I'm not going to say a whole lot. I have followed Thomas and his reviews for years. His passion for being an audiophile shows through on his reviews I think. Anyway, I owned a Fisher 400 for many years, which I loved, but this amp is a major step up. Sound is amazing and reaching the holographic surround that we're looking for as audiophile. They make these SourcePoint 8 speakers sound even better. I had looked at other amps, but at this price point, you can't get any better. And I'm very picky!!
Compared to my solid state integrated which originally cost almost the same, the TS120se is a league above. Depth, detail, texture and timbre throughout the frequency range are outstanding along with real dynamics that bring drama to the music. Bass is strong from this valve amp, and ultimately proved to be too much for me in my small listening room. If I had smaller, more room appropriate speakers I think it would be fine, but I love them too much! Thomas has brought the much needed concept of value to the hi-fi business; with the important addition of strong customer service which is usually the trade-off. I'm really looking forward to trying his other amplifiers and finding my 'endgame'.
I have been listening to the following 2X2 configurations for the sake of comparison
1. Amps: TS120SE vs. Vincent SV-237 MK II
2. Speakers: Klipsch RF-7 III vs. Elysian 4s
Observations
1: Klipsches win hands down regardless of the amp
2. SV-237 drives the Klipsches very nicely BUT the TS120SE is simply MAGICAL!!!
3. TS120SE has suddenly opened up - I started YouTube on the tv, driving the nad using hdmi arc and the ts120se amp from the nad’s pre out. Even after accounting for volume variations in YT videos, I had to set up the nad volume at -20 while the ts120se vol is set to 9 o clock (just as Thomas had suggested) and it’s a robust sound (if not too loud)!
4. Musically, TS120se seems like an amp for hours of listening without fatigue (it keeps the Elysian 4 also in check, given that it’s a very unforgiving speaker)
5. Overall, TS120se sounds better than sv-237 MK II across all genres of music I’ve sampled so far. It definitely handles the Elysian much, much better than the sv-237.
Last, but not the least - I ordered it on Galion website and it arrived in 8 days
I was looking for my end game amplifier and the TS-120 seemed to be the one. I’ve had this amp for a couple of months now and I like every thing about it - great sound good features. I did have a problem with the remote failing but Thomas sent a new replacement right away. . Thank you Thomas for the great customer service I can’t ask for anything more. This amp is a keeper!
Such a fun endeavor Thomas has chosen in voicing and marketing this wonderful TS-120 amplifier. Just a few days ago, I received one that I bought for an 81-year-old friend to replace his ancient and ailing McIntosh system. I’ve set it up in my system and all the positive adjectives that have been bandied about regarding this TS-120 are true – well short of break-in. For my audio history, I’ve had many ways of “getting to the music†on the input side of the audio equation – including 2 & 4 track reel to reel tapes; a Shure V15VxMR cartridge digging out the signal from a nine pound platter; the 44.1khz. and 96khz offerings streamed from Apple music; and the FM waves of WJZZ Detroit pulled in from my old trusty Harmon Kardon analogue tuner.
Now, with Thomas’ ST-120, I can have six ways of tailoring these music delivery components on the output side – if only for a few more days.
As for appearance, I’ll only add this: Get the tube cage! It will protect the tubes and all creatures large and small that may come in contact with them. In addition, this cage’s open design allows great viewing of the glowing bottles.
There’s been a fair share of push back over the TS-120 blue led indicator lamps. Let me add this small caveat – If you are considering a Gzlozone EAR 834 phono stage clone, it has a matching blue led.
Lastly, I was very touched by Thomas’ warm and personalized service during the ordering process.
Galion TS120 Tube Integrated Amp
Although the Galion TS120 is a full tube amp, it has the strengths of both a tube and a solid state amp. For example, It has the smoothness and airy holographic soundstage of a tube amp but at the same time the speed, control, dynamics, and bass of a solid-state amp. Truly giving you the best of both worlds.
Class A or Class AB
The TS120 Includes patented technology that allows the user to choose between high current class A mode or high wattage class AB mode. This is different than most amplifiers on the market that can only choose between triode or ultra-linear mode. In class A, you will get to enjoy that linear midrange that is unique to class A. In class AB, you will get more power resulting in a more authoritative bass.
Tight Control and Dynamic Bass
Unlike other tube amplifiers, the TS120 excels in dynamic contrast and bass control to the point that it can rival or surpass many solid-state amplifiers. This is possible thanks to its beefy transformers as well as its design. There is a saying, the heavier the amplifier is, the more powerful it is. The TS120 weighs 32 kg because it uses a very powerful transformer. You will have a hard time finding another tube amplifier that uses four KT88s weighing the same.
Compared to most tube amplifiers on the market, the TS120 not only has double the capacitors but also each capacitor has double the capacity. One of the problems with too much bass is that it can sound 'one note'. This is true with solid-state or tube amp. With the TS120, you will not have this problem. Not only is the bass dynamic, controlled, punchy, and fast, it is extremely nuanced. You will not find another tube amplifier with this capability without spending significantly more.
Wide Holographic 3D Soundstage
One thing that will quickly catch your attention with the TS120 is the soundstage. Even compared to other tube amplifiers on the market, the TS120 is extremely airy, layered and holographic. Not all tube amplifiers can create an airy 3D soundstage, but with the TS120, you will surely get one.
