Claret
All Names:
Model 343
Claret
Categories:
Pre Amplifier
Stereo
Production Years:
1988 (est) - 2001
An entry level pre-amplifier kit featuring two moving magnet inputs and an active negative-feedback loop. The kit included circuit boards, parts and wiring diagrams. The units could also be ordered from Shindo pre-built for an additional fee.
The full name of the unit, 'Claret Model 343,' indicates there was an earlier version of the pre amplifier probably named RA343 or MA343 but no documentation of it exists.
The Claret Model 343 was available from late 1980s to the early 2000s. As Shindo was forming relationships with importers during this period the Claret became available in different countries at different times. Kits imported into Germany were built locally prior to being sold to the public.
Understanding the actual design of the Claret is complicated by several factors. Over its long life Shindo incorporated design variations to the kits, notably changing its tube complement during the run. The Claret began importation into different countries at various times, so the 'first version' as discussed in Germany may not be the 'first version' created in Japan. Given that this was a popular and relatively low cost kit, multiple versions and variations were created by the purchasers. Discussions on the internet get extremely complicated as people present different variations as the 'original.'
In 1999 internal images and a reverse-engineered wiring diagram were published on the internet resulting in 'clone' versions becoming a popular build in the DIY community. These clones often were criticized as being made from 'incorrect' diagrams and for not containing the authentic, selected-by-ear parts of the Shindo kit. Publication of the Claret diagrams and images often is cited as the reason Shindo Laboratories discontinued the product and instituted a confidentiality policy among it importers, dealers, and reviewers. The policy is reported to bar the publication of any wiring diagrams or images of the internals of Shindo products.
Shindo Claret pre amplifier 5 tube, circa 1988
Shindo Claret pre amplifier 5 tube, circa 1988
Name:
Claret Model 343
Categories:
Pre Amplifier
Stereo
Years Produced:
1988 (est) - 1992 (est)
MSRP:
¥154,000 (Japan 1990)
The first documented version of the 'Claret Model 343' used 5 tubes.
Note the large volume knob pictured versus the 'standard' Shindo knob configuration of two equally sized knobs. (But, the Elegante, released at approximately the same time.) This configuration presumably lasted only a few batches early in the product life. We know that the 5 tube version was shipping into Germany as a kit with the later chassis look and that would have been in 1991 at earliest. So the large knob is certainly a 5 tube version but not all 5 tube versions have that knob.
Description, Shindo Laboratory marketing catalog 1990:
This preamplifier kit uses 90% foreign-made parts to upgrade durability and design. It features an EMT-type equalizer circuit using two ECC83 stages, a cathode follower-type flat amplifier, and further reduces output impedance. We've prioritized sound quality through meticulous design including improving high-frequency stability with the cable, to ensure compatibility with CD playback and other formats. Furthermore, we've taken ease of assembly into consideration, using high-quality glass epoxy circuit boards and including a detailed wiring diagram.
Specifications, Shindo marketing materials, 1990:
• Input sensitivity / Impedance: PHONO (MM 47kOhms )
• Phono Max. Input Voltage: 1,000 mV (1kHz)
• Output level: 10V/15 kOhm
• High-key waveform distortion: 0.04% (
• RIAA Deviation: ±1dB (20Hz-20kHz)
• S/N Ratio: 90dB
• Input terminal: RCA pin jack
• Output terminal Connector: RCA pin jack
• Power supply: AC 100V/1A
• Electricity consumption: AC 100V, 50/60Hz 50W
• External dimensions: 450(W) x 85(H) x 230(D) mm
• Weight: 6.5kg
• Vacuum tubes Used:
2 x ECC83
2 x ECC82
1 x 12AT7
Additional Details:
• 2 x moving magnet phono inputs (RCA pin jack), Switchable via back panel
• 4 x additional inputs: FM, TV, CD ,AUX (RCA pin jack)
• REC OUT (RCA pin jack)
• 1 x output (RCA pin jack)
• Tube Complement:
2x 12AX7\ECC83 (phono stage) with rubber vibration-dampening rings
2 x 12AU7\ECC82 (phono stage)
1 x 12AT7\ECC81 (line stage)
• Captive power cable
• An active negative-feedback loop was employed
• A 100V transformer was supplied with the kits in Japan (Source: Shindo Laboratory)
• A 110V transformer was supplied with German imported kits
Chassis Variations
A variation with holes in the chassis for connecting an external step-up-transformer (SUT) was imported into the German market and possibly others. Keith Aschenbrenner (the German importer) was experimenting with the Claret, step-up transformers, and moving coil cartridges (specifically the Denon 103). After he sent his preferred transformers to Ken Shindo for consideration Shindo responded by sending this chassis variation in later kits.
Shindo Claret pre amplifier circa 1991
Shindo Claret pre amplifier circa 1994
Name:
Claret Model 343
Categories:
Pre Amplifier
Stereo
Years Produced:
1993 (est) - 1999
MSRP:
It's unclear exactly when the change to 4 tubes occurred. Its assumed this happened early after the Claret began importation to Germany in 1991. This version is reflected in most posted internet images and reverse-engineered technical drawings.
The technical description below is from the website in 1999 but it still has the 5 tube configuration listed.
The description below indicates Shindo had ceased selling the Claret as a kit prior to pulling it from the lineup entirely in 2000.
Description, Shindo Laboratory website 1999:
This preamplifier kit has been well-received by many DIY audiophiles since its release. Like our higher-end preamplifiers, it is constructed with 90% imported components. Furthermore, it features a design focused on sound quality, including lower output impedance and improved high-frequency stability through the use of cables, and is compatible with not only records but also CDs. However, in order to allow you to fully appreciate the true value of this amplifier, we have discontinued the sale of the kit product. This is a high-quality preamplifier with improved sound quality through circuit improvements and the elimination of printed circuit boards.
Specifications, Shindo Laboratory website 1999:
• Input Sensitivity/Impedance:
• Phono 1 MM: 3 mV/47kΩ
• Phono 2 MM: 3mV/100kΩ, 2-channel switchable (pin jack)
• Other Inputs: AUX, FM, TV, CD (pin jack)
• S/N Ratio: 90dB
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20KHz
• Output Level/Impedance: 10V/1kΩ (pin jack)
• Power Consumption: 100V-20W
• Power Supply: AC100V 50/60Hz
• Vacuum Tubes Complement
2 x 12AX7/ECC83
2 x 6BM8/ECL82
1 x 6CA4
• Dimensions: W 450×H 90×D 300 mm (per unit)
• Weight: 4kg
Additional Details:
• The tube complement of the 4 tube version is as follows:
2 x 12AX7\ECC83 (phono stage)
2 x 12AT7\ECC81 or 12AY7\CV2650 (line stage)
• Additional power schemes were reported in later years
An Internal toroidal core power version
Tube-rectified versions using 6x4\EZ90 or EZ80, depending on the market