@genomeip I have heard very good things about Rel, I will check out your suggestion. Thank you!
@brooklynhifi - deeply appreciate the suggestion as well. I’m going to look at both brands!
Galion vs Luxman vs Advance Paris vs (anything else)
Hi everyone -
I currently have Wharfedale Super Lintons in a 15x21x9 room and have a Cambridge EXA100 integrated amp. I have the DacMagic 200, blue sound nano and CXC CD transport. I also have the Alva Solo and Sansui SR-717.
I have zero issues with the Cambridge equipment- but in the world of music - is anyone ever satisfied?
I’m planning on keeping the Wharfedales.
I’d be curious if anyone has may experiment with either the Galion Mono blocks and the Galion Navy Tube Amplifier? It seems like that would be a sublime combination- just under $6k USD.
On the other hand - Luxman. Everyone seems to love Luxman. I’m thinking of a use 507z. It’s approximately around $6k as well.
Lastly - Advance Paris A12 Apex. I’ve heard the A10 Classic and loved it. Truly beautiful sound. I have to assume the A12 Apex is better. But I did read a review that seemed to indicate the build was less than stellar. That’s about $5k.
Am I missing a different brand that I should be considering?
Long term I would upgrade the DAC and streamer on anything I get out of these three. I’m not trying to solve all the world’s problems in one purchase, but I’m trying to get the best base possible.
I’d say I listen streaming 50%, CD 25% and records 25%.
Musically, I’m interested in Afghan Whigs, The National, and Rush - love them all live.
The term I think of when I listen to music and the sound I’m looking for is: emotional truth. I want to feel it.
If you had any thoughts - including, forget all that go with this, I would be deeply grateful.
Thank you and happy New Year!
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@ctlesq Rel's website has a cool feature where you can search for your speakers, and it will tell you the best Rel sub that matches it's performance. If you don't find your speakers listed, you can always reach out to Rel directly. I have done that twice, and each time I had a senior Rel employee call me directly which was quite a nice touch. I ultimately went against their recommendation due to room considerations and the type of sound I was looking for (they recommended two 1510 Predator subs from their home theater line (what they recommend for all Klipsch Heritage speakers), but I wanted musicality instead and went with the S/510s which was the more expensive option and the better fit for my use case).
Lastly, make sure you have a firm conviction about your intended application before you buy. For example, if you are leaning primarily on sound quality in a 2 channel system as opposed to only occassional home theater use, Rel's Serie S line is a great choice. But, if you want super slam for home theater use, and only occasional 2 channel use, I would recommend their HT line instead. Note their Carbon Special sits in the middle of their S and HT lines and is fully competent with both uses (but that dual utility will cost you significantly). My S/510s are only at 45% power for 2 channel (>98% of their use case), but I need to turn them up to 100% for home theater use (<2% of their use case).
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@ctlesq Whatever sub you choose make sure it's capable of connecting to 'high level input'. This way the subs (hopefully a stereo pair) will fully benifit from the punchy character and dynamics of the new amp you're going to get! Discuss this with SVS tech help live on the phone. One last point would be to set crossover somewhere around 50-60 hz. and don't high pass the speakers. Let the speakers breathe!! Run full signal and let the subs fill in the low end. Your system is good but it will be amazing after these additions. (I will confess that I too have been eyeing the Galion amps.) |
@genomeip - great advice. I tried the sub finder. Liked what I saw, but I think a phone call would be helpful. @gdaddy1 I appreciate your suggestions - and agree a phone call would help. Steve Huff did a really nice write up on the Galion. I’ve watched a few videos. But, those were from the owner of the business and of course he is going to say it’s all the best. But I’m willing to give it a shot. I’d like the next amp to be the amp o own for a while. I so wish I could see/hear this stuff in person. We shall see! |
Below are Galion, Luxman, Advance Paris, and my WT ultra (upgraded WIIM Amp Ultra). WT ultra is all-in-one streamer _ DAC _ Amp. WT ultra and super Linton are all OP needs. No more synergy or cable matching headache. WT ultra comes with an attached Wavetouch power cord. It’s a smart system. Alex/Wavetouch audio Advance Paris A12 integrated amp Wavetouch WT Ultra (upgraded WIIM Amp Ultra) Streamer + DAC + Amp |
- 81 posts total