The Cinnamon Galle DAC and network player, designed by the Portuguese high-fidelity brand Cinnamon, offers a rich and distinct experience in the world of high-end audio equipment. Drawing inspiration from Galle, Sri Lanka, a historic cinnamon trade center, this audiophile-grade system blends tradition with cutting-edge technology, delivering a unique sound journey.
Minimalist Design and Innovative Philosophy
The standout feature of the Cinnamon Galle DAC is its minimalist, robust design. Each component — the DAC and the transport — is crafted from a sand-cast aluminum block, with a machined bronze top acting as an inverted pendulum for enhanced stability. According to Ricardo Canelas, one of the founders, “We chose the most honest and noble materials available, and this reflects in the manufacturing process.”
The Cinnamon Galle impresses with its simple yet elegant design, free from distracting buttons, screens, or menus. It encourages users to focus solely on the listening experience, eliminating unnecessary distractions for pure auditory pleasure.
Inside, the Cinnamon Galle DAC boasts an R2R architecture with high-precision resistors (0.01% tolerance), fully isolated inputs, and state-of-the-art reclocking (SOTA). Its innovative digital-to-analog conversion, using a “quasi-nos” approach without digital filters, results in a warm, immersive sound, avoiding the coldness often associated with digital audio devices.
What a Review Means to Me
For me, an audio equipment review is a well-founded opinion, based on deep and extensive analysis. It can be purely auditory, or for those with deep technical expertise, complemented by measurements. However, what brings you to these pages are my personal listening experiences—informal and based on real-world use of the equipment over time, rather than just technical data.
Listening Sessions with the Cinnamon Galle
Before forming any conclusions, I conducted multiple listening sessions with the Cinnamon Galle DAC. While I’ve previously written about quick experiences under Aventuras do Bigodes no High-End (Moustache’s Adventures in High-End Audio), a full review takes time. I also categorize this article under Moustaches Reviews, as it sits halfway between a comprehensive analysis and a listening chronicle—leaving it to the reader to decide.
The listening sessions were held in the main auditorium at Ultimate Audio in Porto, the official Iberian distributor of the brand. The first session paired the DAC with a Gryphon Diablo 333 integrated amplifier and Kroma Atelier Stella floorstanders, utilizing the Innuos Statement NG transport. In the second session, the speakers were swapped for MoFi SourcePoint 888 by Andrew Jones, with the rest of the system unchanged.
During the third and final session, I tested the complete Cinnamon Galle DAC and transport system with the Accuphase E-380 integrated amplifier. This pairing delivered an unexpected experience: I found myself completely relaxed, enjoying the music in an immersive, natural way, rather than leaning forward in critical listening mode.
Accuphase and Cinnamon Galle: A Magical Combination
Combining high-end audio equipment with similar qualities can sometimes result in a too much of a good thing experience, but the Accuphase E-380 and Cinnamon Galle system delivered a harmonious performance. Each listening session produced rich, detailed, and engaging sound, with a special moment during the final session.
A standout track was “Wild Horses” by the Rolling Stones. The soundstage was wide and deep, filling the room in a way that made me feel completely absorbed. The microdynamics of the system shone through, with each nuance presented organically and effortlessly. The music simply flowed, without distracting me with excessive details or technical analysis. I feel like describing every moment of those listening sessions, but I’ll have to try to keep it brief, respecting the basic rule of audio reviews: knowing when to stop.
Conclusion: Cinnamon Galle’s Role in High-End Audio
Like the rare and cherished cinnamon from Galle, the Cinnamon Galle DAC and transport offers a unique experience in the high-end audio world. Combining bold design, premium materials, and innovative engineering, this system delivers a warm, immersive sound that stands apart from the cold, clinical feel of many digital audio products.
The Cinnamon Galle system isn’t just about impressive specifications; it provides an immersive, relaxing listening experience that makes it more than just another piece of audio equipment. It’s also a true statement of style and sophistication, perfect for any discerning audiophile’s living room. How great they would look in my living room!
