Shindo and synergistic components

I hope this isn't off topic, but has anyone heard or heard of the Shindo Apetite, integrated amp? It's not on the Shindo website and there seems to be very little info about it. Thanks.

The Apetite was a 13 watt integrated discontinued about 2-3 years ago. Was about $4000-5000 then.
I wrote to several people who had it. They said:
The Apetite doesn't have the
harmonic complexity of the upper models but is really excellent.

4 pieces of small 6072 as preamp and driver tubes,and 4 pieces of CV-428 ( on tubes noted 256M made in England ).The E80CC's can be found in various tube shops and generally sell for $50 each and their are two. The CV428 can be had from Parts Connection at $10 each. The CV428 is not common but inexpensive when
found. All these tubes should last many years since Shindo runs his circuits conservatively.
I really enjoyed the Apetite, it's very energetic and lively with incredible punch and articulation.

Hope this helps

Folks....I have some Ayre MX-R monoblocks...which of course are balanced...and in looking at improving the analog side of my system it has been suggested that I consider a Shindo preamp....the would be driving Rockport Meraks/Sheritan II and Wilson Watch Dog 2 sub....anyone have some experience or thoughts on this set up...the other pre amps I might consider are the VTL 7.5, Ref 3 and the upcoming Ayre KX-R...??

thanks in advance
John

Buy the most expensive Shindo pre you can afford. But be warned that the Shindo gear is so good you might very well end up selling your MX-Rs to get Shindo amps, which will probably mean selling your Rockports to get higher sensitivity speakers. The madness never ends . . .