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, have you seen the Old Guy HIFi review of Advance Paris?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfvNZMkQGpU

He looks at build and parts quality as well as sonics.

He has also reviewed Luxman and Galion units.

@pryso - deeply appreciated.  I enjoy his reviews.  I will look at the videos.  I seem to recall watching his AP review and he was pretty positive.

@dxbwineguy - thank you and will check them out as well!

 

I have not personally compared the Laiv DAC's to Denafrips, but I've seen many reviews online that have done the comparison, and the Laiv (both the Harmony and the uDAC) seem to be the darlings of the audiophile community right now.  Personally I'd worry first about the DAC itself and then the streamer after that.  You can keep the Bluesound to stream SiriusXM for now.  Do you also stream one of the high resolution services (e.g., Tidal and Qobuz)?

@bthartman i appreciate the recommendations and I have heard good things about the Laiv DACs. I’ll have to check some reviews. I have been experimenting with Qobuz, but I find it does not do as good a job in recommending new music as say Spotify.  I find that quite challenging. I’ve read Tidal does a better job - I may give that a shot. I like Qobuz a lot though. 

You mentioned SXM having terrible bit rate quality. I also listen to SXM quite a bit via a BS Node 130 + LHY LPS + BlackIce Tube DAC. I also use Qobuz.

SXM SQ is surprisingly good so I’m wondering if it’s your DAC or internet connection? 
 

(they don’t publish their streaming specs)