is the Montille a real Shindo?

The lead is in the solder. It is 37% lead. This is a HUGE issue in electronics and the new no-lead global initiative is called RoHS. You can do a search for it if you want more info. I have to deal with this issue everyday. Europe has become very serious about it.

To be honest, many amps made today still use SnPb solder. I do too in all the electronics I build. The current RoHS solders aren't fully tested yet and in my experience, they don't flow nearly as well and wet with difficulty. But eventually, everyone will have to switch over.

Arthur

So is this solder unsafe to handle with your fingers? Personally I'm not the techie type so I probably won't go near any solder in my gear, so I assume for a plug and play user like me its OK.

I also assume the lead is just an environmental issue and it doesn't affect the quality of the sound, correct?

As much as a single cable can affect the sound, I would say solder matters just as well - but I haven't made any direct comparison studies. However I do know that lead solder makes better joints than the latest no-lead solders I've used.

yes, the environment is driving it - not the health of EEs. I, and tons of other EEs, will probably get nutty with old age but I figure everyone does anyway! oh well.

Yes guys, the Lead metal is into the solder and also inside some old / vintage components still used by Ken Shindo to build his electronics...

Zero risk for your own safety/health since you are not leaking the electronic circuits inside ;-)

The European importer (nice guy, btw) for Shindo Labs being German, you can easily understand that the environmental things are VERY serious in this country.

The ban does not apply to second-hand equipment. But we can't reuse products sold in the USA since mains voltage is different. Finding a brand new in the box Monbrison, like mine, was an exceptional chance that I didn't miss!

Enjoy your week-end

Its been a while since my original post. This thread originally started because someone once quipped that this entry level Shindo PP amp wasn't a "real Shindo". Since then, I have acquired a Montille and had a chance to really listen to it both in my own as well as a few of my friends' systems. I can now unequicocally say that yes, Virginia, the Montille is a real Shindo and a darned nice sounding one to boot. I've compared it to a MC275, Verdier 45, and Fi X and all parties have indicated that it had the best tonality, openess, air, detail and control over the bass. I also compared my Aurieges pre to a few other similarly priced pres and the Shindo outclassed them as well, but that's another thread. To think that I'm using "entry level" Shindo, makes me salivate to think what aural ecstacy awaits me as I move further up the chain.... :)