Journey
 

Hey Folks - pretty new to AA and my first post in the Shindo forum.

I started my journey looking to build a hifi system to get back into listening to vinyl. I have always loved the sound and feel of vinyl and knew from the beginning I wanted to build a system with a TT as the source and build around tubes and the warmth they bring.

My first real stop was falling back in love with Mc gear. My dad had some growing up and a mix of nostalgia, aesthetics, and reputation/quality had me look at the MC275s. From there I looked at the matching to a Mc pre and started looking at the C2300 and then the C2500. I got side tracked with watts and started to think around a mono block setup as to increase output. I even danced with the idea of mixing in SS amps to my tube pre.

A key side trip was hearing the living voice speakers that I loved. Truth be told, maybe it was the day, how I was feeling, the room,...who knows. But I could not shake how they sounded...so musical and pure yet in a size and budget that was attainable for me. They were paired with custom equipment from England, so that option was quickly ruled out since I could not demo anything.

After corresponding with the LV mfg. they encouraged me to order a demo set of the speakers to try with locally available equipment.

Next I visited dealers in los angeles, chicago, SF, and NYC. I travel quite a bit for work so on down times I try to listen and hear stuff. Mostly it was an opportunity to learn, see stuff in person, and hear stuff.

My next step was falling into the black hole of seeking and trying to learn about every component and option. I can share I got hung up on tons of specs, reviews, and details that I have no way of knowing if they in the end matter. I learned that it was really hard to buy this stuff through internet research alone. At some point too much information is as bad as not enough information.

Another key lesson I learned along the way (in asking questions on the AA forums) was that price is important, but so is a dealer and the skills they bring to the table. Newbies need a sherpa!

So...looking for a dealer who could introduce me to a system and not just components - I stumbled into the world of Shindo.

After just one listening experience of 2 hours, that felt like it went by in two minutes....

I'm thinking of jumping into the following.

Shindo Masetto (pre)
Shindo Montille CV391 (amp)
Well Tempered Versalex (tt)
EMT moving coil cartridge
Auditorium 23 cables

I will pair all of this with Living Voice IBX-RWs

While all opinion will be competing with my audio sherpa (the Shindo dealer/guru in my area), I would none the less, love some viewpoints.

To me the journey has been a fun part, and I assume it will be an adventure that will last well past my initial purchase.

You all seem so much farther along... I look forward to any and all insights.

Thank you.

Welcome to the Shindo forum!

I know it is likely that you have already done so, but just in case, before you buy take some time and read through some of the threads in this forum. There is a wealth of information here. Many very knowlegeable, including the North American importer JH and many dealers often participate.

I see that the living voice speakers are quite sensitive at 94dbs. Did your local dealer think they were otherwise going to be a good match? Shindo really benefits from appropriately chosen speakers.

The Masetto preamp is supposed to be a stunning preamp, but don't discount the Aureiges MM as a first step as it really is a stunning premplifier. I started with an Aureiges preamp matched to a Cortese power amp and it was really quite astonishing. Good enough for a lifetime of listening. I am not saying the more expensive preamps are not better ( I now have a vintage Giscours). But the Aureiges is really really good and a lot less expensive. Personally I would prefer the Cortese over the Montille, but I really don't have any first hand justification.

Carefully chosen secondhand with legitimate origin ( originally from a North American Dealer to maintain availability of support ) is always another option.

SA

Second that. I did go the second hand route and ended up with a Shindo Aurieges MM, Montille, Arome and Mr T conditioner. I added an Auditorium A23 SUT, Shindo and A23 ICs, A23 speaker cables and I am very happy. I use 96dB sensitive WLM Diva monitors and enjoy the music a lot.

Now, If you can go with the Masseto and the Cortese you will be on a different level. I really liked this combo paired with DeVore O96b speakers….
Good luck with your hunt and either way I think you will be very happy.

The good news is that you really can't go wrong. All Shindo gear is very musical. Go with the combination that moves you and don't worry about where the amp/preamp falls within the Shindo lineup. One of the most enjoyable amps I've owned was the "entry level" Montille. That little guy swung like nobody's business.

One thing you may find is that after you get into Shindo the audio journey changes. Before Shindo I was constantly experimenting, changing out gear pretty regularly looking for audio nirvana. I've had my current set up (VR preamp and HB Amp) for several years and honestly do not give much thought to "upgrading" my system. My attention is now focused on the software side of things. Welcome to the Shindo family.

Speaking of second hand, there is a nice Masseto on audiogon right now.

Simon

Most audio reviewers have, sadly, lost the plot. But there are still a few with something interesting to say every now and then.

I took a quick look at the specs on those Living Voice. They are 94db @ 6R nominal. Shindo amplifiers are designed for speakers of 8R and higher (though something like the low-impedance 755 will also work). From experience, 6 ohm speakers generally do not do well with Shindo. Not only will the "voicing" of the amp be off, but tube life will suffer. Please read through some of the other threads in this forum for more information.

I would suggest you consider a different set of speakers to get the best out of the Shindo stack. Obvious candidates are vintage WE/Altecs, A23 speakers, and Shindo speakers. Given your budget, I would seriously consider one of the A23 offerings, which are specifically voiced around Shindo, yet, for whatever reason, seem to fall under the radar here.

If you want to stick with the Living Voice, I think the only Shindo amplifier that makes sense is the CCQ, which, is my understanding, was designed for modern (i.e., low-impedance/complex crossover) speakers.

Assuming you go the non-Living Voice route, then your amp options are wide open, and I would also consider listening to the 6v6 Montille, the Cortese, and others before settling on which one you like. All wonderfully musical, yet slightly different.

Hope this helps.

the Shindo journey never ends!

journey
 

Hi

Here's a great review from a few years ago. Jeff Day, from 6Moons - and now with Positive feedback, did a fabulous write up about a road trip he did to Pitch Perfect Audio (Matt Rotunda) . He compares 2 system that Matt put together: The first system - maxed out full Shindo . The second system, lower end Shindo amps with Living Voice speakers . Presumably Matt used to sell Living Voice? Anyhow, I doubt Matt would have demoed the Shindo with Living voice for the review if they weren't a good match. Jeff Day certainly liked what he heard. YRMV. But an informative read if nothing else. This article had a significant influence on me getting into a Shindo system . I haven't looked back

6moons audio reviews: Jeff Day's Music Lovers Series - RoadTour 1, Exit Pitch Perfect Audio

Enjoy

Doug

My neightbor has the 6v6 Montille, and that combo with the Aurieges MM is fantastic especially for the money. Great place to start as my Shindo dealer has a very generous trade-up program.

I recently heard the CV391 Montille, and from what I understand it is a different circuit than the 6V6 despite having similar casework. I will say that those tubes look incredible lit up... so beautiful and when we heard it going into the Latours there was was great detail, clarity, and liveliness, but more notable was the incredible bass. More than I remember hearing with 3-4 other amps at Pitch Perfect over recent months. And those tubes are considered to be pretty much bulletproof.

https://pitchperfectaudio.files.word...raight-v24.jpg

Can you let us know what type(s) of music you listen to, and how loud? The CV391 is going to have twice the power of the Cortese, and may work best with speakers under 94 dB.

Can you let us know what type(s) of music you listen to, and how loud? The CV391 is going to have twice the power of the Cortese, and may work best with speakers under 94 dB.[/QUOTE]


Mostly Jazz- Coltrane, Miles, Brubeck, Bird. Some classic rock - Yes, Traffic, Tull. I predict moderate volumes.