Sparkling Delights

...John DeVore whizzes by at light speed to 'talk shop' with guests...

What naturally happens when you combine stacks of music on vinyl, great gear, 10 pizza’s, 2 trays of sushi, drinks and of course 50~ friends throughout 2 nights night for music and camaraderie?  A very successful Greenhaus event, of course!  According to many, such as my customer Jeff G. from Los Gatos, California, my studio is a “..fascinating Alladin’s Cave of sparkling delights.”  Thanks Jeff, I like that!

The first night we warmed up with the awesome DeVore Orangutan O/96′s and as the night progressed we wired up the new Gibbon X (..photos soon, promise!..) loudspeaker, a first store debut, fresh from CES, to much applause.  The most erie part of the evening was when my good customer Steve P., from Sacramento, requested to hear his copy of Louis Armstrong’s St. James Infirmary Blues.  It was staggering through the LignoLab 301/EMT 997/Shindo SPU, Shindo Vosne-Romanee and Corton Charlemagne EL34 Mono amps, driving the ‘X’s.  So much so, the relatively loud conversation and murmur in the room ceased immediately upon the first measure of the music.  Goosebumps.  Btw, It was so packed this night it was tough to take photos!  John DeVore is definitely on top of his game.

I’d like to thank my friends John DeVore and Jonathan Halpern for taking the time to visit after a long CES show, and eagerly chatting it up with a few of you.  Of course, many thanks to all my customers and friends, both near and far (my good customer Bill D. visited from Texas, for example), who stopped by to hang out and listen to tunes and share a common bond.

...enjoying the vibe of the LM Audio 755EX...

The next night we started out with the new LM Audio 755EX Field Coil Loudspeakers in their new floostanding cabinet (additional photos soon).  They have a purity of tone and a delicacy that single driver (crossover less) designs excel at.  Add to this the field coil design and it’s a magical listening experience.

Electronics this night consisted of the awe-inspiring Shindo 301 Player System, Shindo Giscours preamplifier and Lafon GM70 Amplifiers.  Everything was held nice and tidy, as well as maximized sonically, by the stout LignoLab Pneumatic Equipment Support.  This night culminated with enjoying the Shindo Latours - any record we played, such as the awesome album J.R Monterose & Joe Abodeely Trio In Action, produced the same effect as actually being in the room with the musicians (btw, if you listen to a lot of electronica/ambient music, you will feel as though you are in the computer, I guess )

I actually witnessed a bunch of folks become startled a few times (actually looking up at the space in which the music was emanating from) expecting to see live musicians in the room as some tunes were played.  Fun stuff!

...audio banter between tracks before the music comes alive on Latours...

I naturally had a good time playing host and spun a wide range of music over the two evenings.  Everything from Belafonte Sings the Blues, Kenny Burrell Midnight Blue, Coltrane Ballads, Sinatra at the Sands to Starker Cello Suites, Curtis Mayfield Live.. to.. let’s see what else.. Coltrane Live at Birdland.. Don Cherry.. Tom Waits.. Townes Van Zandt.. The Doors..  Alla Rakha.. a touch of Floyd..Neil Young Live Massey Hall sounded phenomenal.  Sorry we didn’t get a chance to enjoy all the music brought by a few of you, but our cue stack was overflowing. Additionally, there was much music I wanted to dig deep and play – next time!

Wilson, one of my first guests, digs in.

...Jonathan Halpern (Tone Imports) partaking in festivities...

Suffice to say, it was a jam packed two evening affair.  I will define my Greenhaus event as a time to unwind for a while and get together for a little music and company, while admiring the capabilities of the best audio equipment in a comfortable setting.  It’s not a time to necessarily audition, nor analyze (like imaging, or sound staging or other hifi spectacular) at these get togethers.

Although, yes, the gear is fun and a large part of it and showcasing certain products is to be expected.  But, when you start obsessing there is a tendency to stop listening to the music.  In fact with 25+ people in the room each night, it is literally impossible to demonstrate, per se,  audio equipment (many bodies absorb sound and change tonal characteristics to a large degree).  I’ve learned a few things to make the next get together even better..

Stay tuned for the next dates.

...when the musics over, turn out the lights...

Layered Personality

Introducing the latest turntable in the  Well Tempered Labs lineup!

