Experience Every Detail in Your Music
The Galion TS A20, a brainchild of Fabien Tremblay from Quebec, represents a collaboration with Galion to bring forth a top-tier Class A 20w push-pull power amplifier, meticulously crafted in Canada. Distinguished by its unparalleled resolution, the TS A20 offers an auditory experience like no other, unveiling previously unnoticed nuances across treble, midrange, and bass frequencies. Its exceptional performance is further complemented by a rich, full-bodied midrange, a hallmark of Class A amplifiers, setting a new standard in audio fidelity.
Sound Characteristics
The Galion TS A20 Class A power amplifier excels in delivering a highly detailed treble with an extended decay, creating a sense of spaciousness and airiness. The midrange is a true hallmark of Class A amplification, offering a unique blend of body, clarity, and smoothness while maintaining that linearity common to class A amplifiers. Surprisingly, the TS A20 also offers tight, strong, and nuanced bass, a feature not commonly associated with Class A amps. The soundstage is impressively airy, rivaling many tube amplifiers. Perhaps most unexpected is the amplifier's dynamic contrast; despite its modest 20W output, the TS A20 provides some of the best dynamic range available in its price category, outperforming many Class A, AB, and D amplifiers. This class A amp sounds like a true class A which is characterized by a linear lower mid upper bass.
400k microfarads Capacitance!
The TS A20 amplifier stands out from most amplifiers on the market with its massive 400,000 microfarad capacitor bank, dwarfing the typical 40,000 microfarad capacitance found in other amps. This ingenious design allows the A20 to connect to such a high capacitor bank without any stability issues.Despite having a modest 20 watt power rating, the A20's substantial capacitor reserve enables it to deliver exceptional bass performance and dynamics that surpass expectations for an amplifier of its size. The simple yet innovative design leverages this immense capacitance to achieve a level of low-end response and transient fidelity rarely seen in amplifiers of this class.In summary, the TS A20 defies conventional wisdom by harnessing a capacitor bank an order of magnitude larger than the norm, translating to bass reproduction and dynamics that punch well above the amp's weight class.
Holographic 3D Soundstage
The TS A20 amplifier employs a current feedback design, setting it apart from the majority of amplifiers on the market, which typically use voltage feedback designs. One of the key strengths of this design is its exceptional soundstage. The TS A20 delivers a 3D, airy soundstage that is unparalleled by many amplifiers within its price range.
Exotic Capacitors
The TS A20 amplifier stands out in its price range by incorporating exceptionally high-end capacitors, a feature rarely seen at this level. While most amplifiers use capacitors priced between $2 and $30, the TS A20 utilizes capacitors that retail for over $400 USD. This amplifier includes three main capacitors, each contributing uniquely to its superior sound quality.
Firstly, the USA-made Jupiter copper foil paper and wax capacitor is renowned for its natural tone. Secondly, the Jupiter VitaminQ capacitor, also made in the USA, is celebrated for producing an exceptionally lush midrange. Lastly, the Jupiter Vintage tone capacitor enhances the depth of the soundstage. The synergy of these three capacitors results in the TS A20 delivering a highly resolving, smooth midrange with a profound soundstage.
Quality Components
The TS A20 is the result of our unwavering commitment to excellence, where every detail matters and quality is paramount. We've gone the extra mile to source only the finest components for this masterpiece. Take, for instance, the RCA inputs and speaker connectors. These aren't your run-of-the-mill, budget-friendly options you might find on AliExpress. Instead, we've opted for the superior CMC connectors, meticulously imported from Taiwan, to ensure unparalleled quality and performance.Our dedication to excellence didn't stop there. We embarked on an exhaustive testing journey, experimenting with connectors made of rhodium, silver, copper, and bronze. Our goal was simple: to identify and select the absolute best, leaving no stone unturned in our quest for perfection. This meticulous approach underscores our philosophy that cutting corners is not an option when it comes to delivering top-tier components.We're also proud to say that our commitment to quality extends beyond the product itself to its presentation. The packaging box, designed and manufactured right here in North America, is a testament to our dedication to supporting local craftsmanship and ensuring that every aspect of the TS A20 reflects our no-compromise philosophy.
Reliability and Longevity
Class A amplifiers are known for their exceptional sound quality, but they also generate significant amounts of heat due to their design principle of keeping the output devices conducting at all times. This heat can potentially degrade components over time and reduce the amplifier's lifespan if not properly managed. We have engineered the TS A20 amplifier with a focus on longevity and performance. The amplifier features an oversized chassis that provides ample surface area for effective heat dissipation. This design choice ensures that the heatsinks operate at a moderate temperature of around 45°C (113°F) under normal operating conditions, rather than reaching high temperatures that could compromise the amplifier's reliability.In addition, we have carefully selected high-quality components during the manufacturing process. This attention to detail not only contributes to the amplifier's sonic excellence but also enhances its durability and lifespan. We believe that a well-designed Class A amplifier should deliver exceptional audio performance while ensuring years of reliable service for our customers. The TS A20 embodies this philosophy, combining meticulous engineering with premium components to create a product that stands the test of time.
An Amplifier for Life
The TS A20 amplifier includes a two-year warranty, but it is engineered for a lifetime of use. A common issue with servicing amplifiers over extended periods is the discontinuation of certain parts. To address this, we have stocked additional components for the TS A20, ensuring that it remains serviceable for years to come.
