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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!

ctlesq
ctlesq's avatar
ctlesq OP
79 posts
 

@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!

mihorn
908 posts
 

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

Galion Audio TS34

LUXMAN L 507Z

Advance Paris A12 integrated amp

Wavetouch WT Ultra (upgraded WIIM Amp Ultra) Streamer + DAC + Amp

bluorion
524 posts
 

I don't think you can go wrong with the used Luxman 507z for around $6k---especially since they go for almost $11k new! I bought a demo unit and couldn't be happier. It's a big, heavy, beautiful unit and made in Japan so it's high quality craftsmanship. Good luck and keep us posted.

ctlesq's avatar
ctlesq OP
79 posts
 

@mihorn - I appreciate the links. Lots to watch now. I see there are a bunch of reviews under each as well. Thank you!

@bluorion - absent there being a good reason to go Galion or AP or PrimaLuna (also looking at those) or something else.  For a hot minute, I was looking at Hegel, but I was convinced by a number of reviews that the build was not what I wanted   

Luxman seems to be a no questions asked buy once, cry once and don’t think about it answer.  

I appreciate everyone’s comments.   

bgross's avatar
bgross
530 posts
 

Only you can determine if a sub is needed. I'd only consider one after the amp upgrade. Of what's listed, only the Luxman would be a consideration for me. I'd also try and look at a Plinius Hautonga integrated. They are in that $6K range? Very powerful impactful presentation. Extremely well made and although not a household brand, worth a listen. The only drawback is the company has a very small dealer network. Might be hard to actually demo one in person. GL!

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