I thought it sounded a bit brittle maybe that's down to the preamp?? There's no need to have such a large capacitance if you've got two Transformers that is, if there are decent size they look about 500 va each is that right? you can make the amp sound sluggish too much capacitance try on the main filter caps keep the same amount of capacitors but go down to 18.8uF and the two on each module 9.4 uF in total so 4.700uF each. Also in the power supply use split foil capacitors DNM, that's what the top luxman amplifiers use 0r you could try bipolar electrolytics they are generally quieter then standard electrolytics. Where is the I'm assuming capacitors you're changing to make it sound smoother? I'm not a fan of the bridge rectify modules what's its code, individual diodes would be better you can do it through using the transformer doing away with Bridge rectify it's a better approach. It's important to know what the impedance of the amplifier is? what is it? if people are trying to match up preamps, have you play around with different impedance on the power amp and come up with a best case scenario? You want to know the voltage input as well what is its maximum voltage input, what I do is put some gain trimmers 100k each on it through a 30K resistor, and a multi-color changing peak clipping LED on the front just one for each channel, it's the best way to get matching so the user can adjust it. Or print what the best impedance input is for the amplifier if you haven't, what range does it like before clipping. What is its balance input voltage 6 volts or lower? Is that truly balanced or pseudo balanced hard to say it look like pseudo
Could you not use the Rega as a preamp did you use it as a prermp? You want a low impedance don't go for anything high impedance above 130 ohms the lowest as possible. I did feel you were driving it a bit too hard it was brittle sounding impedance on the power amp might be too low, a good test is to turn your volume up on your preamp to maximum and drive it with a separate digital volume like from a CD player, if it sounds distorted at low volume it's not a good match@@davelistenstohifi
Hey Jedi, can you elaborate on why a bridge rectifier is inferior to individual diodes in the same configuration? And how can you get the DC voltage with a transformer and doing away with the rectifier? The smoother version of the amp will use different transistors, I would suspect that that version is the one you would be happier with. Thomas reports that this amp is truly balanced, not makeshift.
Don't think I was driving the Galion too hard, it was my Doge 8 feeding balanced cables into the Galion, volume control around the 10 o'clock position. This is the pre production version that is the edgiest sounding version, it suits my tastes but there will be a smoother version available. That's a scary test you suggest for checking the impedance match, I'll probably check out the specs first, my Doge 8 is supposed to have an output impedance of 600Ω but no published info on the Galion yet. I'll inquire...
@robk5745 This one need smooth preamp.like Ladder Bach, Musical Paradise Mp701, Dave had the older Doge 8 which was smooth. In short, for the lively version, you need smooth everything to go with it.
Hi Joy of Vinyl, thanks for watching! I'll check out your channel as well, looks like fun stuff that you are covering. Yes, I've seen some of Thomas' process in voicing the components, he has a great ear and really brings these components to another level.
Thank you Dave for sharing your experiences in this review. It looks like Thomas has a very fine offering at a reasonable price. The hi-hats in the audio sample were realistic and revealing. As a drummer, the ability to present cymbals and snare drum tonality and transient detail are critical.
Hi Clarence, thanks for watching! Yes, glad you picked up on one of the best and most elusive qualities of the Galion, the air and high end detail and energy that this amp provides. Realistic cymbals are really rare to hear, that is probably the biggest difference I notice between live and recorded music that features drum sets.
Hello, I’m another Dave who enjoys 2 channel listening in the Montreal area. I’ve also met Thomas who lent me his beautiful tube amp. He’s extremely supportive and generous. I been listening to your channel and enjoy its simplicity and promoting an openness to the hobby. Take care from NDG.
Hey Dave, thanks for watching! There's enough of us it seems that I should start a Dave's hifi club! Ill be at the Montréal show in march, maybe we'll see each other there
The case work and component lay out looks like a DIY Audio First Watt Pass Clone project. Not a bad thing mind. The modular lay out and the overbuild means it'll last and be easy to service. I'm sure that the amplifier modules on each side of the power supply has room for future upgrades or tweaks (even a whole new board set) by the manufacturer. The power supply and heatsinks are so robust, it's like a tank...
Volume and gain are 2 separate things and are very different from each other. You can't change gain with a volume control. That's why its a volume control to begin with. If you want to change gain, there has to be another adjustment for it specifically. So, if you do have a separate gain adjustment, you should set that first. Its typically called gain staging. The reason you do gain first is only gain can distort the signal or overdrive an input. A volume control can't distort the signal. Once you have gain set properly, then you can adjust loudness with a volume control. Doing it this way ensures that you won't have any gain related issues. Once its locked in, the signal can't be distorted so you can set your volume control wherever it needs to be because you can't damage the signal.
