Advice / Input needed: Shindo Haut Brion repair

[Jceaves]

Dirtbag - I think that the update (they call it an upgrade) is actually optional. If you just send an amp in with instructions to repair it, Shindo will update or upgrade it. Randall Marder had this experience with an amp of his - it was upgraded, but it wasn't cheap; $1500 or something. The result was a more current, different sounding amp; not a bad thing.

To control costs, I'm having a note (edited by Jonathan Halpern) translated to Japanese instructing Shindo not to update or upgrade, but instead to only repair the Haut Brion. If the repair costs reach a level commensurate with the cost of an upgrade, we'll probably approve the upgrade.

[Wino]

Jceaves-

Sent you a pm-

How about dyno-mikes.com to test ?

David

[dirtbag]

Jceaves, whether the upgrade is optional or not, I'm just curious about what is actually done to constitute an "update". I had my Monbrison sent back to Japan for repairs only a few months after I purchased it. I was told it was updated but it was done at no cost to me. I was not charged for the repairs (even though I bought it used). I purchased it from Matt at Pitch Perfect.

[Jceaves]

Dirtbag,
Wow! Very nice that you got the amp repaired without charge. You may have benefited from Matt's standing with Shindo; he does sell a lot of Shindo equipment. Of course, I couldn't speculate about your repair. However, I don't think I'll be able to avoid repair costs. My dealer, Randall, is retired, so the situation is different.

Jonathan said a repair or upgrade was available, but he didn't use the word "update;" that was my word. If the repair entails updating a significant number of parts in the amp, I'm lead to think that this would be an "upgrade."

Again, my assumption is that the amp will require repair at Shindo Labs, even if I get it locally evaluated. Currently, my main concern is facilitating the shipment and repair, while avoiding customs snags.

[Jerome W]

Jceaves,

I'm far from being an electrician but imho, a bad tube could create a hum in a transformer. So in such a situation I would first check the tubes as others stated here.
A cap failure is also possible of course. I do not really trust a transfo failure because those things are made to last for decades if not centuries. If your amp worked from day one without any problem to a transfo, I do not see any reason why it would have a problem now.
My advice would be to send the amp to Tone Imports if it is not tube related. They will know for sure if it has to go to Japan or not. Moreover, if it goes to Japan through a professional, there is a high chance to avoid customs problems because customs know them and will get the "repair" explanation. They are more tough on individuals.
Wish all the best to your beloved amp !

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[Jerome W]

I just re read you post but I do not get this point : the amp started to buzz since you got it ( a few weeks ago ? ) and connected it to the Rega RS5 ?
The Rega speakers are known to be very tough loads, opposite to the simplicity of Rega's philosophy.
So yes, a damage to the transfo could have happened from a bad load matching between the RS5 and the Haut Brion.
I would never try Shindo on Rega speakers.
I received the Apetite a few weeks ago and did not try to connect it to Linn Keilidh speakers because like the Rega's, those are known to be " small tube amps killers" speakers. I remember clearly when I falled in love with them, I had to sell my Jadis Orchestra integrated because dealer warned me that the Linns already killed a few low power tube amps. The Rega acts in the same way. A rather low efficiency of about 86 to 88 dB and a large part of the spectrum has an impedance below 4 ohms indeed. Same load with a 93 dB efficiency would be pretty different I think but the sound would still be unsatisfying, albeit the amp would be more safe.
You should send the amp to Tone Imports and let them deal with Japan if it needs to go there, imho.
And you can sell your speakers now ! Or get an Osiris !

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[Jceaves]

Jerome,
Yes, I just got the amplifier October 13, after RMAF, and I noticed the hum the after the first listening session with the R5's. However, at this point, I'm less convinced that the R5's are "amp killers."

Earlier today, I called the Sound Organization (US Rega distributor) and they described the R5's impedance curve as "benign," without sharp spikes or dips. Then I called a reputable dealer that sells both Rega and Shindo, who gave the same opinion, that the Regas were fairly sensitive, with an easy impedance load (89dB / 6ohm). The dealer thought it would be fine to use the Haut Brion with the R5's. He said that Devore speakers might sound better, but the Regas shouldn't be a problem. By the way, the only reason Randall couldn't help with that information was he didn't sell Rega.

At this point, I've become satisfied that a single listening session with R5's at moderate volume levels did not damage the Haut Brion. As for other culprits, Jonathan said there could be an age-related failure of a capacitor.

If that is the case, unless Shindo uses capacitors that are as rare as his tubes, I have to wonder about the cost/benefit of sending the amp to Japan. In light of that, some of the comments thus far make sense: Get the amp locally diagnosed; if the repair is a minor component that can be sourced here, why not let a local service shop solder it? Of course, the risk would be that the tech is incompetent or that he accidentally damages the amp (or that the bugger steals me precious tubes!).

Other reasons to simply "eat it" and send the Haut to Japan?

[kev313]

I'm a little unclear on one point. Are your only choices to either send to Japan or fend for yourself? You purchased from an authorized dealer, why don't you send it to another and they can address the problem as they would with any other piece of Shindo?

[fjn04]

I would say, follow Jonathan's advice to the T. If you think about it, the Shindo gear makes it here just fine. The chances of incident should be very small. Assuming this is not tube related, it may be best to get it to the Factory.
Again, you are in good hands dealing with Jonathan.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by Jceaves

Jerome,
Yes, I just got the amplifier October 13, after RMAF, and I noticed the hum the after the first listening session with the R5's. However, at this point, I'm less convinced that the R5's are "amp killers."

Earlier today, I called the Sound Organization (US Rega distributor) and they described the R5's impedance curve as "benign," without sharp spikes or dips. Then I called a reputable dealer that sells both Rega and Shindo, who gave the same opinion, that the Regas were fairly sensitive, with an easy impedance load (89dB / 6ohm). The dealer thought it would be fine to use the Haut Brion with the R5's. He said that Devore speakers might sound better, but the Regas shouldn't be a problem. By the way, the only reason Randall couldn't help with that information was he didn't sell Rega.

At this point, I've become satisfied that a single listening session with R5's at moderate volume levels did not damage the Haut Brion. As for other culprits, Jonathan said there could be an age-related failure of a capacitor.

If that is the case, unless Shindo uses capacitors that are as rare as his tubes, I have to wonder about the cost/benefit of sending the amp to Japan. In light of that, some of the comments thus far make sense: Get the amp locally diagnosed; if the repair is a minor component that can be sourced here, why not let a local service shop solder it? Of course, the risk would be that the tech is incompetent or that he accidentally damages the amp (or that the bugger steals me precious tubes!).

Other reasons to simply "eat it" and send the .Haut to Japan?

Ok I got it. It's cool to know that you will be still able to use your beloved R5 !
How can they be so sure that the hum is not related to a tube dying ?

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