Shindo Masseto w Koetsu .3mv output

@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

I have played with outboard sets with a previous setup and the Hashimoto HM-7 based sut sounded amazing. The only thing I did not like about it is that it tended to make images very large, which for me makes the whole presentation less realistic. I know some people love big upfront images but I don't. Other than that the HM7 was clearly superior to my mc stage ... Can't even remember which photo it was.

My current preamp is a custom built David Berning all tube unit. It was originally built for Chris at Artisan Fidelity and I got hold of it a few years ago. It sounds absolutely fantastic and I'm probably an idiot for even thinking of replacing it. But I love shindo and a few years ago owned a Montrachet amplifier, which was one of the most musically compelling pieces of equipment I've ever owned. I would probably still have it except that it did not play well with my quads. The impedance was just no good for the Montrachet, and may have even damaged it if I had kept playing it! Of course I've moved on from those speakers since. So shindo has always had a great place in my heart and I know their preamps are supposed to be just wonderful. So my plan is to try one and if it does not beat the Berning, I will re-sell it. This is also one reason I need to buy used.

Yea I love my v4 amps. I run them with KT-150 tubes, even though they are the early versions, not the KT-150-optimized ones. Formerly an el-34 fan, I have been converted to the KT-150. It mates a great midrange with bigger dynamics and a bit more frequency range. And not crazy nos tube prices. I save my nos crazy for input tubes ;)

@charles1dad

I did own Shindo pre paired with a bespoke 300B mono amp. Perhaps the best pre till date I’ve experienced in my system. Ken Shindo was a genius in connecting its listeners intimately to music through his masterpieces. I wish, I would have never sold the Monbrison but my plans kinda fell through. In case of his amps, I felt high efficiency speakers (97dB>) or the ones with field coil tech is the only way to experience full impact of Shindo delicious sound. Now that I’ve heard field coil speakers, the desire to put together all Shindo system with Giscours Pre and WE 300B Single Limited amp getting stronger as each day goes by :-)

As to Aurender sound characteristics, I’ll comment on what’ve consistently heard regardless of downstream components cause in 10 plus years of owning Aurender, I’ve been through lot of components. The sound of Aurender is incredibly faithful, airy with reverberation around the recording space. You’re immersed with musicality that has a larger than life sound.

Aurender is one of the best designed and engineered audio component that I’ve the pleasure to use and experience. Pair it with a high quality DAC and Switch and you’re in for a royal treat.

@lalitk 

I really appreciate your feedback and insight. At one time I gave serious thought to acquiring a Shindo preamplifier and amplifier combo. I subsequently chose the Coincident pairing and have been thrilled. However I believe that I’d have been very pleased with Shindo as well. Decisions!😊

I do not have a single doubt that if you ever decide to go with the Shindo Giscours and WE 300b SET pairing, there would be no looking back. Your comments on Aurender attributes are very encouraging without question. Thank you.

Charles 

Hi guys. Returning to this thread because I actually bought a Masseto! I have had it up and running for a few days now. It sounds beautiful and seems to have adequate gain for my koetsu rwsp, just as you all predicted.

An unexpected oddity emerged though. I have a audio note 2.1 kits DAC with some modifications. I don't believe it's known to have a very high output (2v a friend of mine tells me). Yet with the volume control at 9:00 on the Shindo the volume is very loud. Comparable volume for the phono is more like 10:30 or 11:00. I just can't understand it. 

Any thoughts? I believe I read somewhere that the mosseto has only 16DB gain line stage.