Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Creates an extraordinarily vivid sound
- Has the seeming ability to turn up the contrast knob on everything passed through it
- Offers great color and body
Product Considerations
- When playing very loud passages at extravagant volume levels, it clipped less elegantly
- Bass output was just a bit excessive
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Surpasses the Haut-Brion in terms of color saturation
- The Haut-Brion has a somewhat better sense of scale overall, is capable of greater delicacy when needed, and sounded a shade righter, timbrally, on trumpets and singing voices
- The Haut-Brion offered the more well-balanced bass, relative to the volume of sound in the rest of the audible range—the Haut's bass was also drier and a little more detailed
Takeaway: The Shindo Montille CV 391 is a hand-wired tube amp that delivers vivid and colorful sound, making music come alive. It's a great match for less sensitive speakers and offers a unique listening experience.
All
Montille CV391
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Input: RCA Pin Jack
- Input Sensitivity/Impedance: 1V/100kΩ
- Signal to Noise Ratio: -60dB
- Frequency Response: 20-30,000Hz
- Power Consumption: 130W
- Power Requirement: AC 117V or 230V, 50/60Hz
- Dimensions: W 250 × H 170 × D 340 mm
- Tube Complement: 4 × CV391
- Weight: 13.5kg (29.8lbs)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Shindo carefully selects and stockpiles New Old Stock (NOS) tubes and components, often disregarding modern, "superior" parts in favor of those with the best sonic characteristics for their designs.
Select products
Aurieges
- Positioning: The entry-level preamplifier in the Shindo lineup.
- Description: Offers a wide frequency response from 10 to 50,000 Hz, making it suitable for small to medium-sized rooms. Compared to the Monbrison, it has a simpler design with fewer inputs, which may appeal to those with a limited budget or simpler system needs.
Montille 391
- Positioning: The mid-range power amplifier in the Shindo lineup.
- Description: Delivers 20W of power in class A, providing a warm and dynamic sound. It offers more power than the Cortese 300B, making it a better choice for users with larger speakers.
Cortese 300B
- Positioning: The high-end power amplifier in the Shindo lineup.
- Description: Features an 8W output in class A, offering a refined and detailed sound. It is more compact than the W.E. 300B, making it suitable for users with space constraints.
W.E. 300B
- Positioning: The premium power amplifier in the Shindo lineup.
- Description: Provides a natural presence and dynamic sound with an 8W output in class A. It requires efficient speakers, similar to the Cortese 300B, but offers a more vintage aesthetic and build quality.
Vosne-Romanee
- Positioning: The flagship preamplifier in the Shindo lineup.
- Description: Boasts a groundbreaking low total harmonic distortion of 0.01% and a signal-to-noise ratio of 119 dB, providing exceptional clarity and detail for discerning listeners. It surpasses the Monbrison in technical sophistication.
Our take on the brand
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Used
Shindo
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Impressive bass response, dynamics, and power for a 12-Watt single-ended tube amplifier
- Dense, tactile, and sweet harmonic color with a clean and clear sound
- Robust build quality with point-to-point hand wiring and exceptional parts
- Easy biasing with a switch for KT88 to KT120/150 mode
- Proprietary transformers that contribute to a flatter response and deeper low bass
Product Considerations
- Careful speaker matching is required, ideally with speakers that have at least 94dB/W efficiency and a stable speaker load
- Must be turned off for at least 10 minutes, preferably 30, before turning it back on, or the rectifier tube could blow
- The correct tube type must be selected on the back of the amp, otherwise performance could be lackluster or tubes could be damaged
- The XLR input involves a slight reduction in detail due to using an input transformer to convert the incoming balanced signal to single-ended
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Bryce eliminates the shortcomings of ampsandsound Nautilus when used as a speaker amplifier, adding dynamics, bass, and an extended top end
- The Bryce monoblocks are more romantic in execution, with single-ended construction—compared to the push-pull output of ampsandsound Zion
Takeaway: The Bryce Monos are high-quality amplifiers with a surprisingly powerful and detailed sound, providing an engaging listening experience. They are great for audiophiles looking for a tube amp that delivers both emotional connection and technical performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The SE300B Mono Amplifier is... an all-tube power amplifier employing the famous classic 300B filamentary triode in single-ended operation mode for an output of up to 10 watts into a 4, 8 or 16 ohm loudspeaker load. The 300B power tube is excited by an extraordinary single-stage driver employing two CV2382/EL822 power pentodes operated in triode mode with high idle current and works into a C-core output transformer built in-house to the highest possible standards so as to ensure ultimate performance. The amplifier is built with meticulous hand construction using our proven point-to-point wiring techniques whereas much care has been taken in arranging each aspect of the internal construction to ensure low noise performance, ease of service and the highest reliability for many years to come.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Pure sound, free of coloration while retaining musical detail, allows a graceful and effortless listening experience
