Long Live Franco Serblin: Ktemas and Accuphase

Multiple visits to Accuphase HQ while living in Tokyo

Description

Current system evolved over the past 8 years. The real journey began while living in Italy. Had the opportunity to purchase the Franco Serblin Ktemas (#75) from Audio Plus in San Benedetto Italy in 2013.

Moved to Hanford CA where I continued to expand my SimAudio equipment list from my original purchase of the 340i to the 600i and eventually settling with the 740p, 860a and 810lp. Along with upgrading my preamp and power amp I decided to focus on my front end. Purchased the VPI Classic TT with Lyra Delos cart. At the time, I was semi content with the current setup of the Simaudio and FS Ktema, but honestly the synergy was missing. The Ketemas did not shine until I moved to Tokyo and purchased my current Accuphase setup.

Fast forward to 2015, living in Tokyo Japan and took upon myself to purchase the Accuphase 3850, A-70 and the DC-37 Dac. Followed with adding the Dela/Melco Audio streamer. Prior to departing Japan I purchased the Lyra Etna. Now, finally the Ktemas were happy with the synergy between Accuphase and FS Ktema. Truly a magical synergistic combination.

While in San Diego, I decided to focus on personal audio with the purchase of the Blue Hawaii SE along with Stax 009. Great combo, but a little to bright for my liking, so decided to purchase the Audeze CRBN following an audition at Source in Torrance CA. Quickly realized I enjoyed this HP much better than the Stax. Sold the Stax 009 in 2023. My love for personal audio derived from the time I lived in Japan.

Now, it is 2023 living in Washington DC and time to update. Last update was in 2018. Sold the Simaudio gear and replaced with a NAD MV10 for convenience. Purchased the Synthesis A40 Virtus to add tube sound to the system. Really enjoying the contrast of sound in comparison to the Accuphase amp. Decided to sell my Transparent Reference speaker cables for Audio Note lexus. Will need to update later following evaluation if this was a sound choice.

Components Toggle details

- Franco Serblin Ktemas
Technical data (according to manufacturer): Frequency Response: 26Hz - 33Khz, in room Nominal Impedance: 4 ohm (minimum 3, 2 ohm at 70 Hz) Sensitivity: 92 dB/W/m Minimum power amplifier: 20W per channel Dimensions: 42,5 cm × 46 cm × 111 cm (unpacked) Weight: 110 kg/pair (unpacked) - 127 kg/pair (packed) Finishing: High gloss piano black, hand-polished aluminum top & bottom Satin Sycamore, hand-polished aluminum top & bottom
- Accuphase A-70
- Pure Class A operation delivers quality power: 60 watts x 2 into 8 ohms
- Power MOS-FET output stage features 10-parallel push-pull configuration and delivers linear high power progression to ultra-low 1-ohm impedances
- Ultra low-noise instrumentation amplifier principle used in input stage
- Amplification stage implements further evolved MCS+ topology
- Current feedback principle combines stable operation with outstanding sound quality
- Bridged connection mode allows upgrading to monophonic amplifier
- Two selectable meter types: digital power meters showing true power values and bar graph indicators
- VPI Industries Classic 1
The VPI Classic Turntable comes standard with the unipivot JMW-Classic 1 tonearm Special Edition in rigid mount mode. The Classic Turntable uses new VPI pure copper wire, a solid plinth with black oak or walnut finish (at no additional cost), a solid mounted AC synchronous motor, new cast aluminum platter, silent inverted bearing, and new isolator feet derived from the HR-X. . I cut and paste the VPI description to purposely contrast my unique model. As shown, my version included the piano black gloss and the Nordost Valhalla wiring. Simply, i got the upgraded classic 3 components for a Classic 1. In addition, the tonal wiring of choice is the Nordost Frey 2.
- Transparent Reference Powerisolator
Transparent Audios PowerIsolator Reference shares technologies developed for its flagship PowerIsolatorMM. The rack-mountable Reference is hand built in Maine and offers four high-current, grounded, noise-isolated outputs grouped in pairs. Transparent says the unit provides both surge protection and noise isolation, and the company offers cabling options with the unit to allow consumers to choose between its PowerLink and PowerLink MM2 to address specific system and budget considerations.
- Sim Audio 810LP
"For many years Simaudio has had a strong desire to offer the very finest phono preamplifier, based on available technologies. We envisioned a design with absolutely no restrictions; the ultimate goal being to transport all of the emotion from the artist, sound engineer and producer in the recording studio to your living room. With the MOON 810LP we have accomplished this and much more. Listen and feel for yourself how the power, the emotion and the soul of the music will reach you in ways like never before." Jean Poulin, CEO Simaudio Ltd.
- Transparent Ultra IC
Upgraded to 3 new Ultra IC. One is the phono
- Lyra Etna
Type:Medium weight, medium compliance, low-impedance moving coil cartridge
Stylus: Lyra-designed long-footprint variable-radius line-contact nude diamond (3μm×70μm), slot-mounted
Cantilever system: Diamond-coated solid boron rod with short one-point wire suspension, directly mounted into cartridge body via high pressure knife-edge system
Coils: 2-layer deep, 6 N high-purity copper, chemically-purified high-purity iron cross-shaped former, 4.2 ohm self-impedance, 11μH inductance
Output voltage: 0.56 mV@5 cm/sec., zero to peak, 45 degrees (CBS test record, other test records may alter results)
Frequency range: 10 Hz~50 kHz
Channel separation: 35 dB or better at 1 kHz
Compliance: Approx. 12×10 cm/dyne at 100 Hz
Vertical tracking angle: 20 degrees
Cartridge mounting screws: 2.6 mm 0.45 pitch JIS standard
Cartridge weight (without stylus cover): 9.2 g
Distance from mounting holes to stylus tip: 9.5 mm
Recommended tracking force: 1.65~1.75 g (1.72 g recommended)

Transparent Reference

12ft custom with spades-SOLD

Accuphase C-3850

Revolutionary low-noise "Balanced AAVA Volume Control"
High-rigidity, high-accuracy volume knob sensor mechanism
Separate high-efficiency toroidal power transformers for left and right channels
Selectable preamp gain
Fully modular construction with separate left/right units for each amplifier stage
Logic-controlled relays for shortest signal paths
Independent phase selection for each input position
Printed circuit boards made from glass cloth fluorocarbon resin
Massive wood cabinet with natural grain finish

Blue Hawaii Special Edition HeadAmp

Chord Company MScaler

Check Chord Website

Chord Company Dave DAC

Chord website

ZMF Headphones Caldera

https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/products/caldera

Audeze Carbon

Breakthrough Electrostatic Technology

Featuring the most advanced electrostatic technology in decades, Audeze proudly introduces the CRBN electrostatic headphone (pronounced “carbon”), which features a new Patent-pending polymer film with suspended carbon nanotubes to eliminate problems commonly found in previous electrostatic designs. Originally developed for MRI medical applications, we've adapted those innovations for the audiophile version of CRBN, which top audio professionals have called the best sounding electrostatic headphone to-date.

Synthesis Art in Music A40

The A40Virtus provides a minimum of 40 watts per channel, power output from a pair of KT66's in Ultra-Linear (UL) - push/pull operation.

Comments 20

Showing all comments by glenfihi.

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Nice room and great gear. Enjoyed viewing the pictures, always liked the Sim gear, would like to really audition some one day. Happy listening.

glenfihi December 29, 2013 02:09

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