Grandinote Shinai integrated amplifier Specifications

Sidebar 1: Specifications

Description: Fully balanced, zero-feedback, direct-coupled, solid-state, dual-mono stereo integrated amplifier with class-A output stage. Inputs: 2 single-ended (RCA), 2 balanced (XLR; these may be converted to unbalanced inputs). Outputs: 1 pair loudspeaker outputs. Output power: 37Wpc into 8 ohms (15.7dBW) and 4 ohms (12.7dBW). Frequency range: 2Hz–240kHz. Damping factor >150.
Dimensions: 12.5" (318mm) W × 7.7" (196mm) H × 18.6" (473mm) D. Weight: 88lb (40kg).
Serial number of unit reviewed: 0088. Manufactured in Italy.
Price: $15,000. Approximate number of US dealers: 6.
Manufacturer: Grandinote S.R.L.S., Via Mangiarotti, 20, Bressana Bottarone, 27042, Italy. Tel.: +39 (348) 6701291. Web: grandinote.it. North American distributor: Goerner Audio, 91 18th Ave., Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, J7R 4A6, Canada. Tel: (514) 833-1977. Web: goerneraudio.com.

COMPANY INFO
Grandinote S.R.L.S.
North American distributor: Goerner Audio
91 18th Ave.
Deux-Montagnes, Quebec, J7R 4A6, Canada
(514) 833-1977
ARTICLE CONTENTS

COMMENTS
JHL's picture

A measured, positive review of what looks to be a superb product artistically engineered with deliberation and care that sounds tremendous. And if you look closely, the reasons for this sound are in there too.

And yet it doesn't impress the bench.

Is the ear's fault or the bench's fault?

Ortofan's picture

... the sound quality of an amplifier with a "bent transfer function" that exhibits relatively higher levels of distortion dominated by "subjectively innocuous second and third harmonics".

So much for a "straight wire with gain" being the paradigm for the ideal amplifier.

JHL's picture

...cant and dogma is consistently exposed as an obsession with assuming cause and effect, co-opting whatever "science" may exist thereby, and browbeating the nearest pair of ears with what they're hearing and especially, what motivates the stuff between them. This we call the scientific method and/or real musical fidelity. Or if we're not, we make assumptions, cast aspersions, frame narratives, and draw conclusions.

Speaking of feedback, it's a lot like fallacy: It always sounds worse when you nest it in complexity.

Archimago's picture

That JS likes the sound in his room, with his speakers (don't know about the WLM Diva, but the LS50 and Totem are small speakers), using his playback gear, that's great. If he likes them and feels they're worth $15,000 for 37Wpc into 8-ohms (manufacturer specs), I hope he keeps them...

Subjective reviews are simply opinions based on the reviewer's system, ears, and mental preferences anyway. IMO, too many variables in there for it to necessarily tell me if anyone else might really like them or would put up 15-grand to own these. Of course, nothing wrong with gathering these opinions and listening for oneself.

On the objective side, no they won't win any awards for resolution and definitely no awards for power with low distortion. Nor are they great with demanding loads. These are just the facts and would be useful if you're thinking about buying these considering your room size and type of speakers. That's useful information, right?

Given the fact that distortions can be high with speakers and human perception has its limits as well, the objective results suggest that these should sound good at normal power output; as with most decent gear these days whether tube/solid state, with or without feedback...

Doesn't seem like there's anything here all that controversial.

Ortofan's picture

... speaker testing, you state that "many audiophiles dismiss controlled blind testing when in fact this is in all likelihood the most powerful tool available for honest research - just as it is for every scientific discipline involving human subjects!"

If that is indeed your viewpoint, what value do you place on the results of subjective evaluations (of any type of sound reproduction equipment) which are not the result of controlled blind tests?

If you've not read them already, you may wish to review back issues of the Audio Critic magazine. Before employing controlled blind testing, they were wont to recommend the latest "amplifier of the month".
After instituting a controlled blind testing protocol, they determined that the $500 price of a Yamaha integrated amplifier under evaluation "will purchase as much electronics as most of us will ever need." (A comparable model from the current line-up would cost no more than $900.)
The review concluded with the comment "as to those of you who want to know 'how it sounds' - well, we must not be getting our point across."

Anton's picture

Job well done. I liked how perfectly you placed that piece into your life for the time it was on hand. Thank you.

