Shindo sound in comparison to Leben

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Volks

If i recall....dident Jeff have a hard time even getting Shindo gear for an actual "Review"? and he offered to fly anybody to his place to let him hear their Shindo?.....i am just curious if he has ever actually heard Shindo enough to make a valid opinion.....aside from maybe at an audio show or?

Jeff Dorgay shared with me he was never able to get Shindo gear to do a review. It's the primary reason he shunned the brand.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by Cucumber_Jones

Just so you guys are clear his Shindo "issues" had nothing to do with him being removed from the site. It was other issues that caused him to move on.

That is Correct

[JSCC]

Originally Posted by Masterlu

That is Correct

Pardon ... need to refresh ... Is Jeff (Tone Audio) moved on or Jeff Day?

I am confused.

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by JSCC

Pardon ... need to refresh ... Is Jeff (Tone Audio) moved on or Jeff Day?

I am confused.

Jeff Dorgay (Tone Audio) has unfortunately moved on.

[Mikeyc]

Not sure if I can post links here, but in the recent (Nov 2011) net version of Stereophile, Art Dudley reviews a Leben CS300. He compares it to his Massetto/Corton Charlemange combo which has a list price of $27.5K and although the Shindo combo was superior, the Leben holds its own quite nicely especially in context of the huge price difference.

[FranklinLG]

Originally Posted by Mikeyc

Not sure if I can post links here, but in the recent (Nov 2011) net version of Stereophile, Art Dudley reviews a Leben CS300. He compares it to his Massetto/Corton Charlemange combo which has a list price of $27.5K and although the Shindo combo was superior, the Leben holds its own quite nicely especially in context of the huge price difference.

Mikey,

Thanks for reminding me about that article. However, Dudley is really focusing on some different aspects. Clearly, though, he likes the Leben. My question, though, really is aimed understanding more about the differences directly, and trying to determine whether I want to upgrade for anaddition 5 or 6k over what I already have. For now, though, I'm going to enjoy my lebens and new orangutans when they come in. That's my focus. I'll then really jump in to deciding on a new preamp.

Still, I'd really welcome anyone's comment on the two lines, and specifically the Masseto vs the rs100u.

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[JSCC]

Originally Posted by Mikeyc

Not sure if I can post links here, but in the recent (Nov 2011) net version of Stereophile, Art Dudley reviews a Leben CS300. He compares it to his Massetto/Corton Charlemange combo which has a list price of $27.5K and although the Shindo combo was superior, the Leben holds its own quite nicely especially in context of the huge price difference.

THats exactly what I was told when I bought over the used (but very mint) Leben CS300XS. Plus adding some cash to upgrade (not more than S$2k) on better top grade parts (Mundorf, Black Gates, Footers, etc, ..) REALLY DID make a difference from the already very good performance of the standard.

I am not saying it will outshine the Shindo combo, but by itself, the upgrade did bring the Leben to another level altogether, difference that is immediately noticeable. Really up the ante.

For a total of S$5k (US$3.8k), what more can I ask? Sad thing is, I had to part ways with it as my wife does not allow me to keep it as its the root to my next scheme of things ....

[FranklinLG]

You are actually going to like this news. I just learned last night that my friend recently picked up the Shindo Massetto-Cortese combo. Since he and I had already talked about the DeVore Orangutans, once I learned he had the very Shindo equipment I was pondering, we began discussions about a throw-down between the Shindo combo and the Leben & Sophia Electric combo that I have. Adding to our fun was the fact that we both currently own Zu Essence speakers. Candidly, while we think the Zu's have a place in Hi-Fi, we have both opined that the Zu's are not for us, which is why we were looking at the O/96's. In any event, we are going to build our throw-down around the O/96's.

So our initial plan for the match-up will be as follows:

* Option 1 – Shindo Masseto (pre-amp/phono) and Shindo Cortese (amp)
* Option 2 – Leben RS 100u (pre-amp), Leben RS-30eq (phono), and Sophia Electric 300B (amp)
* Option 3 – Shindo Masseto & Sophia 300B
* Option 4 – Leben RS 100u, RS 30eq, and Sophia 300B

The unified equipment used with these options will be as follows:

* Rega P9 turntable with the Auditorium mat
* Koetsu Red Vermillion Urishi cartridge
* Auditorium A23 SUT (for both pre-amps)
* Auditorium A23 speaker cable - 3M
* DeVore Orangutans (speakers)
* Interconnects are all Zu Wilde, except for the SUT, which will soon be using an Auditorium A23 .5M cable. And by the time We do this we may add an auditorium IC For the pre to amp connection.
* Zu Bok power cables and stock cables per manufacturer's recommendations.

Since I am not expecting to get the Orangutans until late this month at the earliest, we will not likely get to a throw-down until next month. In the interim, as we explore this further, I’d like to solicit any input or recommendations you might have.

That said, we'll definitely offer our lay person's opinion from our panel of listeners (3). Including one who is a musician and also masters music for others.

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[NoahG]

I think it should be Option 4 – Leben RS 100u, RS 30eq, and Shindo Cortese

[FranklinLG]

Originally Posted by NoahG

I think it should be Option 4 – Leben RS 100u, RS 30eq, and Shindo Cortese

Ok, well make that option 5. I was more interested in the preamp impact, as I expect it to be much greater than an amp. Just my 2 cents. But what the heck...

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