I hope you enjoyed the video, I know some might take offence to my use and pronunciation of the word "tube" - in the UK ir probably should be "valve" but I think "tube" sounds cooler :) No pun intended
🤣 I don’t understand the problem .. vacuum tube amplifier and valve amplifier are both “somewhat” legitimate ways of describing it.🤔 Although I have to admit that, having been an engineer, I look at the term “valve” as somewhat of a “plumber’s slang. 😵💫 Vacuum Tube is a better descriptor. Valve is a more general term, but you have to specify vacuum or all bets are off lol with some people when you say tubes or transistors and you don’t put the word vacuum in front of tube, they may get all upset lol
Thank you Terry for this review. I think what is most rewarding for me with this Galion project is I was able to voice the TS120SE to suit a lot of people. Took me 6 months with custom parts but it was totally worth it.
I wonder if I can use the Hifiman Susvara headphones directly to the speakers’ output? Also, I intend to get a pair of bookshelves in my small room so I can use this amp as well. If so, which speakers would be recommended? My room size is only 4.25 L x 3.15 W x 2.48 H in meters (13’11” x 10’4” x 8’1”) with a work desk at one end and 2 rows of bookshelves (30cm / 11.8” depth) along the length. Please give me your recommendations.
Hi there all - I have a pair of Monitor Audio PL500II's Platinum and yes I have seen the video paired with the Galion - absolutley mindblowing - does anyone know where I can get on in the UK - thanks
Terry thank you for your excellent articulation of your perspective on Thomas’s amp project! Your straightforward take on the amp reflects authenticity which I truly value. You seem to me a real truth teller and that you are very careful in arriving at judgements. Your hard work is valued and I appreciate your willingness to share your experiences with the amp. I wish you continued prosperity with your channel and Dirac role!
It's quite a common thing seems to be with Asians they like it bright? I've noticed that. that's why they tell you to break it in so you're breaking in your own ears not the equipment lol there's a lot of truth to that
Nice review, Terry. My Galion is only just coming up to expectations after several weeks of running in. I have the SE with the uprated KT88s. I have been running it in on HT with my AV system on AB as it heats up my room on Class A with the superb summer weather. Thomas has a real winner ! There were also no shipping or Customs costs as Thomas covers all that.
Try sound mode B for movies and Sound mode A for music and T for alot of fun 😃 But yeah Mode b has more presence in upper mids that help bring out movies Dialog '
Thanks Terry. HOWEVER, I must comment on your classy listening space. How you have graduated so nicely from that 'matte black' space! Congrats fine sir!👍
I have to say I always thought Thomas' amp had been beaten with the ugly stick, but it does look a lot better with those KT88s. I do like the fact that it has not allowed itself to be defined by the usual tube "simplicity first" tropes. It's flexibility is to be commended. Nice that it has the power to allow a wide range of speaker matching. Incidentally, could you cook a rotisserie chicken over it in Class A mode?
Excellent review. I’ve got the Doge 10b stock in silver which I think looks much better. I’ve never heard this version but you did a great job describing the amp. Class A low feedback is the setting that sounds best for sure in my system. My speakers are Canton Vento 7 1st generation with a Denon dcd a100 cd player and a Technics 1500c turntable with achromat, isonoe feet and Nagaoka mp200. Everything you said is spot on. The remote I operate by feel, start from the bottom and feel for the third button up for volume. It plays plenty loud! I listen to mostly classic 60-70’s rock and 50-60’s jazz/blues. Lifelong audiophile at 61 and still with good hearing. You do a terrific job describing equipment. I can see why manufacturers trust you.
Ive watched a few of Thomas's reviews and actually bought my Buchardt S300 Mk2 wirh his review in mind, ive always found him very forthcoming and trustworthy, i also like the fact he reviews some chifi amps which can be more accessible at lower budgets. I didnt appreciate he actually made amps himself, this is impressive and im not surprise the standard is high at the price point. Mullards really are special, would like to hear those. Really thorough review, always love your viewpoints and delivery
He's a very good presenter .so good that it illustrates the hair splitting differences that audiophiles listen for. this is fine if that's what is interesting to a person but the tendency then becomes to listen to separated individual sounds at the expense of a fully immersive experience where the individual sounds , the sound stage , airiness , highs ,mids , lows , all disappear into a blended whole that is the mysterious thing we call music. some of my favorite listening experiences , outside of the live performance , came form a late 1960s $300 stereo system . The system provided about ten percent of the input while the brain provided the remaining level of joy . yes , it MIGHT have sounded even better with a top notch systems , but ?
