I have the Advance Paris A10 driving KLH Model Five speakers and love it. The tube preamp and solid state combination sounds so good. It also looks beautiful. The A12 just adds even more power. If you’ve heard this amp and your ears liked it, it is probably because you appreciated the warm tone of a tube preamp. The Luxman is of course an amazing amp but will be more neutral. It lacks a lot of connectivity the A12 has like HDMI for a TV, etc. So it comes down to whether you appreciate the tonality of the A12 and its features or the pure neutrality of the Luxman. For the price the A10 or A12 can’t be beat.
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!
- ...
- 81 posts total
| Post removed |
@3fingerbrown yes, I was really impressed when I heard the A10 and the lintons. Just a beautiful match. I’m hoping the dealer in my area may have the A12 for me to audition. That’s probably the best option for me to hear any of these choices before purchasing. edit: Any observations on build quality? |
@ctlesq Of the 3 amps you mentioned Luxman clearly supersedes Advance Paris or Galion in all aspects of what is desirable in an audio component. |
- 81 posts total