Coined the Versalex, it’s a looker with the handsome walnut veneered baltic ply plinth and new LTD tone arm. Due to it’s nature, wood has natural resonances and is desirable for turntable plinths. I’m continually impressed with the sonics of the current Well Tempered Amadeus, so I anticipate the Versalex to be something special.

Expected to be shipping February~ of this year.  Inquire for pricing.

MMXII

Wishing all my customers and readers – around the block and around the globe –  a peaceful New Year 2012, filled with great music!

May everyone who is grasping for their personal success fully realize it.

For those who are hopeful, continue to hold onto your dreams and health.

For those are who have realized their aspirations, take time to help others achieve theirs.

Shindo Aurieges-L showing off it's sweet new chassis design for 2012

G r e e n h a u s !

Announcing the first official pitch perfect audio Greenhaus™ event!

An homage to the Monkeyhaus™ events, first coined by DeVore Fidelity, I just had to do something a bit unique with a multi-facted interpretational vibe for the West Coast!

As a special treat Jonathan Halpern [Tone Imports] and John DeVore [DeVore Fidelity] and Anthony Abbate [Box Furniture] will be visiting my shop specifically for this event. After doing time at CES 2012 they will visit San Francisco for two days to recuperate.   Dates are as follows…

Sunday, January 15th, 2012, 5-9pm~

DeVore loudspeakers specifically will be installed for musical enjoyment through a variety of electronics on this night.  We’ll have the 3XL, Orangutan O/96 and quite possibly the first pair of NEW DeVore Gibbon X’s, fresh from CES!  Electronics will be a mix of Well Tempered, LignoLab & Shindo Turntables, EMT phono cartridges, AcousticPlan digital, LM Audio integrated amps, Leben and Shindo tube electronics.

Monday, January 16th, 2012, 6-9pm~

A flexible night in regards to speakers – A mixture of loudspeakers, such as LM Audio 755 (with LM cabinets) will be used most of the evening with aforementioned electronics. We may even pull out all the stops and play the big Latours.

Feel free to bring some of your favorite vinyl or silver discs!

Hang out with other like-minded folks for a bit and unwind after a long weekend.  What better days to kick off a new work week (and new year)?  Music, food, drink, good company and relaxed vibe will be had by all.  Perhaps a smidge of debauchery as well.

Space is limited.  Please RSVP via email which day(s) you are able to attend.  Feel free to come both nights…

[booked] RSVP for Sunday, January 15th, 2012, 5-9pm~

[booked] RSVP for Monday, January 16th, 2012, 6-9pm~

[Please watch this post for openings/event details/time adjustments]

Sonic Womb

Mike Quinn from Sounds Good! recently spent time in the hot seat at pitch perfect audio, enjoying an afternoon of tunes.  A colorful, enjoyable read, check out Mike’s prose about his experience at the shop.  Be sure to bookmark Mike’s new site as well, while you are at it.

Besides having great taste in music, Mike has excellent taste in food and all things gastronomic.  In between interviewing top musicians, traveling and smoking meat (who else brings an assortment of delicate smoked italian meats to a hotel room in Vegas – during CES – no less!), Mike kicks his feet back and and relaxes to the inspiring sounds of his Shindo Monbrison and Corton-Charlemagne driving a pair of DeVore Nines.  Nice!

Mike, it was a pleasure to meet Cynthia and your son Michael, as well.  Thanks for taking time to visit and lucidly expressing your all too kind words.

Unassuming

What if I told you this compact power supply will improve your vinyl playback.  Skeptical? For only $400 you can’t afford to be skeptical.

High quality components eliminate line noise resulting in improved overall sonics for your vinyl playback.  An even higher degree of pitch accuracy, dynamics and effortless will be apparent while enjoying music.

The new DPS (dedicated power supply) for the Well Tempered series of tables is in stock and shipping now.

Besides the dedicated outlet for the Amadeus & Simplex tables, the DPS has two additional 12v outputs to power other audiophile components.

abcdefghijk LM n oh yeah!

Pitch Perfect Audio is proud to introduce the LM Audio Integrated amps!

What costs the same as an iPhone?…is cooler... and sounds better.