Something in review reminded me of something I have been 'believing' of late:

I think we are going through a sort of "punk" era in Hi Fi.

I am of a certain age and recall the 'excesses' of rock as the prog infestation occurred.

Back then, there came a point where it took the London Philharmonic to make rock records. (Moody Blues, etc.)

Tours made Spinal Tap shows seem humbly intended.

Rock music became a sort of quagmire (to me.)

Then, punk came and shook the barnacles off again.

I think I see some punk ethos hiding in Hi Fi these days: integrated amps that require less of us...fewer wires, shelves, tiny little feets, etc. Speakers with more manageable impedance and are less 'fussy' to drive. Speakers like the DeVore Orangutans, the Zu line, the re-emergence of the credibility of Klipsch, and others I am forgetting.

I am lately liking the idea of 'less stuff' to deal with.

This integrated fits this newer paradigm, I like it.

Imagine a room with a nice streamer, an integrated amp, speakers, and done!

Uh, oh, maybe I am starting to think 'exit level!'

Gotta keep my vinyl, though!

JRT's picture

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Audiophon's picture

I am happy that Robert Schryer liked the Grandinote in his system. Over the last 16 years I had some really great sounding amps in my system: Classé CAM 350, Parasound JC1, Pass XA 100.5 and now the Grandinote Demone with the matching preamp Domino. When I heard the Grandinote amps for the first time in my system in direct comparison to my beloved Pass amps, it be became soon clear that concerning three dimensionality, naturalness and bass they outperformed the Pass be far.

They might not fit into every system due to their limited power, but they sound much more powerful than their power rating might suggest.

Just listen for yourself!

tonykaz's picture

Nice reading your work and thoughts, you seem to possess a refreshing everyman's perspective about our hobby's philosophies.

Might I request a series about today's phono cartridges.

Nice work, thanks.

Tony in earthly Paradise. ( an Incubator for Old people, wish you were here )

rschryer's picture

Are you asking me to write a series you won't read?

:-)

tonykaz's picture

I read EVERYthing you write!

besides,

I'm a transducer guy.

I own and invest in phono transducers.

I span from the ending years of 78 thru to todays formats, I'm eclectic and even esoteric.

Phono cartridges are the largest contributors to the Singing voice of a Vinyl system and it's most fragile component.

So I ask you, for instance, who is actively reviewing the Grado Series so that interested persons could understand the wide range of cartridges they offer?

If 33.3 vinyl is so important, the ongoing Phono Cartridge reporting is very much missing from the most important Audiophile Journal in the entire world.

Of course, I've advanced into the 21st. Century gear and enjoy the freedom of not having to curate a vast collection of that vintage stuff.

and...

I don't consider the $15,000 Phono Cartridges ( that the Planet guy reports on ) as valid or appropriate for our mainstream 33.3 vinyl lovers.

You could have a tonearm with the SME Bayonette headshell mounting system, a handfull or more of headshells filled with samples from every cartridge manufacturer. You would create the most read Monthly ( or weekly ) Stereophile feature. You would become another Tyll like giant in this tiny industry.

Wether I would read your reporting, or not, your work would gradually be positioned towards the front of the published monthly, everyone would read your stuff anddddddd buy more phono cartridges.

Tony in Venice

Glotz's picture

It would be great if more lower-priced carts get attention in the main review section of the magazine. Richard would be awesome for that! Please include comparisons in that price point, as well as some cost-no-object designs for reference.

I do think MF's reporting is spot-on all of the time, but one man can only do so much every month. HR does review great carts, but again, both of these men have a lot on their screens.

$15k cartridges are the Ford GT's of the audio world, and always have a place for anyone that digs the state of the art. The same goes with $15k integrateds!

@Richard - A truthful and funny response to Tony. Perhaps he is not done with turntables yet? It all depends how well you write! (Lol- and kudos to your writing.) A series may not be necessary, but coming back to new carts a twice a year would be very welcome.

rschryer's picture

...Robert, right? :-)

Thanks for the kind words, Glotz.

Glotz's picture

I am so sorry Robert!

rschryer's picture

That would be nice.

Btw, Tony, I agree with you. In our current political climate, supporting China's economy (and military) feels yucky.

At the same time, are we willing to pay substantially more for audiophile gear made entirely in N.A?

I'd like to think so, but...

MikeP's picture

Would love to see a shootout between this amp and the all new Pure Audio One.2 Best Kept Secret !

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