I've got a TS120 SE demo unit in my home right now, too. I'm running a pair of Tekton Moabs in a 13x15' living room in an apartment. Kind of like one of those fools trying to keep an adult tiger in NYC, or something. I'm really enjoying the TS120 and am seriously considering buying the demo unit from Thomas. The only thing I'm slightly hesitant about is actually the sheer bass presence. In my room, with my huge, hyper efficient speakers, the TS120 is a lot of artillery. But I love the sound stage, transparency, depth and space. I already wanted a pair of Townshend Podiums, but I think I'll straight up need them, to keep this combination under control. In my room, sound stage depth is my biggest weakness, because my speakers are too close to the wall, due to limited space. With solid state amps I've tried, the stage depth stays limited to the confines of my physical room. With the TS120, the performance is still taking place at about the same distance as the speakers, with a little bit more front to back definition. Yet, when I close my eyes, the space AROUND the performance feels like I'm in a MUCH larger room. Like I can hear the stage going back through my front wall, through my bedroom behind that wall and probably beyond. The ceiling likewise disappears and the impact of my closer left wall seems to be lessened. All this, even though the band is still playing between the speakers, if that makes sense. I also preferred class A and I didn't notice a difference in power draw, so I'm not sure it would actually run any cooler? I preferred sound mode A instead of T, myself. While my upgraded Moabs with their beryllium center tweeters and expensive aftermarket crossovers have loads of resolution either way, I just need all the tightness I can get, to control that bass presence. I'm on the stock tubes and don't have any others to try. Any recommendations to trade a tiny bit of bass quantity for even more tightness and control? On the far opposite end of the spectrum, I'm still deeply interested in trying out that Technics SU-R1000. It should also have a very holographic sound stage, from what I understand. As well as an even cleaner, more transparent sound. And probably a little less power draw.. But even used, it's a bit beyond what I can justify right now and may turn out to be too lean for my preferences. I wish I could demo one, somehow.
Great review, Terry, thanks. I've watched quite a number of reviews of this fine tube amp & they have really made me re-consider my very, almost set-in-stone, solid state is easiest to look after; sound bigger & louder; and tube amps are best and almost exclusively are meant mostly for jazz/classical/acoustic music listeners ... Thanks for your, as always, very detailed, informative & most importantly, objective review. Knocked it out the park yet, again, mate! Cheers! *and* all the very best from G. in Japan, (ex-Scotland)
Tubes really aren't as high maintenance as people might think, although some tinkering now and then is needed, but part of the fun for those who like the interaction with their gear. If you are considering a tube amp, I'd highly recommend watching Skunky Design's on RUclips. It's reviews and modifications, along with DIY. Still a really good educational channel to learn to understand tube amps regardless of the brand, it really gets into fine details in a simple to understand manner.👍
You Bet me to it ! 😊thanks Terry ' CLASS A for me all the way ' me Dynes pair up so good with Galion My favorite power tubes are 2x Golden lion 2x TAD str8 (kt88) OMG ! And the Mullards kt88 are smooth Galion is very sentive to tube rolling Meaning you can change the sound easily '
Terry, a very concise and informative review. I wonder what the combination of this amp and higher efficiency speakers like Tannoy Ardens or Spatial X4's would sound. Plus remember, 90% of the tube amp haters have never heard a tube amp for a long period of time and are all hung up on specs like power ratings. My HiFi journey started out with an old Heathkit SA-2 integrated amp (12wpc EL 84 tubes) that my uncle gave me back in 1972.
I personally love my Galion SE I’m using “stock” Tubes with Paradigm Persona Speakers - Thomas and I had an extensive discussion about which tubes made most sense with my Speakers. I’m mainly running in class A and have played around with sound modes I’ve been on B since it bedded in. At first I thought too much bass - but with some tweaking (I’m running a REL T7x) got the bass about perfect. So I’d recommend too!
Nice speakers you have there. I have a pair of Paradigm Founders and I'm ordering a Galion soon. Do you remember your discussion about tubes with Thomas and why you ultimately chose the stock tubes for your speakers? Did he give you reasons not to bother trying the "upgraded" KT88-Z tubes with your Personas?
I so wish that you could have compared it to the entry version of the TS120. I think that sound signature would be more to my preference. Tough to buy something like this without a listen. Thanks for your in-depth take on it.
Excellent review Terry! The flexibility of this Galion amplifier is its super power! Seems with enough patience and experience almost anyone should be able to find the sound/character that pleases them. I’ve never seen or heard an amplifier with this amount of diversity and potential,solid state or tube! Thanks for the great review! Truly enjoyed it!❤💕👍🙏🎼🤗
Wow! Thomas has even got you fired up in the UK on this now! Interesting how you refer to the "V" shape sound presentation. In the old days when you could adjust bass, mid, treble, I always cut mid to 50%, full bass and treble. I am a drummer so that probably explains it. i expect this player might be one for me to look at. Did you also rig up the REL subs to it also? I would think that may pair really well.
