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Japanese Exotica Kondo, Leben, Luxman, Zanden

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  #1  
Old 06-23-2011, 08:19 PM
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Alberto Alberto is offline
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Default I am *also* could cry I am so happy :-)

I love the title of Joeinid's recent thread about his Burmester gear: Oh my G*d I could cry I am soooooooo happy ... so I had to borrow it.

Although Shindo and Burmester are literally and figuratively oceans apart in design, approach, etc. I can perfectly imagine how Joe felt when he wrote that thread -- 'cause I've been feeling that way since I got my Shindo Cortese + Monbrison combination (along with the Tannoy speakers.)

I know I have a review of the Monbrison due to you guys, but I don't know what the heck to write or when to write it. Every time I start trying to dissect and analyze the sound, I get caught up in the music, toss off the laptop/notebook and just enjoy the music ... heck, I just did it right now (Jethro Tull's Aqualung on vinyl Side B - if you must know.)

Anyhoo, my listening sessions are so long these days that they are bordering on the ridiculous. Last week, my wife was visiting her sisters and I spent one gloriously sunny week-end listening to record after record - almost 10 hours over the week-end.

Listening fatigue? Not even a hint of it - not even after 5-6 hours, not even with CDs mastered in the 80. The only listening fatigue I am experiencing is because I am sleeping less, just so I can listen more.

I am looking into having an IV (intravenous) feed so I don't have to bother with such things as eating ... and wearing adult diapers so I don't have to stop listening to tend to lowly bodily functions.

Digital, vinyl, rock, jazz, classical, well recorded, poorly recorded, loud, soft, whatever, EVERYTHING SOUNDS GREAT.

This latest incarnation of my system has surpassed my most optimistic expectations for deliciousness. Heck, it has shredded those expectations, beat them into a pulp, made papier-mache finger puppets out of them and shoved them up my nose to taunt me ... as if to say: "And you thought you knew what delicious meant ... Mr. Delicious Sound Hound ... you had no idea it could be like this, did you? DID YOU? Punk!"

Tone controls? For the first time in my audiophile life I can honestly say: I don't have them and I don't need them. And I'm the guy who could not go 3 posts without mentioning tone controls and bitching about their disappearance. As Stephen (TwoDot) says: the Shindo is the tone control - how right he is. Sorry I was skeptical, but I am glad that I believed enough to go for it.

Last night, I played Joe Pass' Virtuoso on vinyl - the guitar sound was organic and orgasmic! So satisfying I felt like smoking a cigarette afterward .

The soundstage on Pink Floyd's The Wall busts through the walls (and ceiling) of my listening room.

I am even starting to enjoy some music I never really liked. If all I had to play was a Pia Zadora CD, I am sure I would enjoy it too on this system.

My definition of deliciousness has been totally re-calibrated. I never thought it was possible to get close to what, in my mind, was 10 on the 1-10 deliciousness scale. A 10 rating was one of those idealized states - a Platonic ideal that could only be imagined but not realized in the real world. But the sound I am l listening to now is BETTER than that! It's at least a 12.

So here I stand (or sit to be precise) – awestruck, schooled, re-calibrated and immensely happy.

Could I cry? You bet. I feel like I've won the audio lottery. I've had some delicious systems in my days, but I've never been as satisfied and as content in my audio life.

Joe I am holding a glass of Malbec and toasting to your Burmester and your "soooo happy I could cry" post!

Alberto
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  #2  
Old 06-23-2011, 09:15 PM
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jdandy jdandy is offline
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Alberto.......Enjoyed every word. Way to go.
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STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital cable, Sonos Connect, PurePower 2000, Stillpoints, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Wireworld, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario
LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable, Micro Seiki DD40, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, Nakamichi BX-300, Sony 60ES DAT, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Sonos Connect, Stillpoints, Wireworld, Kimber, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113
VINTAGE - McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, Sony DTC-59ES DAT, McIntosh 4300V, JBL 4312A
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Old 06-23-2011, 09:26 PM
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Too cool.
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Old 06-23-2011, 09:41 PM
jwhite613 jwhite613 is offline
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Alberto. Congratulations on reaching audio nirvana.
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Old 06-23-2011, 09:53 PM
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Alberto....what Dan, Randy and Jeff said. Really cool. You've got me curious about the Shindo gear.

