New Amplifier on the Way: Shindo Montille CV391

[mresseguie]

I have spent the past several months researching the hell out of several amplifiers - both SS and tube, and <now that I'm back in Oregon> found myself itching to actually hear one of the amps in my list. In under a week I will receive a Shindo Montille CV381 amp from a dealer in Los Angeles. I will drive it with my Don Sachs Model 2 preamp first.

I have been particularly interested in this amp (and Leben CS600X amps as well).

I'll post my initial impressions a couple days after it arrives, and a deeper analysis after a couple weeks.

[Nick B]

Looks good, Michael. 20 w of Class A. What speakers will you be using in Oregon?

http://www.shindo-laboratory.co.jp/English/Montille391.html

[ejk]

How do you stay in one place long enough to really enjoy your system

[mresseguie]

I'll tackle both of the replies in one post.

At home I still have my beloved Daedalus Audio Apollo speakers. Even after nearly 10 years with them, I'm gobsmacked during every listening session. I love returning from a trip and getting to listen afresh. It's almost like listening to them for the first time except that there's always an almost immediate flush of familiarity to the sound.

"How do you stay in one place long enough to really enjoy your system?"

Thanks for the question. I realize nearly all audiophiles remain in one place for years before moving. Many retirees put down roots decades ago. We've owned our US home since 2002. It is our US-based home. My main/best audio system is located here. Miraculousy, it's been located in our formal livingroom for 6 or 7 years (best room in the house for audio). I say miracullously becouse my lovely wife <somewhat> regrets allowing me to place it there, and occasionally asks if I would consider moving it back to my office room - never!

I also own a pretty nice sounding system in our flat in Taiwan. The Fritz speakers sound really good there. They play down to 43Hz only, but the 360 deggrees of concrete makes them seem to produce deeper bass.

Other times, we stay with our son's family where I tough it out with car audio or earbuds, or while we're doing roadtrips. I do not miss my audio when I get to play with my 2-year old grandson all day long.

[Triode Pete]

I have spent the past several months researching the hell out of several amplifiers - both SS and tube, and <now that I'm back in Oregon> found myself itching to actually hear one of the amps in my list. In under a week I will receive a Shindo Montille CV381 amp from a dealer in Los Angeles. I will drive it with my Don Sachs Model 2 preamp first.

I have been particularly interested in this amp (and Leben CS600X amps as well).

I'll post my initial impressions a couple days after it arrives, and a deeper analysis after a couple weeks.

Good Luck & Have fun, Michael!