sound, placement, packing etc..... |
|
You feel the Burmester 036 is more than enough or do you want an amp with more power? Yes, let me know if you like tubes better. Really not interested from switching to tubes versus steady state, but who knows. Right now i will take your advice and enjoy the listening. |
I added the Ktemas to my very temporary system. Will be packing up in a couple weeks for the trip back to the states. Leaving bella Italy, but looking forward to coming home. All new pics when i arrive to the new home. |
Milimetr,
I must have overlooked your post. Yes, I agree with you. I verified by three different sources FS company is going no where and live and well. I too heard they are coming out with a speaker that will fall between the Ktema and the Accordo. In addition, the Ktema is by far the best speaker i have ever heard and i also did an A/B comparison with the Strads. The seller here in Italy knows Massimiliano personally and stated no worries. FS may have been the designer and the name behind the product, but it was he that managed the business and the production.
Just curious, what are you using to power the Ktemas? Any advice to a new owner how to best utilize these speakers?
Take care
Shawn |
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, 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. |
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. |
Tabooe,
Just answered your thread on your system, but did not realize we have been conversing here. Agree with Mr_M, stereo unlimited is the place and Bruce is great. Just bought my 3rd TT from him, the VPI Classic. Did you get the chance to listen to the Accordos? Ill have my Ktemas set up hopefully by the end of the month. Still waiting for my household goods to arrive from Italy. I currently live in Hanford California. I cannot wait. Tell me what you think of the Accordos. |
Suntrapak,
I am settled in and still very interested in hearing your system if all possible. |
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. |
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. |
|
Have no doubt, they are awesome. I'll read the review. Thanks. |
Just downloaded TAS jan issue. Very nice review and spot on. Living in Italy and meeting those that knew FS personally truly believe the Accordos and the Ktemas are his signature and grand finality of a long life of excellence. Again, RIP FS. |