- Natural and tangible sound due to accurate reproduction of details, creates a believable presentation
- Solid and controlled bass performance, unusual for a 300B single-ended triode amplifier
- Excellent sense of touch and tactile sound, making instruments like plucked strings and bowed violins sound very convincing
- Wide and deep soundstage with good 'air', providing a transparent and 'hear-through' sound, especially with complex music
Product Considerations
- Careful matching with partnering equipment is required, especially speakers with high efficiency
- Relatively low overall gain requires a source with a high output voltage
- Output transformer links need to be correctly set for speaker impedance, requiring dealer assistance
- Some reviewers found the top end sounding a bit rolled off before use of appropriate high efficiency speakers and source gain settings
- Changing the EL803S driver valves requires carefully matched pairs supplied by Thöress
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Shindo Haut-Brion/Corton-Charlemagne, Thöress has more treble extension and transparency, Shindo has better upper-bass/lower-midrange substance and body—and more drive
Takeaway: The Thöress SE-300B offers a supremely musical and detailed listening experience with a focus on accuracy and sonic purity. When paired with the right speakers, this amplifier could be an excellent choice to bring out the best in music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
THÖRESS introduces the EHT Mono Amplifier... The most powerful amplifier model of our product line provides 30, 40 or 50 watts of output power into a 8, 6 or 4 ohm load respectively, combined with very low output resistance (high damping factor). Such providing excellent drive capability for loudspeakers with medium to low efficiency or critical impedance behavior. While offering an ultimate sonic presentation without involving exotic and costly power tubes. The amplifier is based on a unique minimalist single-ended zero-feedback hybrid circuit which we call EHT Topology. Basic analysis easily shows that the EHT topology represents the PUREST form of all possible single-ended triode power amplifier configurations.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The EHT combines tubes and transistors to mate the most desirable characteristics of both
- Amplifiers provide fullness and density, even at low listening volumes
- The EHT creates a natural sound with incredible saturation
- They are fully short-circuit proof at the outputs without any sound-degrading protection
- A switch-on delay is omitted because switching on/off develops no disturbing noise or dangerous signal in this circuit
Product Considerations
- Sound is focused on timbre rather than detail
- Their sound is soft rather than focused, rather warm than open, and rather close to us than presented in a perspective
- The devices are quite large, as they measure 434 x 184 x 434 mm (W x H x D) and weigh 14 kg each
Takeaway: The Thöress EHT monoblocks offer a holistic view of the musical material and its reinterpretation that can be very enjoyable for long listening sessions. They create events in their own acoustic environment, which is completely transferred to the listening room, creating a beautiful, organic, comprehensive, and internally properly arranged sound for those who value tonality above all else.
Video review
Our take on the brand
One of the finest parallel single ended 300B tube amplifier made by Fezz Audio. It provides openness and spatial sound. Powerful, sublime, very involving and uniqe to itself. Fezz Audio Lybra gives you the best sounding experience you can get from the 300B tubes.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers an incredibly rich, flavorful midrange and a sweet, relaxed treble
- Has a more sophisticated presentation than the utilitarian bent-metal chassis sported by most integrated tube amps on the market, and the smooth lines of the chassis help the amp stand out from the crowd
- Has a clever tube cage design with a clear Plexiglass front panel that delivers an unobstructed view of the tubes and is easy to install and remove
- Is seriously quiet, and there was effectively zero noise through any of the speakers
Product Considerations
- Can sound wildly different, depending on the impedance of the speakers
- The four slightly squishy feet underneath the amp may cause stains
- The power switch is on the rear of the chassis, which may be problematic if installing the amp in a cabinet with limited access
- Needs a good 20 minutes to warm up, and on initial startup, the amp sounded a bit thin, bright, and constipated, but after one album, it opened right up
- Limited power output (15Wpc) may not be sufficient for all speakers or listening preferences, especially when wanting to play music very loud
Takeaway: The Fezz Audio Lybra 300B is a well-designed tube amplifier that delivers a rich and flavorful sound. It can bring out the best in your speakers, offering clarity and great sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Classic single-ended triode amplifier that caresses vocals and conveys warmth in vocal recordings
- Delivers rock-solid image placement and transparency, particularly in the midband
- Acts like a higher-wattage amplifier than its 18W rating suggests
- Can drive speakers that aren't absurdly sensitive
Product Considerations
- Build quality is not as refined as the more expensive Japanese-made Audio Note products
- Bass can be waffly/uncontrolled
- Top-end frequency performance can vary
- May not impress those familiar with higher-end Audio Note amplifiers
