I talked to Colin yesterday and he will be sending me a Cinnamon Galle DAC for audition.
I realize that this is a new product from a brand that is relatively unknown, so we'll see how their business develops and product awareness grows. Of course, resale is likely to be better on products for well-know products, but audio products are not the greatest financial investment and the main goal is exceptional sound. I haven't had a chance to listen to the Playback Designs DAC, which costs twice much as the Galle, but I have auditioned the Weiss Helios, which is also costs considerably more, as well as the Grimm 2, and I was impressed with their sound. So I'll have some reference to compare the Gelle to a couple of more expensive and well known pieces (of course the Grimm is a streamer/DAC).
One other place I have found useful discussion about the Galle is Whats Best Forum: (1) Munich HighEnd 2024 | What's Best Audio and Video Forum. The Best High End Audio Forum on the planet! Here is a quote about the Galle that is interesting:
I know Miguel quite well, he and the guys (Rui, Mesquita) at Ultimate Audio in Lisbon Portugal, he got me on my audiophile journey in earnest, and I will be forever grateful, he has a great ear, presently he carries Aqua, Wadax, Playback and Lampizator Dac's, so for him to say the Galle is a great Dac is indeed high praise, and it's good to see another Portuguese manufacturer join the Audiophile community....
Approximate translation from Portuguese :
It's no secret that I love Cinnamon Audio!
A very well kept secret of European Audio.
It comes from a country with little pedigree on the international audiophile scene but this brand is here to win abroad too!
My recommendation is no longer enough… It's simply the dac you need to listen to now!
Coming from him it's indeed "High Praise"......