Substitute for Shindo in the UK


Hello there,

i have been fascinated by Shindo for a while but alas they have no UK distributor. Indeed the internet seems to indicate that Shindo amps might actually be illegal to import to the EU! 

I was was wondering if anyone with some experience could suggest anything that is anything like Shindo that I might be able to get access to in the UK?

Cheers. 
corvaldt
richardausten
“Ken Shindo died and from what I hear - it’s not really the same anymore.“

Having heard many Shindo components, I agree, in that I think it for the most part, Shindo is even better now.

I also agree on the rest of your comment in that there is no replacement for hearing it yourself.

Best Regards,

Jim Perry
I don’t know if the OP is still looking, and some- maybe many will scoff at this idea, but in the UK, why not look to your very own Glenn Croft hand-made tubed and hybrid equipment made right in the UK?

I like to call Croft Acoustics Shindo on the cheap. Sure, it doesn’t have the mystical cache’ of Shindo, but Glenn’s equipment is very good, especially his preamplifier sand phono stages.

One of his Micro 25R or RS, along with built in phono stage, or even better, a line stage version with outboard Croft phono stage and call it done. Glenn will also modify/improve things further if you want, but most of these will come in less expensive than Shindo, and still hang with it. You just won’t get that nice green casing or glass front etc. just great value. FWIW
Some great responses here and thanks - much to think on! Some of the brands are more available than others, and having approached a couple of importers they have been, well, a little snooty. Hey ho! That’s as good a test as any for customer service!

It seems that most of these are available to buy in the UK though  (I had totally forgotten about Croft, to my shame), so that will keep me busy until I push the button on a decision - thanks team!
EAR-Yoshino electronics are designed by a Brit---Tim de Paravicini. The company is located in the UK, and their products are made there. No need to import, EAR gear is great stuff! Stereophile's Art Dudley, who owns Shindo pre and power amps, reviewed the EAR 912 pre and loved it.
We just got a new dealer in the UK and our gear carries the CE mark.

Shindo should be exempt from many of the directives (as long as no digital or computer circuits are involved), and its possible to self-certify. This should be solvable!