Hi AT, thanks for your comment. As i was comparing an integrated amplifier to a power amp, i used the volume control of the integrated amp to give an effective gain of the Galion and Ashly amps. Not sure if gain is the correct term to use here, but what i was doing was getting the same volume output for the same input voltage so i could just do an A-B comparison between power amps and integrateds.
@@davelistenstohifi Matching the levels on 2 pieces of gear to do an AB comparison is absolutely correct. You always want to do that. When I watched the video, I saw a potential problem because a lot of people think gain and volume are interchangeable. Its understandable because a gain control can look and feel like a volume control, but they're very different. A volume control can only attenuate the signal, and can't alter it. Gain can. A gain control can actually alter the signal. For example, if you were trying to match the volume levels on 2 pieces and on one piece you moved just the volume control, and on the other piece you moved the volume control and some tone controls that would be a problem. The test would be invalid because adjusting the tone controls on just 1 piece introduces an element that's artificial, and its effecting only that piece. If we now replace the tone controls with a gain control in our example, you need to be careful. A gain control can be adjusted without effecting the signal but if you go too far, you can. That's why its important to know the difference. You may harm the signal without realizing it. I'm not the best at explaining things, so I'm going to give a quick test that anyone can try. For the test, I'm going to use a guitar amp because its the only type of amp that I know of where you want to distort the signal with too much gain on purpose. If you don't already have a guitar amp, most people know someone who does. Here's what you do. Most guitar amps have a gain control and a volume control right next to each other. First, turn the gain know up just a small amount. Play something through the amp and keep raising the volume control. You'll notice that the amp will be playing a clean signal no matter how much you increase the volume. Now, turn the gain really high and the volume really low. The opposite will now be true. The signal will sound distorted at low volumes, and will stay that way as you increase it. This is exactly what you are trying to avoid with your audio system. Hopefully this helps.
Hey GBRM, I have only heard the M6si at a show, and since it is an integrated amp it's not really a direct competitor to the TS A75. I do remember it sounding powerful and detailed, but it is also rated at 220WPC compared to the 75WPC on the TS A75. I would guess that the A75 would have the edge in air and nuance, but the M6si might have more heft. Speculation, this opinion is for entertainment purposes only!
Grateful, thanks for the review 😊 So, this amp looks to have taken several cues from Bryston. Not a bad thing! Will this drive Maggies? That should get those heatsinks cooking;-) I use a Musical Paradise mp701mk2 valve preamp with my Bryston B3sst amp. Now that Thomas has finally finished his 2 year assessment and review, why not get one to try with this amp? Get the neutral V-cap eqipped model and some decent nos valves too.... 🎵🎶😉🎶🎵
Hey, yes there are physical similarities to the Bryston amps, but I cannot comment on the circuit design at all. The MP701 is a cool product, but I think it's too configurable to use as a reference, it will be hard for anyone to relate to the sound when it is so variable!
Hey No Limits, that was the only other amp I had on hand to compare it to, unless I hauled my Nikko STA-5010 in there as well! I tried to give a comparison so you could get an idea of the character of the sound.
Hey Danieles, yes Ashly pro audio power amp FTX2000. I also have a FET500 that I am reworking. One of the best of the 15 or so pro amps I have tried. Some are terrible, some are OK, Ashley are really good. Studiomaster also very good, have not tried an MC2 but supposed to be the best.
No, Don't think I have any Dutch heritage although I ride bikes a lot and enjoy a piece of Gouda from time to time...Scottish maybe, there is some passed down from my fathers side!
Hello Rodney, no i dont clean the connectors, i am switching in and out different components often when I am doing listening tests, so the cables are constantly being plugged and unplugged, no time for oxidization to occur in the contact points.
Synergy = Pairing one poorly measuring piece of gear with another equally but opposite poorly measuring piece of gear in hope that they somehow together don't sound as bad.
Hey Prayingmantis! I have no idea if the Galion measures poorly or not, but I have experience with other fantastic measuring products (Topping I'm looking at you) that do not mate well with other well measuring products. Sorry that your experience tells you otherwise, but some pieces can make beautiful music together while not working well with others. That's part of the fun!