ThomasAndStereo
TS A20 Power Amplifier
TS A20 Poweramp Specifications
| Value | |
| RMS Power 8 ohm | 20W + 20W |
| RMS Power 4 ohm | 35W + 35W |
| Frequency Response (-0.5dB) | 14Hz - 160 KHz |
| Input Impedance | 100K |
| Gain | 13 |
| 4W Distortion THD+N | <0.007% |
| 10W Distortion THD+N | <0.02% |
| 15W Distortion THD+N | <0.03% |
| Damping Factor | 60 |
| Total Capacitance | 406000 uF |
| Maximum Current | 15A (Continuous) |
| Dimensions | 14 inch deep x 6 inch tall x 17.5 inch wide |
| SNR | 92 |
| Transistors | Onsemi transistors |
ThomasAndStereo
TS A20 Power Amplifier
Bought the power amp 2 weeks ago. Delivery was prompt and item arrived in perfect condition. Just plugged it in and it already sounded fantastic! It was my first power amp and pure class A component. I was impressed that 20W is all it needs to drive the Revival Audio Atalante 5. Currently hooked to the pre amp section of an Accuphase E480. Cannot wait to hear how it sounds after getting a proper pre amp. Class A sound is really addictive!
A lot of budding audiophiles might be using an integrated amp and be wondering what difference adding a pre or power amp would make to the sound. I had been wondering myself for many years. Also, a lot of people don't realise (perhaps like me) that they can buy a power amplifier and very successfully attach it to their integrated amp resulting in the integrated amp acting as a pre-amp only.
At tremendous risk (because I couldn’t get an in-home trial or even have a demo), I added the Galion A20 to a:
• Denafrips Terminator DAC
• Cambridge CXVN 2 streamer
• Musical Fidelity Ms5 Integrated
• Harbeth XD7 speakers
• Denon AVR 3500H
The A20 made a wonderful difference (phew!!) . However, it takes ages for it to run in to its full potential, a good few months perhaps. It starts off good, and then gets better over time
The best thing (for me) is that it’s gentle to the ears and non-fatiguing, even at loud volumes, and there’s no problems with it going loud (although I never go above 85dB and usually settle around the 65-70 dB area). A lot of stuff I’ve owned (going back) sounds great at first but then after an hour of listening I feel tired. I can go all day with the A20 however. It conveys emotions into the sound, not analytic or harsh, it has a detailed signature but none of the details seem crammed together, it's all spaced out really well
A real bonus is that it’s fantastic within a home theatre system where I habitually go up to 80-85 dB. The detail the amp provides gives a wonderful ambience to HT. All the sounds of the soundtrack are extremely nuanced – the crackling leaves of a pedestrian’s steps for example are so easily heard where once it might’ve been only heard with sharp concentration. A friend of mine who has watched a movie at my house about once a month for many years and has an extraordinary knack for predicting the Oscar winning soundtrack prior to announcement, was blown away by the A20 in full flight. He just couldn’t believe it
Unfortunately, the new pre-amp to accompany the A20 won’t be coming with a HT by-pass, which is sad, as I’d 100% upgrade otherwise
I’ve returned and / or sold a lot of equipment over the years because I haven’t liked it, even though at first it seemed all right, but not this one, the A20, is a keeper. After about 3.5 months, there's no doubt about it
Phil, Melbourne Australia
I've had the TS A20 for a few months now. I have to admit it took me a bit of time to get the sound just right (perfectionist here), but I managed to do so and I have to say it will be hard for me change anything about my system. I am hands down getting the best sound I've ever had at my place. I've had fancier perhaps but nothing as realistic. Everything sounds so believable. It is spectacular. The sound is really transparent, with great tone and balance. The soundstage and imaging are great even if I think the soundstage is not as deep as it could be perhaps due to the limitations of my room, but moving in not too long. Nevertheless all sounds have their location in 3D space due to a super black background and layering, and even if there is a lot of detail and air the sound does not feel dry, or unrealistic, it just feels extremely natural, soulful and pleasant in all types of music. The dynamics are great as well. Typical things that sometimes don't come out right like kick drums, clapping in live concerns, the decay of piano notes, cymbals...all sound to me just right in my current setup. Congratulations Thomas. I've heard in some reviews that the bass could be tighter but to be honest, I do not see how. True that when comparing the A20 to a class d perhaps there is a bit more emphasis in the lower region with the class d, but I would not say this was due to the bass being less tight on the A20, and in fact the bass resolution of the A20 is admirable. And my class d (Boxem Arthur 4215/e2) can't get anywhere near the quality of the midrange and treble of the A20. My system is composed of an Electrocompaniet streamer DAC (ECM1 MkII), Acoustic Invader preamp with upgraded caps and internal cabling, the A20 and Faital 3WC-10Be speakers with the level 1 crossover. I use a puritan filter as well. I've had a lot of gear come and go already but this amp is a keeper. Do not hesitate to buy one. I cannot recommend it enough.
Hi Thomas,
I received my new TS Voyager TL speakers on Monday in perfect condition.
I finally set it up today this morning.
I am really happy with its engaging soundstage.
The TS Voyager speakers bring out the best of my sources of my office setup.
LTA Aero DAC (6SN7 GTB)
Marantz SA-15S2
Unico Nuovo
Galion C100
IsoAcoustics Aperta 200 (TS)
Your honesty and integrity in the Galion products are the foundation of your business successes.
I received the A20 in good order a week or so ago. I love everything about this power amplifier. I currently have it configured with an: Allo Digione Signature streamer (on Roon), a Gustard x18 DAC, Musical Paradise MP 701 Preamplifier, and KLH 5 speakers. I primarily listen to Jazz and Classical Music.
I especially like the voicing, the clarity and the soundstage.
Along with the rest of the HiFi Community I am anxiously awaiting the debut of your preamplifier.
Best,
Jim
November 21,2024, Pittsburgh, PA
Steve Guttenberg reviews the TS20
Tharbamar reviews the TS20
HiFi Huff reviews the TS20
Thomas reviews the TS20
