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!
@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. |
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! |
@ctlesq I am using the Luxman 509Z in my system their products are really built well. I think the 507Z would be a good match. I don't know too much about the others mentioned. I do know that resell value and build quality probably can't be matched by the others. Hegel reviews well and people like them. I just like the feature set on the Luxman better and 507Z has eight power caps like the 509Z to give it plenty of current to the speakers. |
