2. amps-preamps
  3. 183273-171131

Galion TS120

So this seems to be a bit weird. Thomas Tan from Thomas & Stereo is touting this as his improved version of the Doge 10. He’s having all of his YouTube buddies review the amp.

I’ve checked a number of the forums and I can’t find a single post about this amp. There is a very strange "post" where you would look for the Doge 10 by the co-creator of that amp who seems very upset about the Galion TS120 and the fact that they took the Doge 10 off the market even though the Galion TS120 is almost the same thing.

Ron, from New Record Day, has a video where he compared the Fusion Black Ice F35, the Rogue Cronus Magnum III, the Galion TS120 and the LTA Z40+i with sound samples and a reference. I listened and thought that the LTA was the best with the Galion second although it was a closer second than it should have been given the price differential.

So, anyhow, my questions are whether anyone has bought this or knows about it and/or has some thoughts about it.

 

dz13

Showing 3 responses by calieng

calieng
144 posts
 

I expect Doge10 had supply chain issues for their components or possibly even infringed on some design patent from another company.

Who knows but Thomas is in Canada and seems keen on addressing customer concerns so for those of you who wish please support his start up business.

For me personally and for some feedback, I do not like lots of bells and whistles with tube gear. Keep it simple. That is why I do not buy PrimaLuna with the auto bias. I have seen a similar circuit go haywire in a tube guitar amp and bake the power tubes (Carol Ann Amps).

My flavor of the month is Icon Audio. Yes they have been around for a while and UK based. Really enjoying the 300B and Stereo 40 models. Highly resolving tube amps with simple reliable operation.

calieng
144 posts
 

I am sure it is a very nice amplifier and sounds very good.

But I will never own an auto bias amp ever again (not meaning fixed cathode bias). Or one with a digital control of bias etc.

I would rather not risk a runaway tube if the circuit fails. Or even burning my house down if I forget to turn it off while away and the autobias circuit runs out of control.

Give me a meter and adjustment pots every time or fixed bias. And a set of HT fuses are a nice addition.

Speaking as an engineer and someone who has built many tube amps...even some from scratch.

calieng
144 posts
 

Musictek.com is a USA seller of Cayin. I bought my HA-6A tube headphone amp from them. Good service. 

I only have that one Cayin amp to compare but it seems very well built and has a very detailed sound. Almost solid state resolution.

I am sure their other integrated tube amps are good. Between those and the Icon Audio I went with the latter for my current stereo amps. UK company and I liked the aesthetics better. Similar price range. And highly resolving. They have really high quality transformers with a tertiary winding to reduce noise.

I have the Icon Audio Stereo 40 mkIV and the 300B mkII. You may wish to consider the Stereo 40 mkIV against the CS88A. 

 

 

 

More to discover