Immerse yourself in your favorite music with the new Shindo Montrachet 30wpc Stereo Amplifier, using European EL34 output tubes.  From whisper quiet subtlety, to the most complex, dense, musical passages, the Montrachet is up to the task.  Like all Shindo amps, the Montrachet’s abilities will startle you with it’s dynamic and honest expression of the music.  I recommend speakers of at least 86db @ 8ohm to bring out the best in this amplifiers performance.

This is a short video, linked from my customer Matt’s blog, of him checking out the video feature of the new Nikon D3s camera.  Besides great still shots, it also is capable of highly realized video recording.  Although digital, when paired with a good lens and judicious use of depth of field… the palpable presence…the je ne sais quo of analog film becomes closer to a reality on this digital consumer product.

Matt takes a circular trip around his office, while enjoying Rachmaninoff on his Shindo Masseto, Shindo Montille, Wavelength Cosecant, and DeVore Silverbacks, which are also part of the video tour.  Sweet setup!

Check out Matt’s main rig.

Did you take your vitamins today?  The oily, liquid variety are the best.

This system rocks.  Check it out.  Shindo Aurieges Preamplifier with MM phono input, Shindo Montille 6v6 Stereo Amplifier driving Altec Model 19 Speakers.  Very Cool.

Robert chucked the sonically aged original Altec crossover and DIY’d a new one. Rounding out this fine system is a Denon DP 60L Turntable, Audio Technica AT150MLX Moving Magnet Cartridge and Musical Fidelity A5 CD Player.  This system does double duty as a music room and home theater room for the family.

Enjoy, Rob!  Looks like I have a couple of customer visits to make when I visit the North West….

Photo courtesy of Robert L.

Hiro digs the vibe.

Emanating from the cartridge, onward: Denon 103 MC Cartridge/SME3012 Tone-Arm/Lignolab Plinth/Garrard 401, Auditorium 23 Step Up Transformer feeding a Shindo Masseto Preamplifier, Shindo Cortese F2a Single Ended Amplifier, Auditorium 23 Speaker Cable, Vintage Altec Valencia Loudspeakers. Awesome.  Noel built this system up, one component at a time, working diligently on maximizing performance by selecting components with synergy.

This is what it’s all about, folks.  Customers of mine who ’stay on the path’ – that is to say – appreciate and understand the definitive music playback capabilities of these systems by taking their time to match, appropriately, the source to the preamp and amp to the speakers – will gain the full sonic potential of the design parameters Shindo Labs, Leben Hi-Fi, Auditorium 23, et.al, envisioned.

Noel says this about this system…

“In my opinion this is the ultimate audiophile budget sytem. In a freak accident with a 4′x5′ painting during a move, my Altec Valencia’s had a little grill accident – had for only $1700. But, I’ve been blessed with better sounding speakers, for removing the grills. The table is a Lignolab Plinth, SME 3012 arm… and the Garrard 401 table was had for $400! This was fine and dandy hooked up to my Eastern Electric M520, but I wasn’t happy. When I brought home the Shindo Masseto and Cortese, I finally knew what the high life was all about  After playing records for friends and family, even my Mom thinks my Shindo system was a sound investment.”

Noel dreams of Shindo 301 Turtable Player System and Shindo Latours at some point.. and we’ll just have to do our best to make that happen.  The next item Noel is planning to add is a Shindo Mr. T, EMT cartridge for his SME Tone-Arm.

Photos courtesy of Noel J.

Congratulations goes to Allen K. for being the first to take me up on my offer for a sweet new free MacBook (to be used in conjunction with a USB DAC, as a music server) with the purchase of a new hifi system.  In this particular case, Allen is the proud new owner of a Shindo Apetite, DeVore Gibbon 3XL Monitor Loudspeakers, Wavelength Audio Proton USB DAC, Shindo Interconnects and Auditorium 23 Speaker Cable.  This system makes music, pure and simple.  System photos coming, once it’s delivered and wired up.

Enjoy listening to radio?  My son, Jared, loves it.  Although, I think he really just enjoys fiddling with the analog tuning dial, as it traverses the cozy illuminated display.

How about streaming internet radio stations, through your hifi (preferably with a good DAC)?

Being a big fan of radio, I enjoy listening throughout the day, as it brings me varied genres of music that I wouldn’t normally hear.  This holds especially true when listening to college stations.  I usually listen through some sweet vintage tube tuners like my Fisher(101-R), Marantz(10B) or REL Precedent, which all provide an unparalleled level of realism and presence on a good feed.  When my wandering audio needs extend further, and reception is required beyond their boundaries, world-wide streaming internet radio fits the bill.

