So what happens when Shindo gear breaks?

[Masterlu]

Originally Posted by metaphacts

Parts for the Rappaport getting hard to find?

Speaking of hard to find... Any Futura's being shipped with my name on them?

[Kenkirk]

Originally Posted by tonepub

Seriously, I ask these questions of any manufacturer that builds in small quantities.

Boy I sure understand your concerns. Recently my trusty Wadia 860 skipped and acted up. I enquired about replacing the laser assembly and updating its chips to receive 24/96 to bring it up to 860i status. Well the chips were no longer available and the Sony laser assembly was out of production as well. I did find a new laser on Ebay from a guy who had the last 3 new ones on the planet. He priced it accordingly knowing it was used in 7200.00 Wadia's. I bought the laser and sent it in to have it repaired. But instead I traded it in on my new Resolution Audio Cantata. Dam glad I did. The Cantata is in a whole new league of digital. Now how about my Convergent Audio Technology gear. The caps are custom made by Ken Stevens. The schematics are not published. What if he gets taken out in his Porsche next week?? What about my Sonus Faber Extremas? How many drivers are in stock at Sumiko for this wonderful speaker?? For years I never thought about this stuff. I bought gear that looked like it was built to last a lifetime. But you need repair parts and service manuals! I am gravitating to McIntosh. They seem to really have this area covered as well as any company could have it covered. No one can predict the future, but I am having a hard time spending 20K or so on a one man show these days. BTW, I know nothing of the brand in question. I am sure its great....

[metaphacts]

Originally Posted by Face

Other than transformers and possibly the tubes, what parts does he use that could be considered unobtainable? From the pictures I've seen, nothing inside appeared to be too exotic.

Oh now you've done it.

[PHC1]

You guys keep bringing up McIntosh, I remember some parts for something were not available.. Who can refresh my memory?

[metaphacts]

Originally Posted by Kenkirk

What about my Sonus Faber Extremas? How many drivers are in stock at Sumiko for this wonderful speaker??

So far so good. BTW Extremas have been out of production for 15 years.

[pitch perfect]

Originally Posted by Face

Other than transformers and possibly the tubes, what parts does he use that could be considered unobtainable? From the pictures I've seen, nothing inside appeared to be too exotic.

Actually, all preamp and amp power supply transformers, as well as all amplifier output transformers are current production transformers. Shindo prefers to be able to get these built to his exact specifications, instead of relying on NOS components in this area.

-M

[Haurock]

Originally Posted by PHC1

I can't believe I am actually even wasting my time on this thread.

Serge,

I don't believe anyone is actually forcing you....

Seriously,.. why such a strong defensive reaction to a simple legitimate question?

"Would the sound quality of Shindo equipment be as good as it was if the equipment is repaired by someone else?"....

I've yet to see any response that addresses this simple question.

This question is not about the reliability.. or the availability of parts. This question revolves around that simple fact that it is hand made... uniquely hand made... by one individual.

If it can be repaired by anyone and with any suitable parts.. then what distinguishes Shindo tube amps and preamps from any other tube amps and preamps? Something tells me that it has to do with who built and more so, how it was built...... and if they are in fact unique and individually made, then anything that is done after the fact, may very well affect the sound it delivers.

[sibelius]

Since Audio is a passion and hobby for most of us, I think spending an inordinate time trying to factor in future service needs into a purchase decision can be counterproductive. Who really knows what is going to happen 10+ years from now? Who would have expected back in the mid 1950's that a whole cottage industry would have developed 50+ years later around the Garrard 301? Likewise, pity the folks who spent all their discretionary money on high end Reel to Reel equipment back in the 70's expecting that original parts would always be around. Once you've established that the outfit you are dealing with is legit, my philosophy is buy what sounds the best. For several of us I bet our equipment outlasts us. Carpe Deum.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by Haurock

Serge,

I don't believe anyone is actually forcing you....

Seriously,.. why such a strong defensive reaction to a simple legitimate question?

"Would the sound quality of Shindo equipment be as good as it was it the equipment is repaired by someone else?"....

I've yet to see any response that addresses this simple question.

This question is not about the reliability.. or the availability of parts. This question revolves around that simple fact that it is hand made... uniquely hand made... by one individual.

If it can be repaired by anyone and with any suitable parts.. then what distinguishes Shindo tube amps and preamps from any other tube amps and preamps? Something tells me that it has to do with who built and more so, how it was built...... and if they are in fact unique and individually made, then anything that is done after the fact, may very well affect the sound it delivers.

Rock, don't confuse "how it was built" and "by whom it was built" with "How it was designed" and "what parts were used". That Shindo takes great pride in all of the above is a given. That someone else that is competent if need be can replace any of the parts as long as no alterations to the topology are made and with same type of parts will not affect the sonic signature is a no brainer as well. It doesn't matter if a car is Ferrari or a Honda, they can be both designed elegantly and are certainly unique but they break down and repairing them with factory authorised parts does not alter their performance.

[Haurock]

Scott,

Well, I don't think its counterproductive.. and I do agree, there are no absolutes, and I don't have a crystal ball.... but for knowing the reliability and the serviceability of the equipment is a necessity. Some people like me, have to try and minimize the risk at best we can... so we ask these kinds of questions...