New Toy

[djwhog]

very nice congrats!

[Loop4fun]

Originally Posted by Cucumber_Jones

Damn. I was close on that one.

I was seriously close on that one, too! Congratulations Scott!

[lowens]

Originally Posted by sibelius

I need another amp like a hole in the head but saw Matt had a trade-in Haut-Brion and I pulled the trigger. I've always had a soft spot for the HB and prefer the cosmetics of the older window version. Should look nice next to my VR, Montille and Mr.T. Just need to figure out which amp to kick out of my rack - I've got more equipment than space. Damn you Shindo-San.

The BH is a wonderful amp. I own the original version also and have really enjoyed it. Tons of emotion and great drive for a fairly low watt amp. Will be outstanding with the VR and your high efficiency speakers. After hearing the HB you may see no need for the montille. Happy listening!

[sibelius]

Thanks everyone. I should get the amp later this week. Will do a little write up on the VR-HB combo and a comparison with the Montille after I've lived with it for a while.

[sibelius]

Just wanted to pop in and give folks a quick impression of the Haut Brion (older window style version) in my system since I've had it now for about 7 weeks.

The words that immediately come to mind are body and weight. In direct comparision to the Montille (which is a great amp and one I would highly recommend as an ideal entry point for those new to Shindo) the music felt more physically palpable. The bottom end was also more pronounced. The Montille feels maybe a bit faster and nimbler but also texturally lighter. The HB has extremely good presence for a PP amp. Not at the level of SET's like the F2a or especially GM70, but better than any other PP amp I've had in my system. Tonally, I felt the HB was wonderful - with emphasis a bit tilted toward the lower midrange but otherwise well balanced. It is not as overtly romantic sounding as the Montrachet, nor does it have the lit from within warmth of many 300B's. It seems to have a slightly dark and autumnal character to it that is completely in synch with my VR preamp. Like all Shindo amps and preamps, I find the piece captivatingly musical. When I listen to music my first response is almost always emotional and not intellectual. Most people I know just do not talk about Shindo in typical "hi fi" lingo. Listening sessions become about the music and the equipment fades into the background.

The HB may not appeal to everyone but it clearly displays its Shindo lineage by its incredible build quality and emphasis on tone and musical flow.

[dirtbag]

More green is good. Congrats

[TommyC]

Great impression, thanks!