Speaking of which, check out the 91.7 FM (KRTU.org) stream from Trinity University, in San Antonio, Texas.  My good customer Chuck hosts a weekly show called The Jazz Lab, every Thursday night, from 8-10pm.  Tune in and check it out!  Broadcasting from the Department of Communication at Trinity University, KRTU is listener-supported Jazz for San Antonio and worldwide at KRTU.org.

Chuck is the proud owner of a Shindo Monbrison Preamp and Shindo Cortese F2a Single Ended Stereo Amp, as well.  You have good taste, Chuck.

I get email all the time:

“Matt, what is a great system for $x ?”

“…I need to get back to listening to music, and stop monkeying around with buying and selling gear because I am unhappy…”

Another email:  ”I find myself no longer listening to music… help me figure out my next step…”

Let’s get back to making music, shall we?

I’m here to help and happy to answer your emails regarding ways to improve your music enjoyment.

Even at the entry point you can get a system that will knock your socks off. I get considerable comments upon playing any of the following systems- that they are some of the finest customers have ever heard.  At Pitch Perfect Audio you will not find a mish mosh product mix.  The following gear has been carefully selected to work as a whole.

The packages, below, are some of the many iterations that are available.

Package Uno:

Leben CS300 Integrated Amplifier – Quality hand wired craftsmanship with 12 gutsy wpc’s – $2,995.

Devore Gibbon 3XL Monitor Loudspeaker – $4,400. pr.

Auditorium 23 Signal Cable – $450. 1/2M pr.

Auditorium 23 Loudspeaker Cable – $950. 2.5M pr.

Wavelength Audio Proton D to A Converter 24.96 – $900.

Total package: $9,695.*

Options:  Add the awesome Leben RS-30EQ phono stage for $2,595. and get back to spinning some vinyl records!  Regarding the turntable, I recommend the new Well Tempered Lab Amadaeus Turntable for only $2,850. (more soon, on this great new table). Cartridge?  EMT TSD15 series is a perfect mate – or if you are feeling thrifty a Denon 103 would be excellent.  Add an A23 Step Up Transformer and you are in business.

Package Duo:

Leben CS-600 EL34/6L6 tube type Integrated Amplifier – $5,795.

DeVore Gibbon Super 8 Loudspeakers – $4,500.

Auditorium 23 Signal Cable – $795. 1M pr.

Auditorium 23 Loudspeaker Cable – $950. 2.5M pr.

Wavelength Audio Brick v2 D to A Converter – $1,795.

Total package: $13,835.*

Options to consider:  Wavelength Mortar Power Supply Upgrade for Brick, for only $250. Add a matched pair of Winged C EL34 tubes for $100. to the CS-600.  Of course, you could augment the system with vinyl, such as system one.  Sweet!!

Package Trio:

Shindo Apetite Integrated Amplifier – $5,500.

DeVore Nine Loudspeakers – $6,500.

Auditorium 23 Signal Cable – $795. 1M pr.

Auditorium 23 Loudspeaker Cable – $950. 2.5M pr.

Wavelength Audio Cosecant v3 D to A Converter 24.96 – $3,500.

Total package: $17,245.*

Further options:  Add select cherry or walnut or select the ltd. edition walnut to the DeVore Nines for $500 and $1,000 respectively.  Again, add a Leben RS-30EQ or consider the superlative Shindo Aurieges phono stage for delicious vinyl playback.

The addition of a Box Furniture Co. Equipment support, for any of the above systems, would do wonders to improve your music playback even further.  Prices start at only $2,300 for a beautiful Sapele 3 Shelf Stand.  Do not underestimate the sonic importance of a good equipment foundation.

* Plus applicable taxes & shipping

Check out this cozy abode.  Stephen built up this wonderful system over a period of time to include Shindo Masseto Preamplifier, Shindo Cortese F2a Single Ended Amplifier, DeVore Nines Loudspeaker, Ayre C-5xe Universal Player, VPI TNT jr. Turntable w/SDS and Triplanar tone-arm w/Denon Zu103, Auditorium 23 Step Up Transformer, and Magnum Dynalab Ft101 Tuner.  The all important Auditorium 23 Speaker Cable, Shindo Silver Interconnect and Shindo Mr. T wire up the system.

A highly prized Navajo rug adds richness to this already great system. This tweak soon to be all the rage in the audiophile community.  You heard it here first.

Stephen is an original Blue Note Records collector and those shelves are filled with originals. Nice!!