The LM Audio Mini 218 IA is a 3 watt single ended stereo integrated amplifier, utilizing one 12ax7 and EL84 tube per channel.  So cute, you should really buy one for that reason alone.  Heck, buy two.  Did I mention it doubles as a headphone amp?  Yep.  Oh, the best part, beside the beautiful hammertone paint finish?  It’s only 800 bucks.  The huge high bandwidth output transformers are enough to make most other tube amps blush. Additional details: 1 input, 4 & 8 Ω speaker outputs and tube cage included.

Wiring this up to a pair of LM Audio 755′s and DeVore O/96 and it was embarrassingly good on both speakers.  I instinctively knew these products would augment my product listing nicely.  These new integrated amps from LM Audio are ridiculously good, both in sonics and quality of construction and utilize point to point wiring throughout (models above the mini 218IA). Sonically it’s not Shindo  Labs, but they are entirely unique, a joy to use and sonically outrageous for the price.  The build quality is second to none.

LM-211IA - Built in bias meter wired into the EL34, KT88, 845 and 300B Integrated. Neat!

The LM Audio integrated amp lineup is composed of:

218 IA EL84 (3w)Single Ended,  211 IA EL34 Triode(15w)/Ultralinear(32w) switchable,  216 IA KT88 Triode(22w)/Ultralinear(38w) switchable,  218 IA 845 (22w)Single Ended,  210 IA 300B (8w)Single Ended and the monstrous 219 IA 845 (24w)Single Ended Integrated. Inquire for pricing and collect them all.

LM-218IA ...bright lights, big city...

Fire and Lace

The new DeVore Orangutan O/96 are cookin’ at the store and sounding great.  Book a time to swing by for a listen!

Besides beautiful aesthetics (Lace Walnut front baffle & Anthracite stained maple top/sides) the speakers will astound you with their ability to delve deep into the music.

Continental Divide

A green sign.. Music... good Karma!

Howdy all.  Just arrived home from an epic road trip from California to Arizona, New Mexico and on through to Houston, Texas.  My primary goal was to personally install a full Shindo Labs setup.  Admittedly  the 1,400~ mile trip was a long one, but it was a good excuse to see more of the country, road trip style.

Call it wanderlust, I suppose.  I relate to that subtle restlessness and ache for distance beyond the evening dusk and orange illuminated mountain peaks.

The earthy murmur of distant sounds and texture of new surrounds resonates well with me.

Journey is as important as destination

Wind in my face, sun at my back..

On to the system…

First off, un-crating and hauling it all to the listening room is half the battle!

This incredible music making system is, first off, supported by the LignoLab Equipment Support, the foundation of this setup.   Electronically it is composed of:  Shindo 301 Player System, Auditorium 23 Hommage Step Up Transformer, Acoustic Plan Vadi CD Player, Shindo Pétrus Preamplifier, Shindo WE300B Single Ltd. Amplifiers, full Shindo Interconnect and Speaker Wire,  Shindo 604 Field Coil (in Latour sized cabinets) Loudspeakers.  Dual Mr. T’s round out the set up.

This location was chosen partly due to constraints within the room, but most importantly, on the customers preference for a certain type of musical reproduction with speakers closer to the wall. I dig it. The Shindo 604's excel in rooms such as this.

Sonically, it worked out just great. A large L shaped couch resides at the right, rear corner.  On the left side of this system, resides additional cabinets and seating.  The setup sounded incredible when all was said and done – effortless, bold, visceral- and with an overall realism, presence and subtly that other systems only hint at.

The delicate dance

The mighty Pétrus

Shindo Labs WE300B Single Ltd... A Masterpiece

...Shindo Field Coil 604, perfect sound, forever...

New Kids in Town

Pitch Perfect Audio is excited to introduce the new Lafite Loudspeaker, from Shindo Labs.

Design brief: An efficient (96db/8Ω) full range Shindo 8″ field coil driver integrated within a unique cabinet .  The Shindo field coil power supply completes the tidy package.  Dimensions: 365mm(14.5″) W  x 1000mm(39.5″) H x 450mm(17.75″) D

Lafite in Teak Wood

Lafite is perfect for those seeking Shindo loudspeakers for smaller rooms or where the  Shindo Petite Latour (12″ woofer w/high frequency horn) would be prohibitive in size or cost.

Contact me for further information, such as price and availability.

Photo courtesy Shindo Labs.  Higher quality images to follow once I receive my demonstration pair.