I'm looking forward to your review of the serafinos! Currently out of my ballpark in terms of price but there are very few reviews of sonus faber speakers out there and I find them very appealing. More in the sonetto price range though for me.
Those new Sonus Faber speakers are ridiculous, i would buy them if i could especially in that red finish. Those paired with something like the Michi X5 might be endgame especially for music
I noticed the Hugo 2 / TT2 in the video. Would you say that Chord DACs have very good synergy with tube amps, although I understand that this is a generalization and exceptions are always present.
I'm usually very skeptical of all this stuff from reviewers/influencers, however this does seem to have some awesome features and usability for those new to tube amplifier's.
I have a question a bit outside the main topic: what is the size of Terry’s room? (asking Terry or anyone else who knows since it was probably mentioned elsewhere but I cannot find it). Thanks.
Thanks Terry, great review as always. I'm thinking about entering into the "valve sound!" since it's a leap I'd like to do sooner or later, and frankly speaking this amplifier could be one of the candidate for "my transiton". I'm not a "replacing tubes" addicted, the opposite, I'd like to listen to music and not to pimp up my audio gear. What do you think; could this be my first tube amp according to what you've stated in this review ? Thanks for the advise.
🙋♂️THANKS TERRY , FOR SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS 🧐 ON THE GALION AND TELLING US BACK STORY…THOMAS PUT ALOT OF EFFORT 😅 TO MAKE IT VERSATILE AND EASY FOR PEOPLE NEW TO TUBE AMPS 💚💚💚
As Thomas is often making fun of backbreaking heavy gear, I hope that one day he is able to offer an OTL tube amp (without the heavy output transformers).
Great review, as always. A question though...your comment on the tone controls suggested you might believe them the work of the devil. Many do. But your recent review of the McIntosh had you praising them. Your thoughts please? Cheers.
I didnt say anything bad about tone controls, I simply said we all know what they do, but I preferred not to use them here. With the Mc I had before with the speakers I had at the time with the limitless power of the MC it was a different situation
Tube complement KT 88 2 instead of 4 on your specs. Great review I loved my tube amp but real annoying when one tube goes. Try to find one replacement not easy. So no longer have it.
Is this Galion TS 120SE or Canor Ai 1.10 is better to buy please advise. Which is the Best Buy. I am planning to buy a good one ☝️ I listen to slow rock classic music. What about service support and spare parts availability . Is it 220 volt?? What is tube life hours ??Wait for reply. Thanks 🙏 Do they have dealers in Middle East Bahrain or Dubai. I am in Bahrain.
Okay 👍 I am a slow rock music listener, treble, midrange , high bass medium. So think class A & AB suits my listening. So I have decided I get Galion TS 120 SE. I using Parasound Pre P6 , Hallo 6 Intergraded amplifier, & power A21+ amplifier. I am enjoying with it Superb.
Thomas, much better than any of those tubes that you've tried are the KT88s made in Czech Republic, by KR Audio. More expensive, but in another level of performance. You shoud try :)
tube amps are very sensitive to the parts being used in the signal path, like coupling caps and resistors. a look under the hood would have been nice, not one reviewer has done this so far. I think that's highly suspicious.
You're not going to hear a difference with a balanced input unless you need really long cables. If you want better sound quality, then you'll need to balance the entire component, but that will raise the price significantly. And for it to even work, your sources have to be balanced as well (not just have xlr jacks).
Your description it sounds like it's breaking up about 85-87 DB ummm, it feels like it's overpriced I'd say about two and a half thousand would be more its realistic price considering what's out there. Is there anybody who has taken the bottom off and anybody done any test on it on RUclips what we need to see! I gather it doesn't have a phone stage and you didn't do any phono tests with it what was the source input just digital
Lost me at 0:10 into the video. The volume control, when activated from the RC, is moving way too fast. For me, the motor moving the knob should be set at 1/4 that speed. As it is, making very subtle plus/minus changes in volume can only be made by jumping the knob up and down until it eventually lands where you want it. Volume motor speed should be user adjustable.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Horrendous? Not at all. I disagree. I've owned amps with that type knob volume motor adjust, but running at a fraction of that speed, and found it much easier to make subtle up/down adjustments. By your own admission, you're a "loud" listener type. You're jumping way up there to begin with. This issue isn't going to be as prominent with you. --YMMV, as they say.
I was thinking if you have super sensitive speakers maybe it could be an issue but I have never had any that sensitive, but I didn't find the remote an issue getting the exact volume I wanted and not all amps and remotes have been like that.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Well, like I said in my first comment, manufacturers using this type volume control with RC, should provide user adjustable movement speed. Then we'd both be happy.
