Thanks Chris, this is one of the most in-depth reviews on the TS120SE I have ever seen. The B-rolls are so good, I am a photographer so I can see you used more than one light. I am glad you had a great time with it.
Hi there Mr. Thomas! I am so happy that you were able to bring both your amps to market and that they are being received so well. I will admit though, when I saw those tone controls I was a bit scared, but it's nice that you can use the switch to defeat them (and I'm guessing completely bypass them) The very best of good success to you sir! 👍
Had an opportunity to see the amp at Axpona ‘23 audio show. My fiancé, she attended the show as well, won’t let me buy it for fear I will spend all my time with the Galion. 😢
For me, a good tube amp rules, and like Kevin Deal, owner of Upscale Audio recently said, he would take a $3,500.00 tube amp over a 50k stack of solid state. I totally agree as long as you have the right speakers. Every solid state amp I have heard sounds dead, as in not alive, like a good tube amp. Good choice Thomas.
The Tung-Sol KT120's and 150's have serious quality control issues. Very few perform at their rated specs; therefore, the extra power output you should get exists only in theory. I would stick with KT88's or better yet Electro Harmonix 6550's.
This is the most thorough review I've seen on this amp. This will be my next amp. I'm saving my money. Thanks Chris and thanks Thomas for bringing it to market.
Still using an arcam a80 for my fronts but i wonder how i will be blown away when i take the next step to this tube amp. I always wanted a tube amp and this seems to be unbeatable at this price range. It's gorgeous.
I have this amp and I've now settled with class a/b and tone b with my Harbeth P3ers 40th anniversary. I've also tried both taps as Harpeth's are rated at 6 ohms. I settle with the 8 ohms as the 4 ohms sounded less detailed to me. Thanks for a great review and this amp is something special. Just make sure you have a friend to help lift this as it is massive!
I have a few questions I hope someone can help me with. Where is it made, what is the warranty, and where do you get it serviced? My fear is that I find out that like my Wilsenton R6, that cheap components like caps and resistors will fail after a year or two.
If you never heard a tube amp and are hesitant in spending thousands then the Willsenton R8 is a fantastic tube amp at around £600-700. It uses kt88 tubes as the Galion. Performance wise, this amp is a beast. I have the Musical Fidelity M5si solid-state that cost £1800, this £600 tube amp was just better. No bull. My partner preferred the cheaper amp. Tubes provides a holographic, involving experience, solid-state, in my opinion, just can't provide. Not saying there aren't any solid-states that can't replicate this euphoric experience, but I am not willing to spend £10,000 to find out. Check out Thomas & Stereo, the man behind the voicing of the Galion amp, he uploaded a review of the Willsenton R8, as have every other You-tuber. Everyone loves this amp, for good reason. The performance-cost ratio is ridiculously good value. I have lived with the R8 for nearly 3 years now. The Galion is one of many amps on my shortlist. The other three are Naim (solid-state), Audio note (tubes) and Synthesis (tubes). All these amps are more than £4k, just demonstrates the value performance Willsenton offers at under £700 or whatever the price is currently.
I picked up a used Bob Carver Magic 25 tube amp on the used market for $1,100. The tubes for swapping will cost you more but you can pick those up incrementally. Great smaller tube amp so far
Good to see you back. Great video and review. I could afford it I would have already ordered one. I would probably go with the standard version because I like warmer,heavier sounds from my amps. I don't care if it's accurate but I like bass and the tone controls are great to see. Now for your gripes. I always turn the volume down when I shut my system down so volume return is useless to me. You know you bought a great piece when the remote can be used as a deadly weapon,so no issue here. The bright lights would bother me though. I have heard of people using a marker on the light to dim it or I have used transparent paint but it takes many layers to get it where you want it. I think I would like this amp.
Great review Chris! I purchased the TS120 a few months ago and continue to be drawn it to the soundstage and holographic nature. It's added an new dimension to records I've listened to and owned for decades. I eventually swapped out the PSVanes for Mullards but not because of any issues with the PSVanes but simply because I've always been a fan of Mullards (both NOS and new prod).
Mullard is NOT mullad but the brand name was bought by the Russians as some other famouis brands of the past ............buying illusions......even if some are good but never as good as the brand name was respected for .
One of the best presented reviews I’ve ever watched! Just language used correctly to describe a component. Thank you for that. I think Thomas brings products that are a true cut above. I can’t think of one more thing to say about this amplifier. Well done!