High Density

Beautiful Sapele, model HD3S

The ever popular, elegant, Box Furniture will now be available with an optional center support for equipment that demands it.

This option will be applicable for the 3 shelf and 4 shelf double wide units.

Production will commence in a month, with pricing available at that time.

Photo courtesy Box Furniture.

Giscours… Inner Peace

Like the Shindo WE300B Single Ltd. amplifiers and Monbrison preamplifier, the Giscours preamp has been in continuous production, evolutionary refinements aside, for years.

Each preamp and amp is the best Shindo-San can tailor around a particular set of tubes within a circuit uniquely his.  He maintains and supports his beliefs in that circuit and design for years.  ’Mk2.1 SE, Silver (Signature Gold)’ editions are not released 6 months after introduction, just to maintain market presence like most other manufacturers (sorry, I digress…)

Shindo has been identifying his second to the top of line preamp, Giscours, since 1986.

Coincidently, this was the International Year of Peace as designated by the United Nations.  Of course, I believe the introduction of the Giscours had something to do with this.  Hehe!

I am officially designating the Giscours as a bona-fide classic product, like the WE300B Single Ltd.

Describing how music sounds through the Giscours preamp transcends audiophile hyperbole, which is all too easily tossed around.

The Giscours is the model above the incredible Vosne-Romanée, itself an incredible preamp and etching it’s own place in historical products, for those in the know.

Massive output transformers, select components and specialized circuitry  - create the highly realized sound we have come to know from Shindo Labs.  Refined vinyl playback circuitry is maximized with the built in step up transformer (the best way to increase gain and sonics of moving coil cartridges.)

Giscours will be the centerpiece of your system for decades.

It Takes Two to Tango

Dig it: Tasty vintage output transformers, dual volume controls, tube regulated power supply, best quality new old stock parts paired to custom modern component and, of course, Shindo’s all important circuit design – all wrapped up nice and tidy within a vintage Shindo chassis.

The limited edition Allegro preamp is available for those who are seeking a Shindo preamp with a, um, dual personality.

Due to the limited nature of this production, only 8 new Allegros are being hand wired and built.  Like all shindo preamps, a moving magnet phono input and built in custom moving coil step up transformers for low output MC cartridges complete the package.

In the lineage of Shindo preamplifier models,  the Allegro sits above the incredible Monbrison, but looks up to the Masseto.

It’s design, though, guarantees a unique product in the preamp line.

But, not for long….

Please inquire for pricing and availability.

Phone Home

Got ‘phones?  The compact CS-300XS is a giant of a headphone amp.  Besides providing 15wpc of robust power for efficient loudspeakers, the CS-300 series, like it’s bigger brother, the CS-600, does double duty as a beautiful sounding headphone amp.  Leben is currently my entry point for a really great tube based hifi system based around an integrated design.  For those seeking the feature set of the CS-300 series there is nothing out there quite like it, for it’s price.  The Leben amps work particularly well with the DeVore series, such as the DeVore 3XL, Super 8′s and Nines.  

A +3 & +5db bass boost, tape loop, speaker switch (for headphone listening), variable impedance (4/6/8Ω) speaker output and 5 line level inputs,  provide optimal flexibility for those that require it.  High bandwidth output transformers and quality circuit components provide the finishing touches in this little jewel of an amp.

Emotional sound

My customer John S, from California, emailed me recently about his newly acquired CS-300XS:

” Matt:  I just wanted to let you know that the Leben arrived last week, and I have been enjoying it very much this weekend.  My LCD-2s [headphones] have never sounded this good, and I have been re-discovering my favorite albums. Every headphone sounds wonderful with the Leben (HD800s and Beyer T1s also sound great), but I am particularly enjoying the LCD2s.  Absolutely wonderful-thank you! Best, John “

Thanks for the feedback, John!

Symphony No. 8

As I’ve mentioned before, USPS/EMS has a special place in my heart.

 In this delivery I was greeted with a sweet limited edition Shindo Allegro Limited preamp.  Only 1 of 8 made for the US market and only a handful left.  Further details to follow on these beauties, very shortly.

Ask and You Shall Receive

Capacitors, that is.  I adore old advertising.  Even the boxes, back in the day, were cool!  My collection of delicious oil caps waiting to be enjoyed in a crossover..or two..