Imagine the sound with nos gecs mullard.. These wud take amp further.. The amp would have the Mullard magic.. The Gallion with Chinese Russian pap wud die after few hours
It was designed by the same designer as the Doge 10 but they don't sound alike. As I mentioned in the Doge 10 video, 30% of the people would love it, for me, I wanted 95% of the people to like the Galion so that is why I spent 6 months improving the TS120 with custom parts. You cannot modify a Doge10 to sound like a TS120SE because those custom parts cannot be bought by end users. The end result, the Doge 10 is a good amp while the TS120SE, Terry said at normal listening volume, he prefers it over the more than double priced Mcintosh MA352 which is impossible with any version of Doge 10.
When an amp shuts off due to over heating, there is an issue of not cooling and over time it will get much worse. If an amp is made RIGHT it will not over heat. I have military grade amps from the 50's far more power than these audiophile tube amps, that never over heat. Most people of the world are not in the KNOW of what the military has designed in secret labs. Fact not open for debate. "military Grade" has been dismissed in marketing since most manufactures CUT CORNERS to keep cost down in construction. "Those whom cut corners, deserve the shit storm they have coming to them." - 5 Star Generals.
Nobody said it shut off due to overheating because it didn't and I ran it hard for 10+ hours a day many times through the review period, Please dont jump to conclusions, especially when they are wrong. It shut off because I had done things wrong
He is not engineer, so I imagine he find some Chinese engineer to make it for him , most of these Chinese tube amplifier they have very poor Quality transformer.
He spent his time voicing the amp which not all engineers have talent at. If the Transformers were crap the reviews would have heard it. Maybe you should have a listen. 😊
I hope you enjoyed the video, I know some might take offence to my use and pronunciation of the word "tube" - in the UK ir probably should be "valve" but I think "tube" sounds cooler :) No pun intended
🤣 I don’t understand the problem .. vacuum tube amplifier and valve amplifier are both “somewhat” legitimate ways of describing it.🤔 Although I have to admit that,
having been an engineer, I look at the term “valve” as somewhat of a “plumber’s slang. 😵💫 Vacuum Tube is a better descriptor. Valve is a more general term, but you have to specify vacuum or all bets are off lol with some people when you say tubes or transistors and you don’t put the word vacuum in front of tube, they may get all upset lol
I'm very much the same, I always refer to them as tubes.
ah yes, the good old “RUclips” pronunciation kerfuffle.
@@jirihorsky9600 there’s no denying that they’re vacuum tubes ..just crack one and see what happens lol
The Tubes. She's a Beauty (one in a million girl)
Thank you Terry for this review. I think what is most rewarding for me with this Galion project is I was able to voice the TS120SE to suit a lot of people. Took me 6 months with custom parts but it was totally worth it.
I wonder if I can use the Hifiman Susvara headphones directly to the speakers’ output? Also, I intend to get a pair of bookshelves in my small room so I can use this amp as well. If so, which speakers would be recommended? My room size is only 4.25 L x 3.15 W x 2.48 H in meters (13’11” x 10’4” x 8’1”) with a work desk at one end and 2 rows of bookshelves (30cm / 11.8” depth) along the length. Please give me your recommendations.
I'm working on a plan to get one soon. It will be the heart of my new system.
Hi there all - I have a pair of Monitor Audio PL500II's Platinum and yes I have seen the video paired with the Galion - absolutley mindblowing - does anyone know where I can get on in the UK - thanks
Terry thank you for your excellent articulation of your perspective on Thomas’s amp project! Your straightforward take on the amp reflects authenticity which I truly value. You seem to me a real truth teller and that you are very careful in arriving at judgements. Your hard work is valued and I appreciate your willingness to share your experiences with the amp. I wish you continued prosperity with your channel and Dirac role!
Thomas really loves his trebles to “sparkle like no tomorrow” 😂
It's quite a common thing seems to be with Asians they like it bright? I've noticed that.
that's why they tell you to break it in so you're breaking in your own ears not the equipment lol there's a lot of truth to that
Me 2 ' but refined ' unitched out or to clinical
Thomas is very forthcoming about his love of bass and the smile sound signature.
Well done review. Interesting component.
Nice review, Terry. My Galion is only just coming up to expectations after several weeks of running in. I have the SE with the uprated KT88s. I have been running it in on HT with my AV system on AB as it heats up my room on Class A with the superb summer weather. Thomas has a real winner ! There were also no shipping or Customs costs as Thomas covers all that.
Try sound mode B for movies and Sound mode A for music and T for alot of fun 😃 But yeah Mode b has more presence in upper mids that help bring out movies Dialog '
Yes --class A is the way to go I used tube rectified power supply with it.kt66 =choice is lots of fun.
Thanx Terry, always sincere and articulate approach to any of your reviews. 🙌
I am considering this valve amp for my 96db Orangutans.
