Air Tight ATM-300R or Shindo Cortese 300B

Dinho,

Airtight is not better built.  They have a different aesthetic, but not better.  I have owned both Airtight and Shindo.  both are well built.  But Shindo is a bit better.  I have opened up both and looked carefully at the wiring and layouts.  Shindo is essentially hand built with all point to point wiring using silver wire.  

only thing about Shindo is that they color all their boxes green like green wine bottles.  Airtight is usually silver / aluminum faceplates with a gray tone paint on the sides and top.  

Sailboat,

Thanks for your considerations.

I think that Shindo have the layout / topology more "free" than Air Tight.

Ken's genius was legendary... often two pieces of equipment of the same model, could be significantly different, depending on the "insight" at the time of assembly.

I believe that Ken's son may have inherited this freedom in assembly... lol...

When I saw both inside, I fell the Air Tight more "clean" and intuitive. The Shindo was more "confuse"... lol

Anyway, the sound is more importat after all.

Salute from Brazil.

@sailboat,
I appreciate your insight and impressions from the perspective of someone who has had the pleasure of owning both renown Audio brands. Undoubtedly one could not possibly go wrong with either of these amplifiers. It simply would be what sonic attributes are most desired and cherished. My gut feeling tells me if I can only have one of them I’d choose Shindo.

I get the sense that the AirTight may be more audiophile approved.’neutral ’ yet I suspect that the Shindo grabs deeper into the musical soul and emotion. Speculation I readily admit.
Charles

Charles,

Perfect your summary: Air Tight as a more audiophile trace and Shindo as the essence of musicality.

Thanks.

If you are looking for something ultra musical and very traditional sounding for a 300B, check out the Art Audio Diavolo.  It is supremely well designed and is a popular choice in Europe.  Aesthetically, I think it is very good looking and build quality is first rate.  My biggest issue as the US importer is that these amps never die.  I regularly talk to people who are in year 15 or 20 of ownership and looking at a refurbish, rather than replace.  

Your preamp is well suited to the Diavolo with 1v of output and you will get the lush, musical mid-range that people crave from a 300B.  

Air Tight and Shindo are undeniably brilliant.  I think your comments above are spot on regarding these two brands.  Shindo would be the better choice based on your description but I also agree that Shindo is best with all Shindo.  

Good luck.