Here is a quote from Stephen regarding his DeVore Nines…read on…

“Matt,

I don’t get these speakers.  They are the most unremarkable speakers I’ve
ever owned–even my early Vandersteens had more going on visually.  To tell
you the truth, even though I knew they were small, as I set them up I was
more than skeptical.   Had I just followed another yellow brick road hook
line and sinker?  I mean the drivers are tiny.  The ports are tiny.  Where
is the base going to come from?

Then I took a listen.  What’s going on here?  This huge sound startling sound
coming from my front wall.  The speakers sat there innocently like no sound
was coming out of them.  I’m tansfixed.  This is way more than I thought I
was getting.  They could be finished in red fur with white stripes for all I
care.

Right now I’m a little speechless.

Steve”

Another one…

“Matt,

…The Masseto is startling.  It gives such a present and alive
reproduction–the most life-like I’ve ever heard.  If you listen at “live
music level” you have to be prepared–the dynamics will shock you.  I have a
CD of Bruno Walter conducting Beethoven’s 6th.  I have used it for 13 years
as a reference.  What the Masseto did with this is was crazy (and I’ve
schlepped this CD to showrooms and played it on some pretty upscale gear).
The Masseto unraveled the music.  Opened up not only the soundstage but the
complex passages made sense.  You could hear their relationship to each
other…

Then there is this timing thing–the Masseto seems to pull you in not only
with its tone and aliveness but its rhythm–don’t know what else to call it.
It makes the beat or pace of the music infectious.

Also, I’m pretty sure it is the greatest preamp on the planet at playing at
low levels.

…Dudley said the Cortese’s made the music sound BIG when he combined it with

the Masseto.  Right now that’s a scary concept.

Best,
Steve”

Steve, enjoy your system, and thank you for the kind words!

Photo courtesy of Stephen D.

A preamplifier.  What exactly does it do? Some members of the audio industry consigliere regard a preamp as a ’straight wire with gain’. They consider it no more than a switch box for your sources and provides you with a volume control to adjust the gain.  It should not add, nor subtract anything from the delicate audio signal.  To think otherwise would be an abomination.   Most of the audio press goes crazy over the latest passive preamp devices.  These devices leave me cold due to their lack of soul.

Well, then there are those, like me, who believe a preamp adds character to the sound. I require a preamplifier to contribute to the overall sound.  Perhaps add or contribute are fightin’ words, for some folk.  Some would feel more comfortable if I said that a good preamp extracts more music from the source material, whether it be vinyl or digital bits.  Ok, that’s cool.  I can live with either definition.  But, the bottom line is, an active preamplifier, is the heart and soul of a good music system.   Skimp on the preamp, and the entire system suffers.  You can have the finest sources and the finest speakers, but the signal has to pass from the source on through the preamp, then on to the loudspeakers.  Musical body, soul, density, texture, weight, resolution, drive, attack, decay, timbre, tone, color… character!… the preamp is king.

I urge you to experience a quality preamplifier in your system.  It may be all you need to infuse your hi-fi with what it is craving.  Some candidates would be a Shindo Aurieges-L ($2,995),  Leben RS-100 ($4,100) or the renowned Shindo Monbrison ($7,995). 

The Shindo 604E Alnico Loudspeaker is now on demonstration at Pitch Perfect Audio!

Enjoy, at home, the dramatic presence you have come to enjoy from a real, live musical performance.

A lifetime of knowledge is distilled into Ken Shindo’s proprietary crossover, which utilize the finest quality components. Besides the all important crossover, a specially tuned cabinet carries on the tradition of  - and pays hommage to – an era when loudspeaker designers and the finest engineers of our time had the goal to produce the best sound.  This was engineering priority numero uno.

Shindo loudspeakers unabashedly give you the scale, unforced dynamics, weight and density of the live performance.  The true soul of the musical event.  

For Shindo, it’s a return to the very essence of what matters.

Like all Shindo Loudspeakers, the 604 is extremely sensitive (~100db/16Ω).   This allows you to enjoy even the lowest power Single Ended amplifier topologies.  For those looking for something even more special and rare, a field coil version is also available of the Shindo 604E.

Three versions are available.  604E Alnico (on display), Petite 604E Alnico (smaller cabinet), and 604E Field Coil.

Multiple wood options available.  Shown in Japanese Tamo Ash.

Don’t let it’s compact, cute, looks deceive you.  The Shindo Labs Aurieges-L preamplifier ($2,995) is a certifiable giant among preamplifiers.  Aurieges-L has four line level inputs allowing complete installation flexibility for all of your source material.  Tube rectified, point to point wired and complete with NOS tubes, it exudes quality.  Quality that you simply don’t find in similarly priced products, anywhere.

