Not crazy - very much understood, it has an allure and cannot be compared with other gear. It's very unique and sonically strikes a chord within many people.
Those who have not heard it like to lump it within the context of other equipment, or what they have heard other tube gear sound like. They assume Shindo will be more or less the same. It's not.
But, like I mentioned earlier, starting with a preamp is
really the way to go.
Oh, btw, to enjoy HT sources, your processor would connect through the Shindo AUX input and you raise volume control to 12~ noon(exact position will be determined with your HT setup sound generator profiles.) Currently, you probably press a bypass button, compared to switching to an AUX input and turning the knob to twelve noon, if you used Shindo. Not
quite as elegant as to what you are used to, but for many of my customers works seamlessly.
Remote, well, you could always hit 'pause' on the cd player if you needed to 'mute' the system quickly.
Yes, actually, there are
quite a bit of excellent reviews - some listed on the tone imports website, for your perusal, when you have time.
Tone Imports Product Reviews
It's not a speaker I typically see paired with tube electronics too often, so I'm just a bit cautious, that's all. Knowing what I know about Shindo there is a large chance the CCQ's
will drive the hell out of your speakers and you will love them. All Shindo amps gobs of drive and heft -
on the appropriate speaker.. This isn't unique to Shindo amps- all tube gear should be matched well to the speaker. All to often I see guys running 8wpc amps on Harbeth
and they wonder why their system is lacking in dynamics!
I definitely know the Shindo won't have more trouble, in that comparison.
I'm sure the AR preamp you own is very good, indeed. I do like their products!
Yes, for some, the feature set of the AR will completely negate any possibility of considering a Shindo preamp. Most people, though, never use half of the bells and whistles most components have now a days.
But, respectfully, they are so very different, and can't be compared apples to apples. But, I would like you to hear one at some point - A Shindo pre, that is. For example, the Monbrison preamp has been in production since 1996. The Giscours around 1986!~. The Evolutionary changes aside, there are few companies that can say that about one of their flagship products. It's a highly evolved design - not changed drastically every 12 months like other companies, to maintain market share.
Proof is in the listening.
I love the fact you desire Shindo and want to appreciate some of this designs. 2 x
As they say, 'the shortest answer is doing'.
Perhaps you need to try it and see how it goes - but my advice above still stands regarding the preamp.
Sincerely,
-Matt