High Quality Build
The Galion has many quality components that you don’t usually find in amplifiers of this price bracket.
Jupiter, Solen, Clarity capacitors and custom Japanese Alps volume control are just a few examples of our commitment to quality. The unit itself is solidly built and beautiful.
Tone Control
The Galion was built with the philosophy of 'music first' in mind. Not all recordings are perfect and we want you to enjoy not just the best-recorded music but all YOUR music. The TS120 tone control is unlike other products that, for example, affect the 10kHz frequency. Our tone control was designed specifically to minimize sibilance. This feature, unique to the TS120, was achieved by carefully selecting the frequency to affect when using the tone control.
No Listening Fatigue
The biggest challenge all audiophiles face is listening fatigue. One of the missions of the TS120 was to build an amp with no listening fatigue. Many months were spent on voicing the TS120 to make sure it has the best balance between having the right amount of detail and the right amount of brightness. Although the TS120 has very good measurements, the final tuning was all done by ear.
Standard or Special Edition?
The TS120 and the TS120 SE (Special Edition) are voiced slightly differently. The TS120 standard edition gives a slightly warmer sound with punchier bass, while the TS120 SE is more ‘neutral’ with a more nuanced bass. The TS120 SE has a smoother midrange while the standard edition has more texture in the upper midrange. The TS120 standard edition uses a combination of Solen and Clarity capacitors while the special edition uses a combination of two types of Jupiter capacitors as well as top-of-the-line Clarity capacitors. Given the standard edition has a punchier bass, it is a more fun amp to listen to. The special edition is better for those who prefer a smoother midrange as well as a more balanced presentation.
Auto Bias Without Sacrificing Sound Quality.
Biasing the TS120 is simple. Just press a few buttons and the TS120 will bias itself using a microprocessor. We have made the experience extremely easy without sacrificing sound quality. To preserve maximum fidelity, the TS120 auto bias circuit was designed to be completely outside of the signal path. Although we could have designed the auto bias feature to be 'fully automatic', we were not willing to compromise on sound quality. We believe our current solution is the best balance between ease of use and maximum sound quality.
High Power Output Tubes
Our company vision is to deliver the best possible sound without compromise and this was our guiding light when we were designing the TS120. We could have chosen to support a wide range of output tubes. While that might have been great for marketing, it would not have provided the optimal configuration for each type of output tube. Our final product would therefore not have produced the best possible sound. For that reason, the TS120 has been designed to support high-power output tubes only. Compromising on sound quality is not an option. The proof is in the performance, and the TS120 delivers.
The Galion Story
As someone who has been speaking French for almost 40 years, French is part of my identity and that is why I have chosen Galion Audio as the company name. Galion is French for Galleon and it was chosen to represent how I see music in my life. Life can be calm and rough like the sea but music will always carry us through. I sincerely believe most people will be able to relate.
The Galion TS120 project started in 2021 in collaboration with Doge. I once asked Mr. Liu, the lead designer at Doge, what kind of tube-integrated amp could he build if he had no budget constraints. What started as a simple conversation ended up as a project that brought the Galion TS120 to life. With a higher budget, Mr. Liu with over 30 years of experience working for many big companies designing amplifiers was finally able to build the best tube-integrated amp he could. Mr. Liu made many interesting design decisions that were unheard of in an amplifier in this price bracket. His efforts yielded impressive results. For example, by giving the TS120 preamp and power amp a dedicated power supply, the bass of the TS120 has improved to the point it can compete with many solid-state amplifiers! However, what made this project special for me was the fact that I voiced the TS120. Although it took a lot of time, I was finally able to achieve the sound I wanted with the help of many experts. It was not an easy task and not straightforward. For example, to voice the TS120 special edition, Jupiter Condenser company had to build capacitors for me that they had not even brought to market! This is your chance to own one of the most versatile high performing tube amplifiers on the market.
Galion Audio Inc was incorporated in 2022 and has its headquarters in Quebec, Canada.
Gallery
Galion Audio Inc
TS120 Special Edition Amplifier
Specifications
|
Measurement Value |
Measurement Value |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A RMS Power | 30W+30W | Frequency Response (30W) | 12Hz - 80kHz |
| Class AB RMS Power | 50W+50W | Frequency Response (50W) | 17Hz - 65kHz |
| Class A Max Power | 75W+75W | Input Impedance | 50K Ω |
| Class AB Max Power | 100W+100W | SNR | ≥90dB |
| Class A Distortion THD (1kHz/30W) |
≤0.15% | Line Input Sensitivity | 420mV |
| Class AB Distortion THD (1kHz/30W) |
≤0.25% | HT Input Sensitivity | 1.5V |
| Class AB Distortion THD (1kHz/50W) |
≤0.25% | Supported Output Tubes | 6550, KT88, KT120 |
| Damping Factor Class A (Sound A) |
10.8 | Standard Tube Complement | 2 – 12AX7, 2 – 12AT7, 4 – KT88 |
| Damping Factor Class AB (Sound A) |
9.3 | Dimensions | 17" x 14.1" x 8.3" (43cmx36cmx21cm) |
| Damping Factor Class A (Sound B) |
6.5 | Shipping Dimensions | 20.5" x 17.7" x 13" (53cmx45cmx33cm) |
| Damping Factor Class AB (Sound B) |
5.6 | Weight | 65 lbs (30kg) |