What is a line level input, you ask?  It’s simply an input so that you may connect pre-amplified sources, such as CD player or Tuner.  These sources do not need equalization, just amplification.  The necessary additional pre-amplification of these analog sources is provided by the specialized active tube circuitry, within the Aurieges, before being directed to an Amplifier.  A turntables phono cartridge, needs equilization, as well as additional amplification.  The Aurieges-MM ($4,495) is available with 3 inputs and and a superb quality moving magnet phono input, for you vinyl aficionados.  Using a moving coil cartridge?  No sweat. Use a quality outboard step up transformer and you are in business.

If you are itching to spend $7,800 on many of the newly publicized ‘wonder preamps’ from various manufacturers, you owe it to yourself to spend half that on an Aurieges-L or Aurieges-MM.

The NEW Shindo Apetite Integrated Amplifier is now on demonstration, weighing in at a robust 31lbs.

Even my favorite man in blue was giddy as he sauntered down the hallway pushing some sweet packages from Japan.  He seemed more chipper than usual, that’s for sure.  Heck you would be too, if you knew you were delivering the first Shindo Apetite Integrated Amplifier in the US.

I’ve got the amp burning in this week, so I will report back as it settles in.

First impressions: Music has density, foundation and drive, yet at the same time, a none too serious ease and playful attitude about it. Scale, depth and the subtlety of complex musical passages will continue to blossom, as it breaks in over the course of the coming weeks. Right out of the box, though, the portrayal of the musical landscape has a vivid, lucid quality, which was quite addictive in it’s ability to draw you in to the music. Like all Shindo Labs products, there is a presence to the music and palpable quality that transcends the written word. Like rain gently pattering on the roof of a porch, palpable.

The Apetite is going to be the heart of many music enthusiasts systems, in due time.

I also have to mention that most tube cages look aesthetically challenged.  Not this one!  This is cool. Power output, by the way, is 15wpc into 8Ω. Three line level inputs.  $5,500.

Give me or email me to arrange some time to hear a taste of what Shindo is all about, in this beautiful, compact amplifier.

The renowned 6L6 output tube resides within this cool and compact chassis of the Shindo Haut-Brion Stereo Amplifier.  Ken Shindo’s peerless circuit topology will bring about an immersive listening experience with any Shindo preamplifier.

What a warm, comfy looking room.   Mark is a passionate music enthusiast who has built up a simply wonderful system through the years.  The addition of the Shindo preamp and amp has taken it to unprecedented levels.  This beautiful system consists of Shindo Masseto Preamplifier, Shindo Haut-Brion Stereo Amplifier, SME 20 Turntable, Ayre CD Player and Reference 3A Grand Veena Loudspeakers tied together with A23 Speaker Wire.

Besides being into music, Mark is an avid photographer as well.  He just sent me the best looking iphone photos I have ever seen, from a recent Jeff Beck concert with Tal Wilkenfeld.

When I first met Mark, he started off with an Aurieges and Montille, and was completely floored by their compelling musical abilities.

Mark wrote to me, shortly after wiring the Haut-Brion into his system…

” …this is the most entertaining amp I have ever heard, at least in my room. It’s taut and extremely engaging. Reminds me of the VAC but with much more control over pace and tempo. The micro-dynamics are highlighted and allowed to flourish with this amp. The midrange is incredibly enticing, with a full very taut and muscular bottom end. Think fast and sinewy with muscle (weight), but all very delicately put forth. transients are lighting fast, notes start and stop quicker. highs shimmer and float, have an ethereal quality. bass is even more extended… but the added extension is fast, textured and full of life (the toe tapping variety). the music now seems to take direction (take flight), whether the swing of drummer’s stick, plucking fingers on bass, swaying sax player; flow and movement, not just timbre takes center stage. There’s life in the Shindo, lot’s of it… the Haut-Brion is a bigger jump than I expected. More life and soul than the Tom Evans… More dynamic and better treble than The Acoustic Masterpiece M101 (and yes, I hate to admit it, better midrange). This amp has the bandwidth and grip of the Tom Evans (what the TEAD is famous for), but has way more VIBE!! This is a sex kitten of an amp. I now see why Ken named it after a Haut-Brion. If you’ve had the privilege of tasting one, you’ll recognize that post orgasmic thrown-from-the-car-which-end-is-up-feeling!….Whereas the Massetto had an Apollonian effect on me, the Haut Brion is all Dionysian!!!!! “

Mission Accomplished.

Photos courtesy of Mark B.

Unrestrained power, yet, with the ebb & flow and communicative ability of Shindo’s single ended designs.  This about sums up the the Shindo Corton-Charlemagne.  Using the KT88 output tube, the CC80 provides 70wpc @ 8Ω into many of the most challenging loudspeaker loads.  You really can have it all with a Shindo Amplifier.

