Galion Audio TS120SE Integrated Amplifier | More Than Just Another Tube Integrated

[@HiFiTurtle]

Correction: The input tubes were 7025 tubes which are a dual triode version of the 12AX7. Not 6922 tubes

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thank Ray for making this video. I am so glad the TS120SE was able to keep up with the much more expensive H20 power amp. Hopefully, my upcoming solid state amp will impress you just as much.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

ohhhhh.... Solid state you say?! =) .. Lovely !!

[@zackw4941]

First I'm hearing of this, but I'll be excited to give it a try at some point! Is it going to be another integrated?

[@AlbertoPerez-f5g]

Thank you for your review and for letting us know about the issue's , this amp has on the buzzing noise. Unfortunately, this doesn't pass the W.A.F in my house. Sorry Thamas. Again thank you for your great review. I just came across your channel, I will be a subscriber !!!

[@zackw4941]

Thomas was kind enough to lend me a TS120 SE demo unit and I've decided to purchase it from him! Even after getting my hands on a Technics SU-R1000 during my review period. That Technics has more resolution and separation, similar to this reviewer's experience with his Hegel H20, but the Technics also lacks that something special that the TS120 brings to the table. In addition, the the tonality on the Technics is noticeably flatter and colder and can make certain vocals sound nasal. On the other hand, it is so clean and well defined, some of the better recorded instrumental tracks I've tried were absolutely jaw dropping, even more so than on the TS120. But that Technics is a $10k, pure digital, resolution monster. That the TS120 can come in a close second for detail retrieval with an affordable DAC, is incredible. Bass isn't as tight or articulate as some of the higher end solid state stuff I've heard, but it has more soul and is simply more satisfying. With the TS120 SE, I just want to sit and listen to the music and not pick my system apart. I'm running upgraded Tekton Moabs, sitting on Townshend Podiums. I am driving the TS120 with an Audio-GD R1 DAC. In my modest size room, the TS120 seemed like too much artillery at first, but the Podiums cleaned things up enough that the system synergy really came through. Now I am extremely happy with my system! Now I just have to sell all this other gear I've acquired along the way...

[@MrRonnmaui]

Great review! I have only heard really positive reviews on this amp. On my short list.

[@iikatinggangsengii2471]

it is, its just that i happen to know cayin 30le, which should stand for, yeah

[@jackstraw1756]

I’d be interested in picking up this amp, but they only offer a 1 year warranty, if you need service, they really don’t have a solid service and repair network set up. F35 Black Ice Audio, same price range, made in China as well, however all service and upgrades are done stateside, along with a 5 year warranty.

[@psyphonyxaudio]

Fantastic stuff!! Happy to see another review out here! .. Love this amp so much. It was somehow ' welcoming ' to listen to. Solid but still warm - detailed and not harsh. .. 100% would keep for my Winter Amp ..haha. Tubes are warm. =)

[@pixym]

Hi Guy, Thank so much for this review.

[@kirkaparty4143]

Nice Review, maybe that outlet is not grounded. Sometimes they forget to connect the ground wire...

[@topside3]

Do other things work in that problem outlet?

[@HiFiTurtle]

I do remember the tester being ok when we did the home inspection. Ive plugged other things into the outlets but typically not hifi equipment.

[@phantomplastics6582]

If you're using Cable Matters XLRs then no wonder you hear smearing. Try something more precise like Audioquest Water.

[@issadad]

With no Phono Input, can you connect a Phono Stage to one of the numbered line inputs?

[@HiFiTurtle]

Yes

[@annenominous7220]

this is just a doge 10 mark 3, with a separate powersupply for the preamp doge has a big article on how the amp they sell for 2K is being sold in the usa for 3.5K. they even say the higher price is ok because it includes the 25% duty and shipping, which would add nearly 1K to the price of the original version. but this is NOT a new amp.

[@joenovak6393]

This Amp is a good start for Thomas, and I never purchased any recommendations from KZbinrs. KZbin is like going to the library, as with the amount of "Audio Experts" their (your) ears are not my ears. As with the Galion, PrimaLuna is the Brand to set your sights on with Real Adaptive AutoBias, potted toroidal transformers, bad tube indicator, TRIODE/ULTRA-LINEAR switching on the fly, point-to-point wiring, etc. Remember, the reason is power (Watts) has nothing to do with dynamics it has nothing to do with Bass response in a tube amplifier purely. What is going to give you bass is bandwidth. And when you talk about bandwidth, you are talking about the Output Transformer. Transformers are the most expensive components in any audio product, manufacturers will even house cheaper C-core and EI-core transformers.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Allow me to share with you a few questions I asked the designer. 1) Why don't you use adaptive autobias? 2) Why not use toroidal transformer? 3) Why not go triode and ultralinear? Now, I am not going to share what he told me in detail publicly, but as he said, there are pros and cons to everything. 1) He prefers having the biasing system outside the signal path. He knew how to built the adaptive bias many years ago. 2) He chose EI transformer because of dynamics. That is why the Galion has bass that can rival solid state. 3) Instead of triode and ultralinear mode, which most tube amp can do today, he prefers class A or class Ab switch, which no amp can do. Also, there is a bigger change in sound when switching class A to AB. Both solutions have their advantages and disadvantages. He chose what he thinks is best because he believes it gives better performance.