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!
This open-box Unison Unico Due is worth a look — a hybrid and more established than Advance Paris. From TMR so there’s that nice return option if she doesn’t work out. Here’s a review for an idea of its sound… https://www.hifinews.com/content/unison-research-unico-due-integrated-ampdac |
@ctlesq My original post was on January 1st. I stated Luxman is clearly superior when compared to Advance Paris or Galion which is obvious except to those that sell the other gear. Luxman is not going to add any saturation or feel as you describe it. My advice is consider the Denon 3000ne which can add more warmth and calmness/lower noise floor to your system. The more costly Cambridge Edge A might also prove to be a great match with your Super Linton’s and give that extra emotional sound characteristic you desire. Both these amplifiers are superior in every way to AP or Galion. Don’t be fooled by the "amp" of the month paid reviews type of marketing. |
Reading the post from dayglow, we have to remember the subjective nature of this hobby. Luxman is awesome and so is the price unless you can find a deal on a used one. Nothing blows anything out of the water. The Denon recommended is a great unit, but if going that route, go for a used PMA-A110 110th anniversary model from a year or so again used, virtually the same as the 3000ne which is the replacement after they stopped production on the 110th Anniversary unit. I know I had one of the 110th. I replaced it with a Hegel H400, another awesome piece. But have since replaced it with the Advance Paris A12 Classic, you know ,the over hyped brand. The A 12 is a much smoother amp on my ears, maybe the tubes ....., love listening in the High Bias mode. It is new in the US the last years or so, and getting a lot of reviews because of it. They have been around over 20 years, just not here. So new and reviewed in the US, does not make it over hyped just something new to talk about. Galion is really newer, so again is getting reviews, as it is new, does not make it over hyped, just new. New products in the market are not "amp" of the month , just new, and that is a good thing. AS far a Cambridge, never owned any, but never heard anything bad about them, just another choice. |
@waynefia The "Amp Of The Month" club refers to components that are passed on from reviewer to reviewer with a guarantee of a positive review. Luxman does not loan out gear to just any reviewer. Advance Paris changed branding from Advance Acoustics for a more colorful softer image to jump start sales. Galion started off as rebadged Doge. Neither product is an aspirational brand just a placeholder(for many) until they can purchase something with better sonics, build quality and resale value. |
