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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
rajugsw
246 posts
 

I've ran the Galion Navy with Class D GanFET Amps (Orchard Audio). Having owned BAT VK50-SE, Black Ice F360 & their Aries Tube based Preamps. The Navy is an excellent contender. I haven't heard Advanced Paris or Luxman Tube Preamps in my personal rig. But have heard them at my local audio shop and of course at the countless Audio Shows around the Country. 

For $3400.00 USD. It's a bargoon ! I use an Orchard Audio active RCA to XLR adapter when driving the Orchard Audio Ultra Amps from the Navy Preamp.

I've also used The Galion P75/A75 combo with great success in my rig. But I hate dragging around 40lbs. + Amplifiers, unless that's your thing.

I love the look and feel of all the AP stuff & Luxman is a classic design. 

From your fellow Rush Freak (can't wait for L.A. & Mexico City)

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,967 posts
 

Nothing cheap plastic about Hegel.  Heck,  even the remote is made of steel!

mdalton's avatar
mdalton
810 posts
 

Threenew choices:

- Yamaha YS2200.  $5k, and has internal phono stage that’s prob better than your Cambridge.

Gold Note IS1000 -$5.6k, and is a streaming amp that includes a good dac and a good phono section, so you can get rid of at least two of your other boxes.  I’m a big fan of Gold Note.

Musical Fidelity M6si500 - $5.5k, this is a 500w per channel beast, so you only want to get it if you think you’re gonna replace those speakers with something bigger and harder to drive some day.  

 

 

doyle3433's avatar
doyle3433
388 posts
 

I just pulled the trigger on a Luxman 550axii. I’m awaiting it’s arrival, a bit nervous... It will take turns with a Cary SLI80HS powering Volti Razz. 

As far as subs go, I own a Micro3000 and a PB2000, in my opinion they are a steal. 

avanti1960
1,744 posts
 

@ctlesq 

Your speakers have an impedance value of 3 ohms in the midbass frequencies which can tax the output power of a tube amplifier and make it run out of bass at moderate volume levels.  

My recommendation to you is for a Pass Labs INT-60- should be able to find a used one.  These amps are super emotional and refined and would be a perfect match with your speakers.  Power is robust and good to 2-ohms.  

PS- don't muck up the sound with subwoofers.  Your speakers have decent low end bass.  

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