Thanks Terry. HOWEVER, I must comment on your classy listening space. How you have graduated so nicely from that 'matte black' space! Congrats fine sir!👍
Great review. Thanks for sharing.
I have to say I always thought Thomas' amp had been beaten with the ugly stick, but it does look a lot better with those KT88s.
I do like the fact that it has not allowed itself to be defined by the usual tube "simplicity first" tropes. It's flexibility is to be commended. Nice that it has the power to allow a wide range of speaker matching.
Incidentally, could you cook a rotisserie chicken over it in Class A mode?
You should see the Galion With TS Kt120 😃
Excellent review. I’ve got the Doge 10b stock in silver which I think looks much better. I’ve never heard this version but you did a great job describing the amp. Class A low feedback is the setting that sounds best for sure in my system. My speakers are Canton Vento 7 1st generation with a Denon dcd a100 cd player and a Technics 1500c turntable with achromat, isonoe feet and Nagaoka mp200. Everything you said is spot on. The remote I operate by feel, start from the bottom and feel for the third button up for volume. It plays plenty loud! I listen to mostly classic 60-70’s rock and 50-60’s jazz/blues. Lifelong audiophile at 61 and still with good hearing. You do a terrific job describing equipment. I can see why manufacturers trust you.
Ive watched a few of Thomas's reviews and actually bought my Buchardt S300 Mk2 wirh his review in mind, ive always found him very forthcoming and trustworthy, i also like the fact he reviews some chifi amps which can be more accessible at lower budgets. I didnt appreciate he actually made amps himself, this is impressive and im not surprise the standard is high at the price point. Mullards really are special, would like to hear those. Really thorough review, always love your viewpoints and delivery
owned an se..good review. thomas is awesome. hope he makes 300b amp
He's a very good presenter .so good that it illustrates the hair splitting differences that audiophiles listen for.
this is fine if that's what is interesting to a person but the tendency then becomes to listen to separated individual sounds at the expense of a fully immersive experience where the individual sounds , the sound stage , airiness , highs ,mids , lows , all disappear into a blended whole that is the mysterious thing we call music.
some of my favorite listening experiences , outside of the live performance , came form a late 1960s $300 stereo system . The system provided about ten percent of the input while the brain provided the remaining level of joy .
yes , it MIGHT have sounded even better with a top notch systems , but ?
A really interesting video, where a valve amp challenges how I'd expect it to sound. Thanks
I've got a TS120 SE demo unit in my home right now, too. I'm running a pair of Tekton Moabs in a 13x15' living room in an apartment. Kind of like one of those fools trying to keep an adult tiger in NYC, or something. I'm really enjoying the TS120 and am seriously considering buying the demo unit from Thomas. The only thing I'm slightly hesitant about is actually the sheer bass presence. In my room, with my huge, hyper efficient speakers, the TS120 is a lot of artillery. But I love the sound stage, transparency, depth and space. I already wanted a pair of Townshend Podiums, but I think I'll straight up need them, to keep this combination under control.
In my room, sound stage depth is my biggest weakness, because my speakers are too close to the wall, due to limited space. With solid state amps I've tried, the stage depth stays limited to the confines of my physical room. With the TS120, the performance is still taking place at about the same distance as the speakers, with a little bit more front to back definition. Yet, when I close my eyes, the space AROUND the performance feels like I'm in a MUCH larger room. Like I can hear the stage going back through my front wall, through my bedroom behind that wall and probably beyond. The ceiling likewise disappears and the impact of my closer left wall seems to be lessened. All this, even though the band is still playing between the speakers, if that makes sense.
I also preferred class A and I didn't notice a difference in power draw, so I'm not sure it would actually run any cooler? I preferred sound mode A instead of T, myself. While my upgraded Moabs with their beryllium center tweeters and expensive aftermarket crossovers have loads of resolution either way, I just need all the tightness I can get, to control that bass presence. I'm on the stock tubes and don't have any others to try. Any recommendations to trade a tiny bit of bass quantity for even more tightness and control?
On the far opposite end of the spectrum, I'm still deeply interested in trying out that Technics SU-R1000. It should also have a very holographic sound stage, from what I understand. As well as an even cleaner, more transparent sound. And probably a little less power draw.. But even used, it's a bit beyond what I can justify right now and may turn out to be too lean for my preferences. I wish I could demo one, somehow.
Get an EQ, Schiit makes several nice ones. I use the Lokius.
