is the Montille a real Shindo?

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.... :)

hi guys , can you guys help me some though of shindo lafon gm 70 and cary 211m as i am going to chose one of them, which one should i chose as my system is : tannoy 15" red monitor autograh speakers,jadis defy preamp,bat vk p10 phono stage,thoren 124 mk2 sme 3012 ortofon jubilee,victor tt 801 ikeda 407 shelter 901,audio quest connection cables. many thanks .

Pallexia,
I can relate my experience hearing a Masseto Pre/Shindo GM70 driving Tannoy Kensingtons. It was the most amazing experience when listening to Jazz or Chamber music. Crystal clear and supremely musical. But when listening to more complex orchestral classical the sound got clogged up and lost air around the instruments. When I asked others about this they related the need for more power when driving the Tannoy to hear them at their best when listening to orchestral music.
Hope this helps