Pete
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Main System: VPI Prime Signature TT in Rosewood, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Stillpoints LP1 V2, McIntosh: MP100, MR78, MCD1000 Transport on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MDA1000 D/A Converter on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, MS750 Music Server, C40, MC501's (3), Soundcraftsmen: DC2215 Eq/AS1000 Real time analyzer, DBX 3BX II, Carver C9, Nakamichi Dragon, Crown SX724, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), Sony XBR55X900E 4K TV, JBL L220A's, JBL B460, Sumo Delilah active crossover, WireWorld Silver Eclipse audio interconnects, WireWorld Starlight and Silver Starlight Coaxial Digital interconnects, Wireworld SuperNova 7 Toslink digital interconnect, WireWorld Aurora 7 and Silver Electra Power cords, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 8 speaker cables, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna, Oppo UDP-205 4K Blu-Ray Player, Bryson BUC-1 USB Converter, Wireworld Gold Starlight XLR Digital interconnect, PS Audio Direct Stream Power Plant 12 on Stillpoint Ultra Minis, PS Audio Dectect, FuruTech Flux-50 NCF Inline Power Filter, Add-Powr Wizard EM Field AC Line conditioner; Stillpoint Ultra SS's under (3) McIntosh MC501 Amplifiers

Florida Room/Art Studio System: Harmon Kardon T60 TT/Ortofon 2M Black, McIntosh: MR77, C32, MC2205; Crown Power Line Four, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 Digital to Analog converter, Soundcraftsmen AE2000 Eq, JBL 4313B's, JBL 2241-based Sub, JBL BX63A Active Crossover, Oppo BDP-105D Blu-Ray Player, Samsung 5500 Series 32" Smart TV, Terk AF-1 Powered Antenna

Master Bedroom System: McIntosh: MX120 Theater processor, MC206 6-channel amplifier; MR74 AM/FM Tuner, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, JVC HM-DH40000U D-Theater Digital VHS, Phase Technology PC80 Towers (now used as stands), (2) JBL 4401's, (1) JBL Studio 6IW speaker, (2) JBL Studio 6IC speakers, Sony XBR-49X900E UHD TV, Panamax 1000 Line Conditioner, (2) JL Audio E110 Subwoofers, Wireworld Solstice speaker cables, Wireworld Aurora Power cords, Wireworld Equinox and Solstice speaker cables and various other flavors of Wireworld and Audioquest cabling

Office System: Marantz 150 Tuner, Crown DL 2, Crown EQ 2, Crown SA 2, Crown D-75A (as headphone amp), McIntosh MCD7009 (as transport), DBX 3BX Series II, Oppo BDP-103 Blu-ray player, JBL 4401's, JL Audio E112 Subwoofer, Samsung 5500 series 32" Smart TV, Wire World Oasis audio interconnects, Wire World Solstice speaker cables, Wyred for Sound DAC-2 DSDse Digital to Analog converter, Wireworld Starlight Coaxial Digital Interconnect, Sennheiser HD800 Headphones, Sennheiser HDVA600 Headphone amp, Wireworld Silver Eclipse Balanced Interconnects, Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB Cable, Add-Powr EAU-2 AC Harmonic resonator

High Resolution Source: HP Omen 17" Gaming Laptop
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  #6  
Old 06-23-2011, 11:09 PM
joeinid joeinid is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jdandy View Post


Alberto.......Enjoyed every word. Way to go.

+1

Wow! I've been immortalized. Thank you Alberto. And Yes, you may borrow my title just like I've borrowed your tag "delicious". I am sooooooo happy you've found such a high level of satisfaction. It makes me proud to read such a great post. I understand what you are experiencing, time passes all too quickly. I toast to you also, I really love your posts. Thank you my friend!

Joe
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Old 06-23-2011, 11:44 PM
two dot two dot is offline
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I could not have said it any better...

I just never dreamed that this level of musical reproduction was possible in my home.

Every night the performers are in my room.

Gram Parsons at the moment.

Congrats Alberto.
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  #8  
Old 06-23-2011, 11:57 PM
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Masterlu Masterlu is online now
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Cool Beans Alberto!

Thanks for Sharing
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MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES
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MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES

Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES
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  #9  
Old 06-24-2011, 08:24 AM
Still-One Still-One is offline
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Alberto
So glad you are at a place where your gear just hits the right buttons. That is what is so great about this hobby (or should I call it an obsession) even when you think it can't get any better we hear something that is so different from what we are used to that our hunt begins all over again.

Jim
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Old 06-24-2011, 09:14 AM
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Jerome W Jerome W is offline
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