Great review, Terry, thanks. I've watched quite a number of reviews of this fine tube amp & they have really made me re-consider my very, almost set-in-stone, solid state is easiest to look after; sound bigger & louder; and tube amps are best and almost exclusively are meant mostly for jazz/classical/acoustic music listeners ... Thanks for your, as always, very detailed, informative & most importantly, objective review. Knocked it out the park yet, again, mate! Cheers! *and* all the very best from G. in Japan, (ex-Scotland)
Tubes really aren't as high maintenance as people might think, although some tinkering now and then is needed, but part of the fun for those who like the interaction with their gear. If you are considering a tube amp, I'd highly recommend watching Skunky Design's on RUclips. It's reviews and modifications, along with DIY. Still a really good educational channel to learn to understand tube amps regardless of the brand, it really gets into fine details in a simple to understand manner.👍
You Bet me to it ! 😊thanks Terry ' CLASS A for me all the way ' me
Dynes pair up so good with Galion
My favorite power tubes are 2x Golden lion 2x TAD str8 (kt88) OMG !
And the Mullards kt88 are smooth
Galion is very sentive to tube rolling
Meaning you can change the sound easily '
Id love to see your review of this man 😊
@@christophergaus3996 coming soon ! Rolled threw many many tubes Pre/Power ' hardly no1 mixes power tubes or rolls pretubes !
Terry, a very concise and informative review. I wonder what the combination of this amp and higher efficiency speakers like Tannoy Ardens or Spatial X4's would sound. Plus remember, 90% of the tube amp haters have never heard a tube amp for a long period of time and are all hung up on specs like power ratings. My HiFi journey started out with an old Heathkit SA-2 integrated amp (12wpc EL 84 tubes) that my uncle gave me back in 1972.
I personally love my Galion SE I’m using “stock” Tubes with Paradigm Persona Speakers - Thomas and I had an extensive discussion about which tubes made most sense with my Speakers. I’m mainly running in class A and have played around with sound modes I’ve been on B since it bedded in. At first I thought too much bass - but with some tweaking (I’m running a REL T7x) got the bass about perfect. So I’d recommend too!
Nice speakers you have there. I have a pair of Paradigm Founders and I'm ordering a Galion soon. Do you remember your discussion about tubes with Thomas and why you ultimately chose the stock tubes for your speakers? Did he give you reasons not to bother trying the "upgraded" KT88-Z tubes with your Personas?
Nice speakers you got there =P
I so wish that you could have compared it to the entry version of the TS120.
I think that sound signature would be more to my preference.
Tough to buy something like this without a listen.
Thanks for your in-depth take on it.
I thought that about the sound descriptions too Bob, but that is where the Shuguang tubes come in and deliver the goods :)
Csodálatos remekmű ! Csodaszép lett ,szívesen beraknám a gyűjteményembe itthon 😳☺️🤭😉😜🌷👍🏻
Excellent review Terry! The flexibility of this Galion amplifier is its super power! Seems with enough patience and experience almost anyone should be able to find the sound/character that pleases them. I’ve never seen or heard an amplifier with this amount of diversity and potential,solid state or tube! Thanks for the great review! Truly enjoyed it!❤💕👍🙏🎼🤗
Wow! Thomas has even got you fired up in the UK on this now! Interesting how you refer to the "V" shape sound presentation. In the old days when you could adjust bass, mid, treble, I always cut mid to 50%, full bass and treble. I am a drummer so that probably explains it. i expect this player might be one for me to look at. Did you also rig up the REL subs to it also? I would think that may pair really well.
Yes I did hook up the RELs and talk about this in their review video - they make everything better as you would expect
I'm looking forward to your review of the serafinos! Currently out of my ballpark in terms of price but there are very few reviews of sonus faber speakers out there and I find them very appealing. More in the sonetto price range though for me.
Those new Sonus Faber speakers are ridiculous, i would buy them if i could especially in that red finish. Those paired with something like the Michi X5 might be endgame especially for music
I noticed the Hugo 2 / TT2 in the video. Would you say that Chord DACs have very good synergy with tube amps, although I understand that this is a generalization and exceptions are always present.
I'm usually very skeptical of all this stuff from reviewers/influencers, however this does seem to have some awesome features and usability for those new to tube amplifier's.
So am a thats is why I called the video did not believe it
It may but it only has a one year warranty and none of these reviewers have seemed to mention that.
I have a question a bit outside the main topic: what is the size of Terry’s room? (asking Terry or anyone else who knows since it was probably mentioned elsewhere but I cannot find it).
Thanks.
Excellent review. Try NOS English Mullards VS the Russian made. NOS tubes even RCA and Sylvania should be rewarding.
nos mullard ecc83s gec KT 66s nos would make this amp much better.. And wud last 40 yrs
@pursuitperfectsytem How does it compare to the Diablo 300? which one would you recommend in terms of soundstage? thanks
I would love to have your setup
Thanks Terry, great review as always. I'm thinking about entering into the "valve sound!" since it's a leap I'd like to do sooner or later, and frankly speaking this amplifier could be one of the candidate for "my transiton". I'm not a "replacing tubes" addicted, the opposite, I'd like to listen to music and not to pimp up my audio gear. What do you think; could this be my first tube amp according to what you've stated in this review ? Thanks for the advise.
