Vintage shindo

[Complin]

I am located in Europe/UK

As has been discussed on this forum its quite difficult now for us Europeans to purchase newly produced Shindo equipment.
Our options are to purchase elsewhere in the world and stand the very high cost of shipping and import taxes, which can add up to a third to the cost of an item.
Alternatively we can buy items on the used market, either from a dealer or private seller. Often its not possible to obtain provenance for these Shindo items as they may have passed through several pairs of hands in the past.

Do members have any thoughts or advice?

I have read about some of the early kits which Shindo San produced so how does one tell if its in-house assembled as opposed outside constructed?

[Complin]

Does anyone know anything about the original Apetit produced by Shindo San?

It used a British produced tube I believe made by STC which was their version of the 807 in a compact tube.
I think it was the 5B/254M 5B/254M @ The National Valve Museum

I believe it was an integrated push pull design something like 20 watts output

[Masterlu]

Complin... Welcome to AA!

[Complin]

Masterlu seems quite civilized here compared to some forums

Originally Posted by Masterlu

Complin... Welcome to AA!

[Hotzenplotz]

No more new Shidno in europe.

[SimonYVR]

Complin,

Buying new and local isn't often an option. I live on the west coast of Canada and my local dealer is in Montreal, a mere 4 time zones away. Otherwise I have to go south to the US to Los Angeles, a 2.5 hour flight. So I buy used on the secondary market. This means usually taking a leap of faith. Having said that, Shindo equipment if fairly robust, much more so than say a CD player of turntable when shipping. Due diligence is required: has it been modified, has it been repaired, how many owners.... Sometimes, used is the only option. For instance I really like the 300B tube, hence, I was particularly after a Cortese 300B, only available secondhand.

I think to be realistic, you have to assume that buying vintage and/or second hand implies you are on your own for repairs and support. There are, however, many resources available like this forum and there are many people out there that can trouble shoot and repair equipment, they just have to be found and again shipping may be required. My limited understanding is that the Shindo circuits aren't necessarily complex to assess but the replacement parts are likely scarce. My experience is that Shindo equipment is reliable.

In your case, residing in the UK, there always seems to be used kit available in Germany. This is due to Keith over at Auditorium 23 who was an early importer of Shindo (before JH in North America). You could check with him if he would service equipment that originated from him.

Simon

[755a]

Originally Posted by SimonYVR

Complin, Buying new and local isn't often an option. I live on the west coast of Canada and my local dealer is in Montreal, a mere 4 time zones away. Otherwise I have to go south to the US to Los Angeles, a 2.5 hour flight. So I buy used on the secondary market. This means usually taking a leap of faith. Having said that, Shindo equipment if fairly robust, much more so than say a CD player of turntable when shipping. Due diligence is required: has it been modified, has it been repaired, how many owners.... Sometimes, used is the only option. For instance I really like the 300B tube, hence, I was particularly after a Cortese 300B, only available secondhand. I think to be realistic, you have to assume that buying vintage and/or second hand implies you are on your own for repairs and support. There are, however, many resources available like this forum and there are many people out there that can trouble shoot and repair equipment, they just have to be found and again shipping may be required. My limited understanding is that the Shindo circuits aren't necessarily complex to assess but the replacement parts are likely scarce. My experience is that Shindo equipment is reliable. In your case, residing in the UK, there always seems to be used kit available in Germany. This is due to Keith over at Auditorium 23 who was an early importer of Shindo (before JH in North America). You could check with him if he would service equipment that originated from him. Simon

Good answer Simon. However just because you do not live near a dealer the does not preclude you from using one. I live right near you and buy from both matt in LA and Steve in NY.

I have bought both new and used from both dealers. The advantage is when I have has a problem I have had the total support of the dealer, distributor and builders.

To me this is a massive advantage to buying used on the open market. When you are buying hand made products like this it is good to have support.

I have never met either dealer but both have had my back when I have needed them.

[SimonYVR]

Originally Posted by 755a

Good answer Simon. However just because you do not live near a dealer the does not preclude you from using one. I live right near you and buy from both matt in LA and Steve in NY.

I have bought both new and used from both dealers. The advantage is when I have has a problem I have had the total support of the dealer, distributor and builders.

To me this is a massive advantage to buying used on the open market. When you are buying hand made products like this it is good to have support.

I have never met either dealer but both have had my back when I have needed them.

True enough, and I have also bought from Matt when he was in SF. However, in the context of the question of buying used in Europe/UK (ie, 220v), dealer secondhand is not really an option anymore. Perhaps a dealer in New Zealand ( great friendly guys http://turned-onaudio.co.nz/) or Asia, but then shipping will be prohibitive.

I believe I saw one version of the Shindo Mr.T , albeit older, that seemed to have 220v in and 220 and 2x 110v out. I could be incorrect.

Simon

[Hotzenplotz]

There is often second hand gear offered for 220V on the net, but you should beware from kits buying. Or use a step down transformer for other voltages.
The most important thing is to buy a unit that has no faults and mods made by untrained persons.
Simon, you should hunt after 300B single first generation, you will be astonished how superior it sounds compared to yours. Same as with your Giscours...just saying.

[SimonYVR]

Originally Posted by Hotzenplotz

There is often second hand gear offered for 220V on the net, but you should beware from kits buying. Or use a step down transformer for other voltages.
The most important thing is to buy a unit that has no faults and mods made by untrained persons.
Simon, you should hunt after 300B single first generation, you will be astonished how superior it sounds compared to yours. Same as with your Giscours...just saying.

I do have a mild interest in the vintage mono 300B's. They are rare enough that they only come up for sale infrequently and usually in Japan. (The last two sets available in the last 6-9 months.) Perhaps one day I will buy a set. However, I suspect I would have to upgrade my speakers. My Auditorium 23 Roiene speakers are a lovely match with the single 300b but perhaps are not up to the mono 300b's.

Simon