Check This Out!

Greetings to everyone.

I have heard this DAC in two setups (including my own - I purchased it). To those for whom the price is "silly" let me say that I have heard DAC's four times the cost of the Cinnamon Galle (dCS Vivaldi) and much more (top-of-the-line MBL). I have an audio system (photo available on this forum) that includes Alsyvox speakers and New Audio Frontiers Stradivari 211 monos. No matter the cost, I haven't heard digital conversion match the Lp front end I am lucky to own - until I heard the Galle. All those who have heard it have had the same reaction. Of course, there are those for whom the price is simply out of the question - that's a different issue - but in the era of six-figure DAC/Clock systems, this is simply an outstanding product. Oh - and no, I have zero link to the Portuguese company that produces it nor any financial interest in the audio store in Nashville that is the dealer. I just enjoy wonderful (mostly classical) music. Of course, my hearing, and that of my audiophile friends, is just our opinions. If you have the chance, however, I do strongly recommend listening for yourself. Thanks for your patience with this long posting.

@steinedm1 

I really appreciate you for taking the time to chime in. I have heard nothing but positive feedback from folks that were fortunate to audition this DAC and end up buying it. BTW, you have a beautiful system, ever since I’ve heard Alsyvox they have been on my wish list. Back to Gallo, it will make its debut at Capitol Audio. 

Cheers!

Hello Lalit. I am listening to this dac as I type this. I have had it here for a day or so and it sounds stunningly good. Colin of Gestalt Audio Design brought it by yesterday. The build is very interesting. The internal boards are completely isolated from the chassis. I like the aesthetics of the dac as it is like a piece of art/sculpture on my audio rack.

Dual mono 27 bit differential resistor ladder with over 430 resistors within a .01% tolerance. They say the conversion engine operates as a self sufficient voltage source eliminating the need for a traditional analog output stage. This delivers a very short signal path.

If tonal density and uncanny realism are important to you, then I have personally not heard any digital piece do it this well. No, a Topping or $2000 Chinese dac will not deliver the emotional connection and realism of this piece. Not even close based on my experience.  At least not for me. However, for me any piece of audio that helps transform my system from playing nice sounding recordings to a more live and personal experience is everything.The audiophile words we all try and use to convey what we are hearing seem to fall short of what I am experiencing with this dac. Flesh and blood vocalists with physical bodies are singing right before me. Much more connection to the performance compared to a “sonically great sound recording” kind of experience.

We all have different priorities in this hobby. Many really nice sounding dacs can be purchased for $1000 - $2500 or so. No doubt about it. At the same time it is a rare piece that apprehends me so completely taking me beyond the “sounds” into a genuine experience with the music. Those who hear this dac and have the same physical/emotional experience will understand. For those people this dac is very special. Not all will appreciate this and that my fellow Aphiles is just fine.

@grannyring  Bill, how would you compare this to the Tron Signature? I auditioned the Tron previously at Colin's so i am familiar with its sound. Thanks