I wouldn’t give up on the Gold Note if Icwere you. Better dac than yours, prob better streaming, and definitely better phono stage. There’s an IS1000 deluxe - which has an even better dac, on sale at The Music Room for $5.5k, which is $1k. It’s a return that was never taken out of box.
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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- 81 posts total
Hi OP IMOH, i would skip on the Galion and just go with Luxman (used) and add a 2x Rel subs. for me REL are fast and integrates well. specially with the Linton's and Lux are highly regarded amps, and I have heard them. I have heard the Galion from a friend, and they are very good. but not compared to the Lux good luck |
@joeycastillo thank you! |
I have owned the Advanced Paris A12 Classic for 3 years and am very happy. Replaced a McIntosh amp. The Apex look even better but I am not ready to fiddle. I do not see more used Advanced Paris on the secondary market than other brands.... I do see the Advanced Paris for sale NEW in places like Ebay and that is because the dealer network for Advanced Paris is very limited. Just my experience here....best of luck. |
THE Most important thing is to personally subjectively love the sound in one’s audio chain, so if @ctlesq loves the AP amp, likely best to stop there. AP prices also look reasonable. |
- 81 posts total