Is Shindo now Tone Arts Laboratory?

I spoke with a Shindo dealer last week, and he informed me that Takashi has split from the company. He will build Monbrison and one amplifier under the name Tone Arts Laboratory. Apparently, there were disagreements between Takashi and his mother. Shindo will continue! Ken's wife brought in former employees to build other models in their lineup.

This is printed in small letters on their website "Shindo Laboratory, Inc. never affiliated with Tone Arts Laboratory."

I'm taking delivery of a 2012 Ken Shindo era Monbrison today and setting up a tube system shortly. Excited to finally experience one of Ken's preamps in my system.

@daytrader I don't plan to go further down the line with Shindo since this is the happiest I've ever been with my system. I've always been curious of the brand and recently found a post here from 15 years ago saying that I'd like to try Shindo someday.

The Shindo magic is in its preamp; they all exhibit the Shindo house sound in varying levels. I was instantly impressed the moment I listened to the Monbrison yesterday. The amps, on the other hand, all sound different; this, of course, is all from research. 

As for speakers, Shindo are commonly paired with Devore Fidelity, Living Voice, and their own speakers. All are easier to drive than my current Magico V3.

I agree, Shindo does favor a certain type of music.