Goldmund Mimesis Questions

I just wanted to add my experience with Goldmund in terms of their service. It appears that words have been said that if one lives in the US, service can be difficult to obtain. That may have been true for some in the distant past but recently for me in the past year I was easily able to contact Goldmund via email and secure the parts I needed.  They were quite proactive once I contacted them in identifying what I needed with easy and quick communication and then quickly dispatched parts from Switzerland to the US, then two weeks later initiated follow up with me and even checked if I was satisfied and if I had received all I needed. 

I know this is also a late replay. 

I've owned a Classe-CA100 amplifier for 16 years and have also a Goldmund Mimesis 27+ preamp.  The Classe is pleasant sounding with a slightly dark in nature sound that is absolutely comfortable and enjoyable to listen to.  It has plenty of power but provides a nice relaxed yet still engaging sound.  I my experience, it does not have much of the sonic harsh edges that may be found more in amps that push an analytical, extended nature.  The dimensionality of the sound stage is very good but not as good as some more expensive amps of course.  However, I fully appreciate the Classe sound.  The amps does vary significantly depending on the preamp that it's mated to.    As for the Goldmund, mine is a higher end preamp but I think it is generally represents their character.  It has great strength in transparency, impact slam, purity.  it has a strong bass foundation and a very transparent midrange that is still full and rich sounding.  It is not quite as extended and airy in the high as my Ayre preamp but it excels in dynamics and body meshed with transparency and imaging.  it is not as neutral as my Bryston preamp but I feel when compared with the Bryston, the Goldmund give a fuller, more complete sonic picture on a clean background.  Both Classe and Goldmund have their strengths and many people enjoy their aspects, I'm sure.  it just depends on what you like.  I have also tube amps and preamps and comparison to these solid state amps is a different story.  I live in New England.  The only other person I know who knows Goldmund very well is the owner of Natural Sound in Framingham, MA.

Hello, this is a late response: I have just seen your post. I am very familiar with the Goldmund SRI. I bought one in 1998. I also have heard the integrated amplifiers from Classé ( CAP-100 and CAP-150). Both were excellent but they have a different presentation compared to the Goldmund. Classé is darker-sounding and very dynamic. Goldmund is clearer and more transparent, dynamics are among the best in the world. They are known for their neutrality and speed. Very expensive to repair.. when they break down. Customer service is not very good .. Goldmund has a poor reputation unfortunately. I have never owned a Classé amplifier but this brand is more reliable. At this level, as they say, it is a matter of taste. I am willing to sell the Goldmund but it needs to be repaired (for the second time..). For my taste, the SRI is the best integrated amplifier I have ever heard. At the time of purchase, it was the most expensive integrated amplifier available. Much more could be said but this is it, in a nutshell. Best of luck in your search.