Long time lurker, first time poster. I presently have Audio Note AND Shindo gear. I formerly owned the Tonmeister Silver, I presently own Devore speakers and formerly owned AN-E/SPE HE and AN-K/SPX SE.
In my opinion (which is worthless by the way according to my wife) they are similar clothing cut from different cloth. I appreciate both but you must listen, especially if you are comparing the presentation from 300b vacuum tube amplification from these two manufacturers. They both get "tone, space and texture" right, but please understand, they are quite different in their respective emphasis and presentation.
On the speaker side, AN-E's are wonderful, especially in troublesome rooms. Devores O series are wonderful as well, especially if you don't have workable corners. Some Shindo amplifiers prefer higher impedence loads while most Audio Note amplifiers seem comfortable with a 6ohm load since that's, ironically, the load on the AN-E's IIRC haha.
Obviously Audio Note has a comprehensive lineup of amplification, speakers, cables, analog and digital. It IS possible to have every item in your rig built by Audio Note. Shindo has a more focused lineup of amplification, speakers, cables and analog, however, they do not currently offer any digital nor do I believe they ever have, short of building a transformer at one time intended to make digital suck less. Shindo seems to offer a good/better/best product line while Audio Note offers systems you could buy while in college and they will grow with you all the way through your ascension to the C-suite and they can adjust with you while you go through bankruptcy, an indictment, a divorce...LOL. There is a level for everyone and every pocketbook from Audio Note.
All three brands are exceptional and Audio Note dealers, Devore dealers and Shindo dealers are very knowledgeable and helpful. They are also correct in trying to assist the customer with the strategy that the system approach works. My Shindo gear is cabled with Shindo, my Audio Note gear is cabled with Audio Note. Good luck and demo both. Your heart will tell you which one speaks your language. Maybe, like me, you are bi-lingual (in audio terms) and you end up with a setup from each!
I am not affiliated with any of the aforementioned nor am I engaged in the audio industry past, present or future.