Takeaway: The Audio Note Conquest is a single-ended triode amplifier that can provide a lush, sweet midband and is more powerful than its specifications suggest. It offers single-ended triode performance at a more accessible price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Neutral and transparent sound, more so than the reference amplifier
- Bass performance is remarkably tight, articulate, solid, and weighty, without typical 'tube character'
- Very good rhythmic capabilities
- Maintains control even with inefficient or difficult speakers
- Threads a fine middle path between a typical transistor sound and a typical tube sound—with an unmistakable midrange charm
Product Considerations
- Some might find it 'not characterful enough' because it is superbly even-handed
- With some speakers, the balance can be a little too lean and overly controlled
- Its low power rating ultimately imposes a limit on how loud one can play, which may not suit everyone
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Ayon Spirit III: The Lybra sounds almost as powerful and robust in the bass while being perhaps even tighter and articulate, and is more highly refined with subtler and airier treble
- Vs Trafomatic tube amps and MP's Jadis amplifiers: The Lybra offers something different, it's not as voluptuous, rich, and relaxed as the Trafomatic
Takeaway: The Fezz Lybra is a neutral and controlled amplifier that offers a balanced sound without sounding like a typical tube amp, providing articulate bass and a charming midrange. It could be worth buying if you like very good sound, especially if you have efficient speakers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Metal chassis provides better ergonomics and structural integrity compared to the previous wood chassis
- Robust power supply prevents compression, even with demanding speakers
- Has full bandwidth down into the low 20s without problem
- Warm lush midrange and the right 3d spatial cues up top
- Fast, accurate, proportionate sound that is warm but not dry or analytical
Product Considerations
- The reviewer mentioned they are going to work on adding name badges to the next versions
Takeaway: The amplifier is great sounding with a robust power supply. Its proportionate and warm sound makes it ideal for nearfield listening.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a holographic soundstage and exceptional mid-range clarity, creating a visceral and nuanced listening experience
- Offers great tonal accuracy and mid-range performance, especially with acoustic and vocal-heavy music
- The amplifier is powerful enough to drive speakers and the reviewer's headphones with ease
- Can be re-tubed with entirely NOS (New Old Stock) tubes for under $300, making it a bargain to maintain compared to other amplifiers
- Has multiple output impedances allowing matching to pretty much any headphone
Product Considerations
- Direct Heated Triodes are naturally more noisy than indirectly heated tubes
- Users with highly sensitive headphones (north of 100dB/mW efficient), like Utopia or Stellia, might experience some background noise
- Bass presentation focuses on detail and texture rather than thick, chest-thumping slam
- Caution should be used when lifting it, as it is much denser than it appears
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs ampsandsound Nautilus: The Rockwell is more delicate and nuanced, with more space and air, whereas the Nautilus produces greater slam and is more tonally dense
- Vs ampsandsound Kenzie Ovation: There are similarities in tone and vocal rendering, but the Rockwell is more powerful, creating dynamics that explode
- Vs ampsandsound Bigger Ben: The Rockwell provides more low-end detail, while the Bigger Ben reaches slightly lower with more slam
Takeaway: The Rockwell is a seductive and fun amplifier that is worth owning, especially for those who appreciate the classic American hifi sound. It offers a remarkable listening experience and the ability to use affordable NOS tubes.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Addictive sound signature, unlike any other amp, with otherworldly instrument and voice reproduction
- Delivers serious magic with Fleetwood Deville and Klipsch Heritage speakers, revealing obscure details and creating a massive soundstage
- Dynamics for days
- Combines the qualities of a nice SET amp without the downsides, like noise or tube replacement
- Exceptional build quality and design with high-quality parts
- Only has two RCA inputs, no XLR balanced connections
Product Considerations
- Heavy speaker cables can cause the amp to tilt
- The volume dial functions as a gain dial, which may be different than what some users are accustomed to
- May not be suitable for hard-to-drive speakers in the 85db range that dip into 2–4 ohms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AMP23R offers more texture, layering, mid-bass, and vocal presence than Nagra INT
- The AMP23R is more organic, ethereal, and dynamic than Kinki Studio EXM1
- It sounds better than the Vinnie Rossi L2iSE, so long as the speakers are easy to drive
- The Enleum has more delicacy and finesse than Pass Labs and Cary Audio
- The AMP23R stacks up with the finest gear such as ampsandsound Bryce monoblocks
- Pass Labs First Watt SIT-3 offers a bit more organic, warmer presentation
Takeaway: The Enleum AMP-23R is a small but mighty integrated amplifier with a unique and addictive sound signature, and it is built with high-quality components. It's a great choice for those with sensitive speakers looking for a reference-quality system in a compact package.
Video review
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