Outstanding review Chris. Thank you. Love the amp and sound. Friend of ours has a TS120 with the upgraded KT88-Z tubes. It is a beautiful sound. All the best Chris Be safe Rod
Go Blue! Love your channel and reviews. I’ve been wanting to get my hands one one of these to demo. If you’re a SE Michigan local we should have a chat. I have four systems at my house with a bunch of gear you might want to do reviews on for your channel.
Best beard in vinyldom. Ha, thanks for the review buddy. That is a smart amp. The ability to choose with ease class and bias is very tempting. Always great vids.
of course you will find another product that compares at this price point at the tube realm--the doge 10 ($2k), which has the same game changing "class and biasing possibilities." because the galion TS 120, made and designed by doge, is an upgraded and rebranded doge 10mk3 silver edition. you can read this on the doge 10 webpage. this is known in the hifi world. if u didnt know this, then you didnt do your due diligence. if u did, then u need to include this in the review and modify your presentation of this amp.
The Doge website is sadly a host of misinformation. It's a long, drawn-out story I won't go into here because it's not my place but you can rest assured that the Galion is a major leap forward from the Doge.
Great video my friend. Hope the year has been treating you well. Agree with you big time on the blue leds. I like to listen in the dark or very low, light and they are jarring.
@@thevinylattack I found some tinted crafting taps that works for me. Cut a tinny piece. Put it over the leg. I can still seen the colour change. It’s red tinted so you get a more subtle purple. If you’re are keeping the amp might be an idea. Looking forward to more tube amp videos in the future.
@@thevinylattack Thanks for the info. I was wondering whether to procure the tube guard or not. It sounds like it is a good idea, especially with my klutzy teenagers around.
@@Bob_Betker Unless you're worried about people touching the amp, I'd go without. It's not going to shield inanimate objects from the heat any more than not having the guard.
You don't know what you are talking about ........I think you are one of the many new experts in sound reproductrion..........without the knowledge nor the experience of the past .
Thanks Chris, this is one of the most in-depth reviews on the TS120SE I have ever seen. The B-rolls are so good, I am a photographer so I can see you used more than one light. I am glad you had a great time with it.
Hi there Mr. Thomas! I am so happy that you were able to bring both your amps to market and that they are being received so well. I will admit though, when I saw those tone controls I was a bit scared, but it's nice that you can use the switch to defeat them (and I'm guessing completely bypass them) The very best of good success to you sir! 👍
@@latheofheaven Thanks and there will be a few more new products coming soon.
Had an opportunity to see the amp at Axpona ‘23 audio show. My fiancé, she attended the show as well, won’t let me buy it for fear I will spend all my time with the Galion. 😢
I absolutely enjoyed my time with the amp. Thanks again for thinking of me for a review.
@@epi2045 Pretty hard to beat that Sexy Galleon...
If Trump gets elected, I will buy one. ;-)
For me, a good tube amp rules, and like Kevin Deal, owner of Upscale Audio recently said, he would take a $3,500.00 tube amp over a 50k stack of solid state. I totally agree as long as you have the right speakers.
Every solid state amp I have heard sounds dead, as in not alive, like a good tube amp. Good choice Thomas.
@@KillianMcBride Oh but I have. Have you heard a good tube amp? Like a really good one?
Condolences on your loss, Chris.
Thank you.
The Tung-Sol KT120's and 150's have serious quality control issues. Very few perform at their rated specs; therefore, the extra power output you should get exists only in theory. I would stick with KT88's or better yet Electro Harmonix 6550's.
Ironically, to many, a transistor is a toilet.
This is the most thorough review I've seen on this amp. This will be my next amp. I'm saving my money. Thanks Chris and thanks Thomas for bringing it to market.
I'm glad you found it helpful.
I like the sky blue LEDs, but I am all for a dimmer. LEDs are so loud in any color
A dimmer would be a brilliant feature for all products with LED's in my opinion.
I too get distracted by the LEDs on amps. My cronus has a similar light, thankfully only one.
I find it occurring more and more these days.
is the galion just another distortion machine? or, have they found a way around the limitations of a tube design?
Maybe you should watch the review.
Looks like Stalinist architecture.
hahahaha..............most funny commet of the day !
Nice to have you back. Looks like a nice upgrade option for my next tube amp.
It's a fine amp indeed.