Great video , sir where can I get small cylinder weight like the one on the Chord 😅
They are all Tungsten Grooves isolation products
@@PursuitPerfectSystem thank you
🙋♂️THANKS TERRY , FOR SHARING YOUR THOUGHTS 🧐 ON THE GALION AND TELLING US BACK STORY…THOMAS PUT ALOT OF EFFORT 😅 TO MAKE IT VERSATILE AND EASY FOR PEOPLE NEW TO TUBE AMPS 💚💚💚
No aliens born in the 50's dropped in for a listen on a fly over...
You would think they are already here with all the green lighting
Will you be reviewing the Sonus faber Serafino speakers? I don't think I have seen them in your room before.
A new listening room.
As Thomas is often making fun of backbreaking heavy gear, I hope that one day he is able to offer an OTL tube amp (without the heavy output transformers).
In my opinion, you need very high efficiency speakers to get the most magic out of a tube amplifier
Is that from experience...?
Or at least an easy (higher) impedance, due to their inherent output resistance.
yeah, itll surprise enthusiast more, its a great sounding earbud
Hi dear, Your review was fantastic very well explained, Where it’s made?? Which Country ?? Thank you so much 🙏 waiting for your reply.
China
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Is this 220 volt
230v this one but it can be made with different voltage for different regions as best I know
Great review, as always. A question though...your comment on the tone controls suggested you might believe them the work of the devil. Many do. But your recent review of the McIntosh had you praising them. Your thoughts please? Cheers.
I didnt say anything bad about tone controls, I simply said we all know what they do, but I preferred not to use them here. With the Mc I had before with the speakers I had at the time with the limitless power of the MC it was a different situation
Great review. One question, when you were talking prices, were you talking Candian dollars or US dollars?
Great question, I am. pretty sure its US Dollars
Tube complement KT 88 2 instead of 4 on your specs. Great review I loved my tube amp but real annoying when one tube goes. Try to find one replacement not easy. So no longer have it.
It does look better in silver
You need to get your hands on a Rogue Chronus Magnum III or a Pharoah. Don't sleep on the phono stage.
What was your run in time
I had the amp playing for a couple of weeks at least
Have you heard of Raven Audio? How does your amp compare.
No and it’s not my amp :)
Is this Galion TS 120SE or Canor Ai 1.10 is better to buy please advise. Which is the Best Buy. I am planning to buy a good one ☝️ I listen to slow rock classic music. What about service support and spare parts availability . Is it 220 volt?? What is tube life hours ??Wait for reply. Thanks 🙏 Do they have dealers in Middle East Bahrain or Dubai. I am in Bahrain.
they are totally different amplifiers with a totally different target sound
Okay 👍 I am a slow rock music listener, treble, midrange , high bass medium. So think class A & AB suits my listening. So I have decided I get Galion TS 120 SE. I using Parasound Pre P6 , Hallo 6 Intergraded amplifier, & power A21+ amplifier. I am enjoying with it Superb.
Thomas, much better than any of those tubes that you've tried are the KT88s made in Czech Republic, by KR Audio. More expensive, but in another level of performance. You shoud try :)
See if they will send me some?
@@PursuitPerfectSystem , If you can, you should :)
Much better than KRAUDIO would b nos GEC KT 66S and Mullard ECC82/3 S would piss all over those JJ efforts.. On another level you should try
unfortunately i can't afford this !
Hey Terry, I’m still pretty upset that Doge has stopped selling direct.
A huge pass for $4.5K for no-name ChiFi branded by Canadian RUclipsr. But great review as always. Thank you.
It’s manufactured by Doge, so not exactly “no name” but still ChiFi, if that’s the important point for you.
@@goodsound4756 For a price-tag attached to it - it is. Thanks for the info.
Let's pay 10 grand with a Canadian American name on it.. U would be happy lol
Re Info:
Doesn’t effect you ❌
Doesn’t affect you ✅
Lovely amp ... but already got very nice Michi amps, otherwise I would try it.
Well, no need for Thomas to get another person to another review anymore due to they all appear to say the same thing for the Galion TS120se.
I find that highly suspicious. Why would reviewers of the same exact product be in agreement on how it sounds?
Must be because the instant noodles I sent them and asking them all to say the samething😂
tube amps are very sensitive to the parts being used in the signal path, like coupling caps and resistors. a look under the hood would have been nice, not one reviewer has done this so far. I think that's highly suspicious.
Yeah it’s a conspiracy, well spotted. If you want to see what’s inside that bad buy one and open it up.
@@PursuitPerfectSystemhahaha you are a comedian as well !
