Kondo Neiro

I went to have my cartridge and turntable inspected today and drop off a noisy Audio Note Conqueror amp. While I was waiting for the table to be done I had the opportunity to listen to a new Kondo Neiro integrated amplifier; source was the Levinson reference CD transport and the DAC an Audio Note DAC 5 Special Edition. Speakers are Audio Note ANE (top of the line, all silver) and all interconnects are Kondo.

Without spending too much time I can only say I was blown away when listening to a John Renbourn/Stefan Grossman CD and then some Beethooven string quintets. The sound was very, very dynamic, crystal clear, and made me stop reading and start listening. The Neiro carries a 40k retail price tag so that took some of the lustre off of the experience.

But, when I got home and cranked on my system it sounded kind of lifeless in comparison. Kinda like test driving that Ferrari and going back home to the Fiat.

I think I will start saving my pennies waiting for a genuine Kondo amplifier to come up on the used market like a Shinri or an Ongaku. Kondo San is not getting any younger and I would venture that his products that he built personally might become collectable upon his demise. At least, they will hold their value better than most of this stuff.

Everybody should listen to a system like this at least once.