Still using an arcam a80 for my fronts but i wonder how i will be blown away when i take the next step to this tube amp. I always wanted a tube amp and this seems to be unbeatable at this price range. It's gorgeous.
It's certainly a different world in terms of sound. There's just nothing quite like tubes.
I have this amp and I've now settled with class a/b and tone b with my Harbeth P3ers 40th anniversary. I've also tried both taps as Harpeth's are rated at 6 ohms. I settle with the 8 ohms as the 4 ohms sounded less detailed to me. Thanks for a great review and this amp is something special. Just make sure you have a friend to help lift this as it is massive!
Nice, thanks for sharing!
It was certainly a chore to move this beast around for the b-roll.
I have a few questions I hope someone can help me with. Where is it made, what is the warranty, and where do you get it serviced? My fear is that I find out that like my Wilsenton R6, that cheap components like caps and resistors will fail after a year or two.
I would ask Thomas directly for that information. He'd be your best bet.
Go BLUE ! Hope to see you around the Metro Detroit area. I'm attending a Focal+Naim launch party in Farmington Hills Oct 4th that should be fun.
Where will this launch party be? I’m in White Lake and would love to attend.
I'd imagine Paulson's would be the spot. It's the only place I can think of in that area.
Subscribed! New fan, great channel.
Welcome aboard!
Superb content and delivery. Really good. Thank you.
I appreciate the kind words.
the odds are high that i’ll never so much as hear a tube amp 😢
I'd make a concerted effort. I think you'll find it worth your while.
Plenty of them out there, from a few dollars, to tens of thousands of dollars. Parts Express has some decent little units for around $100.
If you never heard a tube amp and are hesitant in spending thousands then the Willsenton R8 is a fantastic tube amp at around £600-700. It uses kt88 tubes as the Galion. Performance wise, this amp is a beast. I have the Musical Fidelity M5si solid-state that cost £1800, this £600 tube amp was just better. No bull. My partner preferred the cheaper amp. Tubes provides a holographic, involving experience, solid-state, in my opinion, just can't provide. Not saying there aren't any solid-states that can't replicate this euphoric experience, but I am not willing to spend £10,000 to find out. Check out Thomas & Stereo, the man behind the voicing of the Galion amp, he uploaded a review of the Willsenton R8, as have every other You-tuber. Everyone loves this amp, for good reason. The performance-cost ratio is ridiculously good value. I have lived with the R8 for nearly 3 years now. The Galion is one of many amps on my shortlist. The other three are Naim (solid-state), Audio note (tubes) and Synthesis (tubes). All these amps are more than £4k, just demonstrates the value performance Willsenton offers at under £700 or whatever the price is currently.
I picked up a used Bob Carver Magic 25 tube amp on the used market for $1,100. The tubes for swapping will cost you more but you can pick those up incrementally. Great smaller tube amp so far
Great review! I would like to hear the preamp section with Thomas's new power amp.
As would I.
Good to see you back. Great video and review. I could afford it I would have already ordered one. I would probably go with the standard version because I like warmer,heavier sounds from my amps. I don't care if it's accurate but I like bass and the tone controls are great to see. Now for your gripes. I always turn the volume down when I shut my system down so volume return is useless to me. You know you bought a great piece when the remote can be used as a deadly weapon,so no issue here. The bright lights would bother me though. I have heard of people using a marker on the light to dim it or I have used transparent paint but it takes many layers to get it where you want it. I think I would like this amp.
It sounds like the standard version might be just what you're looking for.
Condolences.
Thank you.
The opening of this video. If this was your spouse. My condolences 😢
Great review Chris! I purchased the TS120 a few months ago and continue to be drawn it to the soundstage and holographic nature. It's added an new dimension to records I've listened to and owned for decades. I eventually swapped out the PSVanes for Mullards but not because of any issues with the PSVanes but simply because I've always been a fan of Mullards (both NOS and new prod).
Mullard is NOT mullad but the brand name was bought by the Russians as some other famouis brands of the past ............buying illusions......even if some are good but never as good as the brand name was respected for .
It's a fantastic amp for sure.
First time I have visited your site, very impressed.
I'm glad to hear it.
Terrific review! I would love an opportunity to redesign the front layout/appearance of this amp... and then buy it.
THANKS CHRIS 🤗…FOR THE DETAILED …
NO-NON SENSE REVIEW OF THOMAS’ AMP …showing IMHHO This is the best time to be an AUDIOPHILE 👍💚💚💚
My pleasure.
