Resolution Audio CD55

While I am not surprised that someone might want to compare the CD55 and the Model Nine Signature, I am somewhat (make that very) concerned by the comments about The Audio Gallery. Can anyone relate their negative experience with this dealer. I have always found Gary and Cindy to be very easy to deal with from my perspective (being a manufacturer). While this is very different from being an end user I am still surprised about these comments.

Kevin, it is wonderful to see a manufacturer, particularly a head man, out here mixing it up. Some people have the idea that designers are entombed within vaults, separated from the rest of the world. In my experience, many, many of these guys ARE out in the field, putting some wear into their shoes. Really glad to see you are one of them! Have a lot of respect for your company. While I have yet to buy anything(I'm a tube man), I've studied your products a good deal. In my particular focus is your digital equipment, very highly regarded. I've yet to jump in as I(like a lot of us), are waiting for the SACD/DVD-A format war to be waged. If you put a gun to my head, I'd say DVD-A would prevail. In the meantime, I've foolishly resisted upgrading my CD player over the past 3 years because I was overly optimistic in my assessment of when the new stuff would be here, and how it would shake out. Again, great to see you here.

I realize that we are getting somewhat of the subject heading of this thread, I am certain that either Jeff or Mike won't mind too much if I add the following comment. Regardless of where you stand on the DVD-A vs. SACD front (a needless distinction in my opinion) I would not expect to see either (DVD-A or SACD) displace CDs in any significant quantity anytime soon. With the end of the Red Book royalty, CDs continue to be one of the lowest cost data carriers to manufacturer. DVD is as most know a highly successful format (most market studies show that it is anywhere from 10 - 15 times more successful than CDs launch was at the same point in it release life). To most insiders DVD players will likely displace CD players over time. This is already happening in the computer market another of the larger market segments. To the average consumer this is a no brainer, it (a DVD player) plays all their CDs, it plays DVDs and it costs no more than the average CD player, certainly less than a VCR and CD player purchased separately. What are becoming obsolete are CD players not CDs (this is not meant to take away anything from the CD55, which is a great product in every way). Most peoples (typical consumers not audiophiles) investment is heavily biased towards their software. They may own 250 or more $15 CDs and a player or two that cost less than $500 each. DVD players shouldn’t be thought of as revolutionary; rather they are the result of evolution. Kevin Halverson

Hi Kevin; First of all, I have a lot of respect for you and your company's products, and you recently provided me valuable info. on the difference between digital up & over sampling (you've probably read my thread). As you are concerned about negative posts about The Audio Gallery in Lake Oswego (Portland. OR.), and I made one of them, I'll explain: Several years ago when I was in the market for a good DAC, I called the Audio Gallery and talked to both Gary and Cindy-- on the surface both are very nice people. But I live 5-6 hours from Portland, and have little use for in-store demo's anyway, so I asked Gary if he would send me a Muse Model Two for an in-home audition for a week or so. He was absolutely adament, (and even irritated that I had the "audacity" to make such a request) that I listen to the DAC IN HIS LISTENING ROOM (STORE), WITH HIS SYSTEM. Our 'phone call ended on "less than friendly terms". Well, in my opinion, listening to a component under any conditions other than in your own system, and in your own room is meaningless and a big waste of time (except maybe for speakers). So, I called Muse again (I think) and got the 'phone number of ACI in Wisconsin. They were helpful, courteous, and more than willing to send me a Model Two for a TWO WEEK in home audition. I purchased the Model Two after a few days and never regretted it. They were happy and I was happy. As to Gary, his arrogant, superior sounding attitude really left me cold, and I've never had any desire to actually meet the guy. Regards. Craig.

Just bought a CD55 off Audiogon, decent player, nothing really special, I expect a cd player selling for $3000 to sound great, personally I'm selling this so-so for an Accuphase, now thats digital at its best.