Always aiming to please, aiming being the operative …ask the wife
5K for an integrated amplifier that lacks a balanced input?
You're not going to hear a difference with a balanced input unless you need really long cables. If you want better sound quality, then you'll need to balance the entire component, but that will raise the price significantly. And for it to even work, your sources have to be balanced as well (not just have xlr jacks).
Your description it sounds like it's breaking up about 85-87 DB ummm,
it feels like it's overpriced I'd say about two and a half thousand would be more its realistic price considering what's out there. Is there anybody who has taken the bottom off and anybody done any test on it on RUclips what we need to see! I gather it doesn't have a phone stage and you didn't do any phono tests with it what was the source input just digital
85db + I am referring to and thats driving £22000 speakers, so they show you pretty much everything within reason
Only 1 year warranty…made in China. How long will it last?
Pretty sure its been out for more than a year now so see if anyone is complaining of failures yet
Its a Doge, so no surprise
Doge sounds different than Galion already ab tested with actual switch box and same input signal '
I think Black ice F35 amp KT88 is better value. .
No, he is not. He is a good amp seller. Go see the review with Tharbamar on this amp.
Why buying this tube amp when it sounds more like an SS amp…..doesn’t make any sense to me.
It doesn't sound the same as solid state, I didn't say that at any point,
Same, its SET or SS or go home, nothing in between for me anyway
Lost me at 0:10 into the video. The volume control, when activated from the RC, is moving way too fast. For me, the motor moving the knob should be set at 1/4 that speed. As it is, making very subtle plus/minus changes in volume can only be made by jumping the knob up and down until it eventually lands where you want it. Volume motor speed should be user adjustable.
any slower would be horrendous to use and its no faster than every other amp I have used
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Horrendous? Not at all. I disagree. I've owned amps with that type knob volume motor adjust, but running at a fraction of that speed, and found it much easier to make subtle up/down adjustments. By your own admission, you're a "loud" listener type. You're jumping way up there to begin with. This issue isn't going to be as prominent with you. --YMMV, as they say.
I was thinking if you have super sensitive speakers maybe it could be an issue but I have never had any that sensitive, but I didn't find the remote an issue getting the exact volume I wanted and not all amps and remotes have been like that.
@@PursuitPerfectSystem Well, like I said in my first comment, manufacturers using this type volume control with RC, should provide user adjustable movement speed. Then we'd both be happy.
Imagine the sound with nos gecs mullard.. These wud take amp further.. The amp would have the Mullard magic.. The Gallion with Chinese Russian pap wud die after few hours
The galion is simply a doge tube amp
They are not hiding it, it says so on the back I showed this in the second video clip
It was designed by the same designer as the Doge 10 but they don't sound alike. As I mentioned in the Doge 10 video, 30% of the people would love it, for me, I wanted 95% of the people to like the Galion so that is why I spent 6 months improving the TS120 with custom parts. You cannot modify a Doge10 to sound like a TS120SE because those custom parts cannot be bought by end users. The end result, the Doge 10 is a good amp while the TS120SE, Terry said at normal listening volume, he prefers it over the more than double priced Mcintosh MA352 which is impossible with any version of Doge 10.
Its a shame it has tone controls!
That are by passable?
When an amp shuts off due to over heating, there is an issue of not cooling and over time it will get much worse. If an amp is made RIGHT it will not over heat. I have military grade amps from the 50's far more power than these audiophile tube amps, that never over heat. Most people of the world are not in the KNOW of what the military has designed in secret labs. Fact not open for debate. "military Grade" has been dismissed in marketing since most manufactures CUT CORNERS to keep cost down in construction.
"Those whom cut corners, deserve the shit storm they have coming to them." - 5 Star Generals.
Nobody said it shut off due to overheating because it didn't and I ran it hard for 10+ hours a day many times through the review period, Please dont jump to conclusions, especially when they are wrong. It shut off because I had done things wrong
He is not engineer, so I imagine he find some Chinese engineer to make it for him , most of these Chinese tube amplifier they have very poor Quality transformer.
He spent his time voicing the amp which not all engineers have talent at. If the Transformers were crap the reviews would have heard it. Maybe you should have a listen. 😊
It's essentially a Doge 10 he put his branding on. It's a good quality amp.
Tubes? Archaic, distorted tech. You might as well listen to vinyl.
Seriously , and I mean seriously you don't know what your talking about
Insufferable bla bla bla saying nothing.
42,200 other people were fine with it you can’t pleas every one
Dude you have been sucked in. This $4k amp is no better than the one it was stolen from. The Wilsenton at 1/2 the price.
Had experience with the Wilsenton it sounded nothing like this so I will remove this comment after
Lost interest when I saw those 100 phonos. Keep it simple and be better at what is left.
What 4 inputs and a HT bypass seems on the lesser side to me already