Shindo Masseto w Koetsu .3mv output


Hoping to get opinions on whether the MC stage of a Shindo Masseto has enough gain to produce strong dynamics from a Koetsu Rosewood Sig Platinum cartridge  (.3mv output). Or would I need a SUT?

 

Bonus question: any opinions on whether I would get better overall sound using an Aurieges pre (newer version) w an Hommage SUT through its MM section, or by playing straight into the MC section of a Masseto? The cost of each of these setups could be close to one another on the used market. When I say better sound, my priorities are a very organic "you are there midrange", lots of instrumental textures, realistic soundstage cues, and overall emotional impact of the music.

 

Thanks very much for any thoughts. My table is a Sota Nova vacuum and tonearm is Jelco TK-850 10". Amps are Quicksilver v4 monoblocks.

montaldo

@montaldo

Indeed, Masseto is superior to old Monbrison. The point of bringing Monbrison in my previous post was to consider Monbrison over Aurieges. If I have an opportunity to grab Masseto, I wouldn’t think twice. It is my belief that newer revised Monbrison is better than Masseto.

Thanks again, everyone! I will start looking for a used Masseto. There is one in Canada that is a possibility.

 

The late Art Dudley was a Shindo fan, and if I remember correctly, he preferred the use of an outboard SUT vs. using the internal Lundahl transformers.  His favorite was a Hommage T1.  If you look at the end of this review, you can see his preference  Look at Listening 171.

I have tried at least one LOMC direct into a Monbrison that was .3 millivolts. The built in Lundahl had no problem with it.  I would get the best Shindo pre you can get, and ad a step up transformer when funds allow. Cartridges I have successfully used with Shindo preamps are EMT Tsd15 and Tsd 75, Charisma wood body (Denon) 103, and My Sonic Lab Hyper gold body. If your price range allows it, the current production Monbrison would be worth checking out. I agree w/ Bob’s advice as far as going with an outboard SUT. I tried about 4 or 5 with my (Ken era) Monbrison. Always preferred the sound with the outboard SUT. I tried the low & high impedance versions of the standard A23, the Silver Core, Homage T2, EMIA (Slagle), and one more very well thought of SUT I’m forgetting. So ya...Art knew what he was talking about. What preamp are you using with your Quickie V4’s.  Nice amps... I love my Shindo SET,  but sometimes I miss those KT88 V4's. 

@lalitk 

I did not know that you had a Shindo component/system background. Very interesting. Does the Aurender house signature remind or have any sonic characteristics in common with Shindo?

Charles