Did you know Shindo Labs makes a dedicated phono stage?  The Aurieges Phono is a very limited edition phono only preamplifier in the Shindo lineup.  Besides having stereo moving coil step up transformers, Aurieges Phono also has a custom mono step up transformer, complete with mono switch.  Using Ken Shindo’s extraordinary phono circuitry, the Aurieges Phono includes curves for RIAA, as well as 78 disc playback.  C O O L !

I am very pleased to announce the NEW Shindo Lafon GM70 amplifier from Shindo Labs!

These new single ended mono chassis amps sport 20 watts into 8Ω using the awesome GM70 transmitter triode tube.  Please email for pricing.  Photo courtesy of Shindo Labs.

Pitch Perfect Audio is proud to introduce the NEW Apetite Integrated Amplifier, now in production from the house of Shindo!

Using the 6V6 output tube which was originally developed in 1937 by the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), the Apetite will be on demonstration very shortly. Using NOS tubes and point to point hand wiring, well, to say we are excited about the availability of this new jewel is an understatement.

The Apetite is $5,500 for a superb 3 input line level preamplifier and 15wpc push/pull amplifer on one compact chassis.  It is sure to delight all music enthusiasts.

Post Update:  The Apetite is now on display.

Photo courtesy of Shindo Labs.

This album hasn’t been far from my turntable for the past few months.  It’s just fantastic.  Nigerian Special: Part 1 – Modern Highlife, Afro-Sounds & Nigerian Blues 1970-76 [Soundway Records SNDWLP009A].  How’s that for a succinct album title? I picked mine up from Virgin Records on Market Street in San Francisco before they, unfortunately, shut their doors.  I’m sure it’s available from other vinyl sources on the ‘net..

This is a collection of 26 original and previously un-reissued tracks of joyous music from Nigeria, which during the early 70’s was experiencing a period of artistic growth and musical ebullience.

A little Zappa and coffee to welcome the afternoon, and give me the jolt I need.  Waka Jawaka, is on the Shindo 301 player system now, spinning away.  ’Big Swifty’, on side one, is a juggernaut that doesn’t let up until the last note trails off.  It is a touch under 18 minutes of thick, brass tinged jazz fusion and is full of expressive, rolling, vivid playing to awaken the senses. It will give your hifi a nice workout, for sure.  Waka Jawaka was released in ‘72, a few years after Zappa’s popular Hot Rats album, which has been recently re-released by Classic Records on vinyl.  Of course, you could do what I do, and scope out a sweet original.

Coincidently, the album artwork for this record was illustrated by Marvin Mattelson, who was my illustration instructor at School of Visual arts (class of ‘93).  From what I recall, Marvin was a big Zappa fan and was ecstatic when Frank asked him to do the cover for Waka Jawaka.  Marvin went on to do some major Advertising Campaign Illustrations, such as Plug Head, for MTV.  He also painted the album artwork for Chant, which went triple platinum.

Marvin was extremely inspirational to me when I was doing time in art school, as well as after graduation, when I was a Free-Lance Illustrator, painting realistic illustrations for New York City book publishers. Listening to vintage WNEW-FM crackle through the airwaves, late at night, kept me going during those long, cold, morning hours finishing art commissions to meet the deadline the following day.

That was another chapter in my life, a natural progression having taking over from there, slowly morphing into my current profession.  I do still keep busy in the arts, painting and enjoying photography. I tend to think of what I do now, is align my design and artistic sensibilities with my love of music (and of course, the gear that produces it) together, through my company, Pitch Perfect Audio.  By the way, Marvin Mattelson is still busy in the art world, painting superb portraits.  I sell the best audio equipment in the world.  I’m happy.

One of my many enthusiastic customers, Cliff, has built up this great system over the past few years.  System consists of Shindo Vosne Romanee Preamplifier, Shindo 301 Turntable System, Shindo Cortese F2a Single Ended Amplifier, Auditorium 23 SoloVox Loudspeaker, A23 Hommage Step Up Transformer, A23 Speaker Wire and Shindo Signal Cable.  A Mr. T Power Conditioner rounds out the set up.

Cliff loves classic rock and blues and is dedicated to the art of spinning the black disc.  I look forward to daily email correspondence with Cliff, regarding his latest ebay vinyl scores!  His latest addition is a LignoLab Pneumatic Suspension Equipment Support, which is arriving soon from Germany.

Does anyone love the beauty and symmetry of this Shindo Lafon Ltfd. Amplifier more than me?  Nope. Well, ok, maybe Jonathan at Tone Imports.  Driving efficient speakers, the sound is a revelation.