Ignition

Just a gentle (at the moment) reminder that all content on this website, including every photo & image, is Copyright © Matthew Rotunda/pitch perfect audio and may not be used anywhere, without prior permission.

Felis catus

DeVore Fidelity Orangutans are enroute to pitch perfect audio!

Here, John DeVore’s assistant, Lulu Bear, takes a much needed break from personally overseeing that John wires the crossover in correct phase.

Photo courtesty John DeVore

Reflections Redux

Shindo's Canvas

I wanted to take a moment to revisit my original post, about the Monbrison preamp, considering a few recent hifi systems have been built around this fabulous preamp lately.

My good customer Alberto, from Mountain View, California had reflected on his time with his Shindo Monbrison and Cortese.

Similar to my customer Tom S.,  Alberto is on the path.

Alberto writes, ” Thanks again for helping me put together such a killer system.  You have no idea how much I am enjoying it everyday – actually you are probably one of the few people who does.  More importantly, thank you for your help in assembling a system that has surpassed all my expectations for how good my music and my room could sound.  I am 100% happy with it.  The sound is deliciously addictive…. and I’d rather listen than write about listening.

I assume you communicate with Mr. Shindo on occasion.  If that’s the case please tell him that I am immensely grateful to him for creating such wonderful music-making gear, and that I think of him every time I turn my system on!  Alberto “

Additionally, Serge B. has this to say about his newly acquired Monbrison and Cortese combo.  Did I mention this was a popular combination?

“ Hi Matt, The Shindo gear has arrived and it seems to have survived the trip intact. I set it up and gave it a listen after the tubes warmed up.  What can I say, I now know what the fuss is all about with Shindo gear.  Harmonic richness, tonal saturation, full bodied and meat on the bones presentation is what I love and Shindo excels in these areas.  Imaging and soundstage is superb. 

The Cortese/Monbrison combo floats images in such a palpable and three dimensional way that walls in the room disappear and are replaced by the recording space.  Real, analog, wet, full, round, textured bass!  Nice!  But more importantly, the Shindo combo draws you into the music so much deeper…  I’ve been into this hobby for over 20 years and have had the pleasure of owning quite a few very respected and often quite expensive brands.  Nothing has come this close to completely capturing my attention and allowed me to take in the essence of music buried deep in the groves of a vinyl record with such ease.  Heck, even my tubed CD sounds so much better through Shindo.  Thank you for the flawless transaction and connecting me with real music making little green boxes.  Back to listening.  I can see already I will be spending much more time in my audio room from now on.  Serge “

Wow, a lot of feedback lately from my customers.  Thanks guys!

Feed Your Soul

iPod loaded with tunes?  Yep.  Sunroof engaged?  Check.  Thermos of Coffee?  Hot and ready.

I drove down the incredible California coast this week, passing through Monterey, California, where my good customer Khanh lives.  The ever changing landscape illuminated by the setting sun was calming and inspiring – forcing me to stop multiple times to feel the tepid misty breeze on my skin and breath deep the salty air.

Khanh is now the proud owner of a pair of Shindo Corton-Charlemagne KT88 amplifiers which will join his  Shindo Masseto and Hommage step up transformer.

East of Eden, indeed

I enjoyed rolling a road trip into a personal amp delivery, guaranteeing his new beauties arrived without a hitch.

Barbed Beauty

We carefully selected the CC80 amplifiers to be an excellent match for his current Wilson Benesch speakers.  These speakers require the power and precision that the Shindo Corton-Charlemagne series of amplifiers deliver in spades.

The Corton-Charlemagne series is composed of the 25 wpc EL34, 70wpc  KT88 and 70wpc Parallel Push Pull EL34 versions.  Which one is right for you, depends entirely on your speakers requirements.

A photo from my archives, a sweet pair of CC80's ready for action.

Khanh writes, ” Matt, It sounds awesome. I’ve never had a system at home that sounds as involving as this. It is such a joy to listen to music. Such a joy. “

Another one.. a few days later! –

” Matt, I’m a little sleep deprived this week from listening so much. It’s quite astonishing actually. It’s not about listening to mere sounds anymore, rather it  f e e d s  m y  s o u l.

I can’t see why anyone would want anything other than a Shindo. 

Thanks so much. Khanh “

Thank you for the feedback, Khanh.

I appreciate emails like this, because it helps reinforce why I do what I do – and why I love it so.