The Galion TS120SE. Did it sail through this review? It weathered the storm perfectly. Great unit.
The $4495.00 USD Galion TS120SE is a remarkably well thought out and a great sounding amp. It has the drive of solid state and the sweetness of tubes. It makes my list of the top ten amps I have heard in the last decade or so. Highly recommended.
For more info visit: https://www.galion-audio.com
Please understand that all of my reviews are completely subjective. They are my opinion and not to be taken as criticism or as negative. I can only share my feelings and personal conclusions. No one has any influence over my reviews or conclusions. I do not accept payment for reviews.
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*DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below contain affiliate Amazon links. If you purchase with those links, I do receive a small commission but, it doesn’t affect your price or your ability to return something. Thank you for supporting the channel.
Current audio equipment list:
Amplifiers:
• Cambridge AXR-100 Receiver: https://amzn.to/3MFZuVN
• Cambridge EVO150: https://amzn.to/3UTJowI
• Galion TS120SE KT88 Integrated Tube Amp: https://www.galion-audio.com/pages/ts120
• Black Ice Audio F22 KT88 Integrated Tube Amp: https://blackiceaudio.com/integrated-amplifers-1/p/black-ice-fusion-f22v2-tubeintegrated
DACs:
• LAIV Harmony R2R DAC: https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-dac
• Schiit Bi-Frost Multi-Bit DAC with Unison USB
• Geshelli Labs J2S Socketed AKM4499 DAC: https://geshelli.com/product/jnog2-socketed-j2s/
• S.M.S.L SU-1 AK4493S Hi-Res DAC: https://amzn.to/3XGp5UK
• FiiO K9 AKM Desktop Headphone Amp/DAC – AKM Edition: https://amzn.to/3ZeGTYp
• HIFIMAN EF400 Desktop R2R DAC W/Balanced Headphone Amplifier: https://amzn.to/4giWWdD
• Douk Audio DAC-Q11: https://amzn.to/4gnjzxt
Speakers:
• Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers: https://amzn.to/3WberDp
• Elac Debut Reference 62 (DBR62) speakers: https://amzn.to/3VyQzcu
• Neil Blanchard Designs MLTL-6 Stand mount speaker: https://www.nbdesigns.work
Streamers:
• My main streaming source is a small format PC: https://amzn.to/3yhCoAI
• Cambridge MXN10: https://amzn.to/3XEWkb1
• WiiM Mini: https://amzn.to/3XqOf8s
Analog:
• Fluance RT-84 turntable: https://amzn.to/4aMuZrt.
• Audio Technica AT540ML MM Cart: https://amzn.to/4diAyzy
• Audio Technica AT-OC9XEN MC Cart: https://amzn.to/3C0PCna
• Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Phono Preamp: https://amzn.to/3XG1nbj
Accessories:
• iFi AC iPurifier: https://amzn.to/3UWb4ko
• All line level cables are from World’s Best Cable. I primarily use Mogami 2964 Wire and Amphenol ACPL connectors: https://amzn.to/3JWCDE9
My desktop gear:
• FiiO K11 R2R DAC/Headphone Amp: https://amzn.to/3YmlMTy
• Ayima A07 amp: https://amzn.to/3V969LQ
• FLEXISPOT E6 Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk 48″x24″ Bamboo Top: https://amzn.to/3XIlO
• FLEXISPOT OC6 Big and Tall Mesh Ergonomic Office Chair: https://amzn.to/3zFiGzX
Headphones:
• Sennheiser Mass-Drop HD6XX headphones: https://amzn.to/3wVNvz7
• FiiO FT-1 Closed-Back Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/3B2gvqC
• FiiO FT-5 Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/4e6zG09
• HIFIMAN Sundara Planar Magnetic Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/4hsaBzx
• HIFIMAN Sundara Closed-Back Over-Ear Planar Magnetic Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/4f788ZT
• HIFIMAN Deva-Pro Over-Ear Full-Size Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphone with Bluetooth Dongle/Receiver, Himalaya R2R Architecture DAC: https://amzn.to/3C2Vtsu
• HIFIMAN HE400SE Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones: https://amzn.to/4d9Lazn
Email: questions4oldguyhifi@gmail.com
Tidal Playlists:
• Old Guy Hifi Test Tracks Vol. 1: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/504b4da9-38d5-4f3b-83ea-6d3e73fb90bf
• Old Guy Hifi Test Tracks Vol. 2: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/3cf20a05-c649-474d-aa32-72c710212b59
• The Fahrenheit Project by Ultimae Records (ambient electronic music): https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/69c8751a-750a-464c-9424-0fdd112fe56d
• My Classical playlist: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8e588a95-7664-4f5a-97c1-70270655e40c
Spotify:
• Classical Weekend: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/648pMGies9cVEsUqEWEiNE?si=64a61b584d9b43c3
Qobuz playlist:
• “Audiophile Electronica”: https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/20718243
• “Vivaldi”: https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/15233981
#Galion #TS120SE #sail #review #weathered #storm #perfectly #Great #unit
Originally posted by UCnXGgtaGLaY-xsKYgndyuAQ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzu6QNAcO9k
There are tube amps, then there is everything else. ????
“If you bonk someone in the head with this thing…”. Haha. Sometimes it’s those little things that make me love your videos. Cool video though! I’ve drooled over these tube amps
I have the TS120se and love it so much. I will go down the tube rolling soon. Great video thanks for making this.
You get the nicest toys! ????????
The better the product the longer review
Very well done Ed. This integrated check many boxes and has some impressive options. Glad you were able to check it out. All the best my friend.
Great review as always Ed. Another fabulous Oscar Peterson Trio album for your viewers new to him to discover is Night Train. Keep up the great work.
