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-   -   shindo product introductions (https://www.audioaficionado.org/showthread.php?t=10089)

lowens 09-25-2011 03:25 PM

shindo product introductions
 
To me it seems like new shindo products whether it be components or speakers seem to come out of nowhere with little or no advance knowledge. For example the new, smaller shindo, full range speaker. Does the retailer and distributer have no idea what is around the corner? Or does Ken shindo keep it very close to himself? If we had advance knowledge of what he was working no we could plan for future upgrades more easily, any thoughts?

Shindoug 09-26-2011 07:25 AM

I know what you mean Lowens – I spent a good part of the year auditioning speakers for my system (The petite Latours were just a bit out of my price range and perhaps a bit too big for my room) I ended up settling on the Auditorium Solovox. I’m sure that if Jonathan Halpern had any inkling that the Lafites were being developed he would have mentioned this, (we had pretty extensive conversations on suitable speakers) so I get the impression that even he is surprised by the sudden appearance of Shindo’s latest offerings. While that may indeed be frustrating for all of us, I am very glad that Ken Shindo isn’t compromising his products by trying to meet a deadline or merely creating a product because there happens to be a specific market niche. Inspiration can’t be planned and perfection can’t be rushed.
My story has (hopefully) a happy ending I was able to cancel my Solovox order and have put a deposit down on the Lafites.

Doug

G-Man 09-26-2011 08:02 AM

Great decision! I have no doubt that you will enjoy them immensely. Congratulations in advance!:thumbsup:

lowens 09-26-2011 11:22 AM

shindoug - do you mind me asking what the retail price is on the Lafites?

Shindoug 09-30-2011 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowens (Post 209088)
shindoug - do you mind me asking what the retail price is on the Lafites?

Lowens. My quoted price was $19,995. Half the size and half the cost of the Latours .... but hopefully not half the enjoyment.

Doug

lowens 09-30-2011 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shindoug (Post 211089)
Lowens. My quoted price was $19,995. Half the size and half the cost of the Latours .... but hopefully not half the enjoyment.

Doug

Doug - congrats on the Lafites, they look very nice. What made you choose the Lafites over the Solovox? Arent the Solovox in a different price category altogether at around $11k? Thats a considerable jump up market to the $20k. How big is your room, and do you have any concerns that the rest of your system might be outshined by the Lafites, leading to more upgrades?

Shindoug 09-30-2011 04:44 PM

Lowens

My room size is about 11.5 x 20 with 8ft ceilings. This should be a pretty good size for Lafites (probably a bit tight for 16 inch Latours though) And yes, the Lafites are about twice the price of the Solovox.

Back in May, I had considered other more expensive speakers: I had briefly thought about the Petite Latours but Jonathan Halpern felt they were probably too big for my room (and at 28k they were a bit outside my budget) Shindo had made a speaker around the 8” Western Electric 755 driver (with a similar box to the Lafite) It was delicious – but it too was 28k and a bit too steep for me. The larger DeVores were probably too big and I had not seen the O 96 at that time - but I didn’t need to because the Solovox were wonderful.

So while I’m waiting for my Solovox to be built, lo and behold, the Lafites appear (This is why I said previously that I think even JH the importer was unaware that the Lafites were in the pipeline, because he certainly would have mentioned them while I was discussing my speaker choices with him) So, eventhough the Lafite purchase was quite impulsive, because obviously I haven’t heard them, it kind of fit the picture for what I was looking for earlier. Shindo hasn’t gone wrong yet so I’m going purely on reputation here (and even the best of auditions is a crapshoot unless you can actually demo the speakers in your own room - which would be tough to arrange with a rare Shindo speaker) It was also something you said in a previous thread “What next” about having the foresight to look down the road and get the piece you want to end up with. It’s a lot more economical to buy the dream piece once instead of a bunch of pieces that you’re continually upgrading (The Shindo upgrade program aside) And while the Lafites probably do outshine the Aurieges and Montille a bit, I’ve got a feeling I’m not going to be disappointed with the combo. Also, it will be easier to "afford" the smaller incremental electronic and cartridge upgrades than trying to raise the large sum needed to get Shindo speakers down the road. And what fun it will be “growing into” the Lafites

Doug

pitch perfect 09-30-2011 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shindoug (Post 211190)
Lowens

My room size is about 11.5 x 20 with 8ft ceilings. This should be a pretty good size for Lafites (probably a bit tight for 16 inch Latours though) And yes, the Lafites are about twice the price of the Solovox.

Back in May, I had considered other more expensive speakers: I had briefly thought about the Petite Latours but Jonathan Halpern felt they were probably too big for my room (and at 28k they were a bit outside my budget) Shindo had made a speaker around the 8” Western Electric 755 driver (with a similar box to the Lafite) It was delicious – but it too was 28k and a bit too steep for me. The larger DeVores were probably too big and I had not seen the O 96 at that time - but I didn’t need to because the Solovox were wonderful.

So while I’m waiting for my Solovox to be built, lo and behold, the Lafites appear (This is why I said previously that I think even JH the importer was unaware that the Lafites were in the pipeline, because he certainly would have mentioned them while I was discussing my speaker choices with him) So, eventhough the Lafite purchase was quite impulsive, because obviously I haven’t heard them, it kind of fit the picture for what I was looking for earlier. Shindo hasn’t gone wrong yet so I’m going purely on reputation here (and even the best of auditions is a crapshoot unless you can actually demo the speakers in your own room - which would be tough to arrange with a rare Shindo speaker) It was also something you said in a previous thread “What next” about having the foresight to look down the road and get the piece you want to end up with. It’s a lot more economical to buy the dream piece once instead of a bunch of pieces that you’re continually upgrading (The Shindo upgrade program aside) And while the Lafites probably do outshine the Aurieges and Montille a bit, I’ve got a feeling I’m not going to be disappointed with the combo. Also, it will be easier to "afford" the smaller incremental electronic and cartridge upgrades than trying to raise the large sum needed to get Shindo speakers down the road. And what fun it will be “growing into” the Lafites

Doug

Hi Doug,

I'm sure you will love the Lafites. :yes: The Aurieges/Montille will not outshine the Lafites, not to worry, and the speakers will be ideal for your room size.

To throw a little light on this quote:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shindoug (Post 211190)
(The Shindo upgrade program aside)

There is no "Shindo upgrade program" per se, but, if you are talking about a dealer taking in gear for 'credit' towards other models, yes, some dealers do this - some don't (or can't$). It's totally on an individual dealer basis. I happen to take trade ups, a term I've been using a while, toward the next model up. I can't speak for what other dealers do..

Sincerely,
Matt

Shindoug 09-30-2011 05:52 PM

Matt

I may have been a bit cavalier when using the term "Shindo Upgrade Program" This doesn't really do justice to the very generous trade-ins that you and Steve at In Living Stereo provide (I can't speak for other dealers who I am not familiar with) This certainly allows for many of us getting into systems which would otherwise be out of our reach.

cheers

Doug

Jerome W 10-01-2011 02:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shindoug
Matt

I may have been a bit cavalier when using the term "Shindo Upgrade Program" This doesn't really do justice to the very generous trade-ins that you and Steve at In Living Stereo provide (I can't speak for other dealers who I am not familiar with) This certainly allows for many of us getting into systems which would otherwise be out of our reach.

cheers

Doug

This full trade in value that Matt offers is a great great service and the dream of any audiophile.


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