2. amps-preamps
  3. 130770-17003

Shindo Labs Amps and Preamps

I have a pair of DeVore Fidelity Orangutan O/96 loudspeakers and am considering purchasing a Shindo Labs amp. and preamp. to pair with them.  I've been working with a very nice and helpful dealer who has recommended an amp. and preamp pair, but to optimize the combo it looks like I also need at least one Auditorium 23 Hommage SUT, as well as Auditorium 23 or Shindo interconnects and speaker cables.  The total cost is high (approximately $30K to $40K) so I'd like to get some opinions on whether Shindo is really that much better sounding than another amp and preamp pair for my loudspeakers.  Unfortunately, I don't live close enough to the dealer to listen for myself before purchasing.  I don't mind paying a premium and don't want to offend anyone by asking this question, but is Shindo really worth the cost in terms of sound and build quality?  Thank you for your time and assistance. 
pacific_nw
jperry
2,450 posts
 
I think you have to spend some time listening. The Shindo equipment is great sounding. Quite a few people I know with Shindo electronics use Devore O96 speakers.

Leben and Line Magnetic are also good matches for the Devore speakers as rhljazz mentioned above
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

I believe most Shndo dealers also carry Leben and Line Magnetic products. If possible I'd try to hear all three with your speakers to determine if Shindo is indeed worth the premium (maybe, maybe not). Line Magnetic has gotten excellent owner word of mouth support, in particular their SET 300b, 845 and 805 tube based models.


With your efficient  speakers you do have many fine opprotunities to use excellent sounding low/mid power amplifiers. I agree with Larry's comments above, this genre of amps make beautiful music with the right speaker match. Dennis Had amp mentioned by Wolf or say the Coincident Dynamo MK II are lower priced but could be terrific mated with your speakers. Many good options for you.

Charles

lak's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
lak
4,655 posts
 
+1 Charles1dad!
gsm18439
895 posts
 
Also within the Shindo line, there are less expensive options such as the Cortese. (There are two for sale on Audiogon.) I have heard the Cortese (although not with the O/96); and it is a good amp at a more reasonable price than the more expensive Shindo separates. However, as others have noted, within the range of low/midpower SET, there are many options; and the differences among the good ones tend to be smaller than the differences among the different flavors of tubes.
beyachad
7 posts
 
For best bang for your buck try the Leben CS600 with the O96. I had each for years, tried Shindo kit and while wonderful, for a fraction of the cost you can get a world class integrated and have lots of money left over to spend on LPs and concert tix. 
More to discover