One of the best presented reviews I’ve ever watched! Just language used correctly to describe a component. Thank you for that. I think Thomas brings products that are a true cut above. I can’t think of one more thing to say about this amplifier. Well done!
Wow, thanks!
Outstanding review Chris. Thank you. Love the amp and sound. Friend of ours has a TS120 with the upgraded KT88-Z tubes. It is a beautiful sound.
All the best Chris
Be safe
Rod
I'm glad you liked it.
One question, is this Omnitronic BD-1350 turntable good to start with? thank you louis
I've never heard of it, so I can't really say.
Very nice amp - absolutely. Definitely something I'd consider for my tube amp option.
It's certainly worth your consideration.
Great review!!! I will compare with my PreAmp Tube harmonics one day Having multiple listening areas I need low overhead
I'm glad you liked it.
Go Blue! Love your channel and reviews. I’ve been wanting to get my hands one one of these to demo. If you’re a SE Michigan local we should have a chat. I have four systems at my house with a bunch of gear you might want to do reviews on for your channel.
I appreciate the offer. Hopefully we can make something happen down the line.
Why separate em.. I combined em.. Yup solid state + tubes = heaven is it?... peace!
They can certainly work together.
Best beard in vinyldom. Ha, thanks for the review buddy. That is a smart amp. The ability to choose with ease class and bias is very tempting. Always great vids.
It's such a useful and well thought out feature.
Thank you for showing the metric system while talking about the amp!
No worries. I try to be as thorough as I can.
DISGUSTING INKO
Uhhhhhhhhh, what?
I've been to Michigan
Outstanding review ! Thank you
Thank you. I appreciate you watching.
of course you will find another product that compares at this price point at the tube realm--the doge 10 ($2k), which has the same game changing "class and biasing possibilities."
because
the galion TS 120, made and designed by doge, is an upgraded and rebranded doge 10mk3 silver edition.
you can read this on the doge 10 webpage.
this is known in the hifi world.
if u didnt know this, then you didnt do your due diligence.
if u did, then u need to include this in the review and modify your presentation of this amp.
The Doge website is sadly a host of misinformation. It's a long, drawn-out story I won't go into here because it's not my place but you can rest assured that the Galion is a major leap forward from the Doge.
seems pretty cut and dry. whats the misinformation,@@thevinylattack? u dont think doge designed and built it?
@@ceylonmooney It's a complicated situation that I'm not going to get into. That's why I didn't bring it up in the review.
Great video my friend. Hope the year has been treating you well. Agree with you big time on the blue leds. I like to listen in the dark or very low, light and they are jarring.
I tend to listen in a dimly lit room as well most of the time. Maybe in the second version it'll have a dimming option.
@@thevinylattack I found some tinted crafting taps that works for me. Cut a tinny piece. Put it over the leg. I can still seen the colour change. It’s red tinted so you get a more subtle purple. If you’re are keeping the amp might be an idea. Looking forward to more tube amp videos in the future.
Ive never heard a tube amp only for a guitar
You should see if you can find one to demo in your area.
🙏🏽🙏🏽
Awesome. You had me at Neil Peart photo
Good!
Great review. I am very impressed with the amp. One thing I was wondering about was how hot did the unit run in Class A mode? Thanks.
I didn't measure the heat, but you could certainly feel it from a couple of feet away.
@@thevinylattack Thanks for the info. I was wondering whether to procure the tube guard or not. It sounds like it is a good idea, especially with my klutzy teenagers around.
@@Bob_Betker Unless you're worried about people touching the amp, I'd go without. It's not going to shield inanimate objects from the heat any more than not having the guard.
Classic tech? No. That is archaic tech. Just like vinyl, it has inherent distortion. It was great in it's day though.
You don't know what you are talking about ........I think you are one of the many new experts in sound reproductrion..........without the knowledge nor the experience of the past .
@@frankgeeraerts6243that’s maybe kind of overstating the case, no offense
it seems pretty clear that many people enjoy these distortions, and music is an entertainment medium, soooo
Tell me you didn't watch the review without telling me you didn't watch the review...
Great video!!!
Thank you!
Who was Karin ?
Someone who was important in Chris' life, I would say?
Enjoyed this review!
Awesome, thank you!
excellent review!
Thanks!