Good day sir excellent review. You have given an excellent and accurate description of the TS-120. I purchased mine about two years ago and i still love it. I can listen to it all day without fatigue. About two months ago i contacted Don at Cryotone and he set me up with a complete set of his tubes. The detail retrieval increased, the dynamics improved, the background is now quiet, very quiet now black now you would think. Its as if everything comes from a super quiet background. Anyway this amp is a deal for the price and Thomas is a real good guy to deal with. No worries about him looking after you. As for your channel i think its awesome. One of the best ive seen. Very knowledgeable. Keep up the great work.
I really enjoyed this one. What a beautiful amplifier. True industrial artwork. If it sounds half as good as it looks it’s going to be a winner! I loved your choice of music for the review too. Especially that Oscar Peterson recording. I have that one in my collection too and I love it.
I wonder how many people picked up on the nautical reference about weathering the storm with a Galion! ????
I like that you use reasonable source material for subjective listening. Reviewers who use sognificant heavy metal recordings for audio reviews; that's pretty mindless. Hard to take their ears, judgement or evaluation seriously. That's the worst music for audio reviewing. They go for view numbers at the expense of giving accurate subjective guidance.
Thomas is a Gem …look forward to the day we meet. I'm a long time listener and we get on well.
I have been waiting for a review from a completely independent reviewer. Thank You for the well thought out and thorough coverage. and Holy cow Dual sub outs ! Very nice.
How much electricity does this consume per hour?
I really appreciate the musical references – usually I pause the video and go listen to a bit of the recording – so I can get an idea of the music, and then your comments are in context. The Oscar Peterson Trio "We Get Requests" is quite immediate and dynamic and detailed.
The Haydn will also go on my to listen list, as well as the Henrik Freischlader recording – there is such a wealth of music out there – streaming is a gift that we should not take for granted!
Did you have a preference between Class A vs Class A/B? I have very limited experience with tube amps (only used tube preamps) and also very little listening on Class A amps.
Good stuff, Ed!
A nice review, and the music selected gives me more faith than some so called equipment reviews using only death metal as the source, lol.
I had considered the Galion but ended up with the Willsenton R8 Mk II. It is an excellent amp at a much lower price, and also manufactured in China. I actually prefer its manual bias adjustment, and the stock tubes are very good, although I have been trying Mullard, Psvane Horizon and Tung-Sol tubes also. Tubes are fun and we have a good selection price wise to choose from.
Just discovered your channel and have been enjoying your videos. I love a wide variety of music, rock, jazz, blues, metal, and classical, as well as classic old school country and bluegrass. I want to say I really like the style of your videos. I've been watching a bunch of them last few days. I have a question out of my own curiosity, as I am in my mid 50s and was born and raised in Chicago and moved to the NW burbs in my teens. I have lived in the area all my life. Was curious which audio stores you owned in the area. I frequented Team Electronics, Century in Dundee, Barretts, and Simply Stereo in Schaumburg in my late teens/ 20s.
Another wonderful review. Your knowledge of these products is amazing. As us your music knowledge. I know of many artists but you keep coming up with artists. im not familiar with. As a side note, have you started your email connection yet?
Tube stuff is very interesting. Awesome video. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving.
Hi Ed! Excellent review . . . this will be my pitch for Christmas this year ???????? ???????? . . . it's amps like this that heep McIntosh looking in the rearview. ???? The Oscar Peterson Trio is now in my listening rotation . . . absolutely wonderful album! ????????On a side note, my WiM Ultra finally came in yesterday & I hooked it up today using the USB out to A DDC. Seeing that the SMSL PO-100 wasn't available, I used the Douk Audio U2 XMOS XU208 Digital Interface DDC between the Wiim Ultra and my Emotiva TA-2 Optical input . . . and Boy O Boy what a difference!! More detail, more clarity . . . more being yelled at to turn the music down ???????? . . . excellent audio hack suggestion Ed . . . Thank You! ????????????
Have you thought of bringing any guests? A musician talk show with you would be awesome to watch.
Thanks for a solid informational…Bang 4 the Buck!! his A75 sells for $1500 while some MFGs sell a TPA3255 based amp for $1800 ..
UR correct ????️ trust his ????
Have tried Marcus Roberts Deep in the Shed
Another very good review. Music selection is….EXCELLENT!!!!
Mr. Pete——–>
aging hippie
Thank you for the reviews but also thanks for the albums you tested it with. Great music and some new for me. ????
Love how you expose your viewers to true world class musicians and recordings. I'm sure the TS120se is a good tube amp since it is based on an old doshi brand tube design. For those who can afford true high-end quality tube amp just head straight to the master himself and check out doshi audio. His Evolution hybrid solid state and tube V design delivers jaw dropping realism with the rich lushness of an analog vinyl playback.
Very good review! Thanks for sharing.
Here’s my strong suggestion for a recording by Brian Bromberg if you want to really test Bass.
“Wood”. Brian is or should be one of the top 10 greatest AA Bass players of all time and no one even ranks him at all. It’s a huge mystery to me.
Try to find the live double CD black cover from Heinrick Frieshlader., it’s off the wall incredible.
Thanks Ed!
Made in China ???????? ????
I am also looking forward to you doing another show with Randy, last one was a blast!
Another great review!! And Always like the music suggestions!! I am always looking for new tunes!!
A+ on this review. No flaws at all in audio. You're so knowledgeable. You should give lessons on how to do hifi reviews properly. You know the gear & can clearly explain details. You know the recording of the music too. Few seem to understand that.
Hello; I need to know if once we start using a speaker selector what ever the brand is the selector feeding our speakers; or the amp has something to do with it besides feeding the selector speakers. Please give me some light in this matter. I do connect 6 to 8 pairs of speakers this is why I need some information. Thanks