Tube Research Labs Dude vs. Shindo Labs preamps

Hi all, I really appreciate your responds. My philosophy has always been 'less is more'. Over the years I have tried many preamps and always ended up in disappointment. I still prefer direct from CD player to power amp with volume controls. Maybe most of the preamps I tried are about $1-2K price, so I might have missed the more expensive and better preamps out there.

For the last couple of years, I started to read how the owners of Shindo and TRL praise about their preamp in the Audiogon. It stir up my curiosity, especially when someone even said that Ken Shindo himself believes that the preamp is the heart and soul of the audio system! This completely goes against my belief system of better not having them! I also felt like they not only praise their preamp, they actually adore, admire and worship the unit! Quite frankly, this started to scare me a little (in a good way). The scariest part was this is coming from majority of them, not just a few! Well, if these preamps be able to connect them so emotionally to the music, then I want to be part of them.

Long story short, I think I owe it to myself and not give it a try and see how it will change my belief system. I am also looking at Herron Audio VTSP-3A, but at the end of the day, the hype from the TRL Dude and Shindo owners help me to narrow down my decision. I live in DFW, Texas area and we do not have a lot of good audio dealer in this area, not to mention these 2 brands. Yes, Grannyring, I will take up your offer.

My system consists of Sony XA-5400ES SACD player, 300B SE amp with volume controls, modified K & K Audio ST70 power amp, a 91db speaker system with Dynauio dome mid and tweeter with JBL 12" alnico woofer. The crossover is designed by Dennis Murphay, http://www.metrocast.net/~jaden/. A great guy with tons of crossover design knowledge, this pair of speakers is very dynamic and transparent with flat frequency respond from 45hz to 18K hz.

There were 2 Shindo preamp for sale for the last 5 days or so and they were gone in hours!!!! They are not cheap, one was $6K and the other one was almost $10K, USED. This is crazy...

Knghifi, so what did you end up buying?

Just received an email from Jeff or High Water Sound, the current lead time for a Tron linstage/preamp is 8-10 weeks.

Latinsambal, which one did you order?

Aman Goldeneraguy!

I sent my regard to the owner of Amtrans in Tokyo immediately after the earthquake/tsunami, whom I purchased parts from for most of my projects. I finally got a reply from him 3 days later. (Normally he replied me immediately or within 6-8 hours, the latest.) I took the liberty to share the email with all of you:

On Mar 14, 2011, at 02:16 AM, togashi wrote:

> Dear Mr.TThean
>
> Thank you very much for your kind email.
> We Japanese thank for a rescue party from USA.
>
> My family and I are OK.
>
> It was hugest earthquake I've ever had
> And I have learned Tsunami is more horrible than earthquake.
> Even now, earthquake is continuing...
>
> Though nuclear power plants in Japan are out of order, it doesn't make big trouble, I believe.
> Now, I wish a peace of the world.
>
> Best Regards,
> Togashi

(At that time, the nuclear plants were still under control.)

I feel that the Japanese are a very grateful people. He is just a normal citizen and not any ranking government official, but the first thing that came out of his mind was to represent his country to thanks us for the help. This make me so proud of our country, and especially to the military. We should be thankful everyday for our lives and families that we have in this country. Yes, we should also remember the people in Japan in our pray as they are recovering from this tragedy. God bless America...