Tube Meister...I have one and like it quite a bit. Believe it is a good value and well made. Initially, the high end sounded very rolled off (also new was the Pangea AC14SE power cord I have on it) and bass somewhat overwhelming. Not well balanced over the frequency range. With long break in time and also switching to Silversonic ICs the balance is restored. Can listen for hours without fatigue. Good detail retrieval but not harsh. Brass and strings don't hurt my ears (Totem Forests with metal dome tweeters). Probably NOT the last word if you are looking for an "analytical sound". Good soundstage width and depth. Also using it as DAC for computer audio. Got mine as a demo from AudioAdvisor so enjoyed a small discount otherwise would probably have gone with the BIfrost with uber analog upgrade (though not with the USB option). Use a M/F 192 USB converter from computer to the Gungnir and DH Labs coax from converter to Gungnir. Silver Sonic ICs from Gungnir to pre-amp. Haven't tried balanced/XLR out yet..just running RCAs. Good luck in your search.