@@davelistenstohifi You always so serious? I'm trying to have a bit of fun over here dude. For some reason audiophiles are always very serious and very defensive, chillax, it's only sound.
Damn, you got me!! Was just dealing with some other toxic comments, didn't pick up on your vibe! Yes, it's sound and listening to music, not world politics. Thanks for watching, I'm going to grab a drink and chill out now, I'll raise my glass to you.
It feels like a knockoff amp. The parts make it look like a cheap “visiting” team attempt to make something bargain. I am sure it may work for a few weeks or even months. I don’t trust that thing for sure. I will stick with my Rega. Why didn’t you compare this to other amps? You eluded to other amps… Testing this in a vacuum doesn’t say much.
Hey Revelry, I tested this against my Ashly reference amp, and this is my new reference amp. The parts quality is pretty high, the build inside is meticulous (nicer than many other high-end brands I have seen) and the casework is OK, glad the money was spent on the inside. I do have a Rega Brio on hand, the older version, and that looks like it was built in a garage, compared to the build of this Galion amp. I'm sure more recent Rega equipment is better built. As for long-term reliability, I am using it every day for a few hours, it is working flawlessly without a single hiccup. The amp does not get very hot, so I think that speaks well for the long term reliability. If I do encounter any issues I'll be sure to mention it. I had some other amps on hand, they all cost more but they were on loan without the express permission to review, so I didn't mention the names. If I had more patreons and subscribers I could afford to buy more equipment outright and do comparitive reviews, just not there yet! Keep watching though :-)
Thanks Dave for such a complete review. I can't wait for you to get the smooth version so you can compare.
Yes, that will be fun! I'll have to get another preamp in here to mix it up as well. Keep it coming with the great sounding Galion products!
I thought it sounded a bit brittle maybe that's down to the preamp??
There's no need to have such a large capacitance if you've got two Transformers that is, if there are decent size they look about 500 va each is that right? you can make the amp sound sluggish too much capacitance try on the main filter caps keep the same amount of capacitors but go down to 18.8uF and the two on each module 9.4 uF in total so 4.700uF each. Also in the power supply use split foil capacitors DNM, that's what the top luxman amplifiers use 0r you could try bipolar electrolytics they are generally quieter then standard electrolytics.
Where is the I'm assuming capacitors you're changing to make it sound smoother?
I'm not a fan of the bridge rectify modules what's its code, individual diodes would be better you can do it through using the transformer doing away with Bridge rectify it's a better approach. It's important to know what the impedance of the amplifier is? what is it? if people are trying to match up preamps, have you play around with different impedance on the power amp and come up with a best case scenario? You want to know the voltage input as well what is its maximum voltage input, what I do is put some gain trimmers 100k each on it through a 30K resistor, and a multi-color changing peak clipping LED on the front just one for each channel, it's the best way to get matching so the user can adjust it. Or print what the best impedance input is for the amplifier if you haven't, what range does it like before clipping. What is its balance input voltage 6 volts or lower? Is that truly balanced or pseudo balanced hard to say it look like pseudo
Could you not use the Rega as a preamp did you use it as a prermp? You want a low impedance don't go for anything high impedance above 130 ohms the lowest as possible.
I did feel you were driving it a bit too hard it was brittle sounding impedance on the power amp might be too low, a good test is to turn your volume up on your preamp to maximum and drive it with a separate digital volume like from a CD player, if it sounds distorted at low volume it's not a good match@@davelistenstohifi
Hey Jedi, can you elaborate on why a bridge rectifier is inferior to individual diodes in the same configuration? And how can you get the DC voltage with a transformer and doing away with the rectifier?
The smoother version of the amp will use different transistors, I would suspect that that version is the one you would be happier with. Thomas reports that this amp is truly balanced, not makeshift.
Don't think I was driving the Galion too hard, it was my Doge 8 feeding balanced cables into the Galion, volume control around the 10 o'clock position. This is the pre production version that is the edgiest sounding version, it suits my tastes but there will be a smoother version available. That's a scary test you suggest for checking the impedance match, I'll probably check out the specs first, my Doge 8 is supposed to have an output impedance of 600Ω but no published info on the Galion yet. I'll inquire...
. Thomas knocking it out if the park with this one with so many high end parts.
Ah, it is class AB. 😊
@@ThomasAndStereomy mistake, adjusted 😉 what preamp you like with this one Thomas?
@robk5745 This one need smooth preamp.like Ladder Bach, Musical Paradise Mp701, Dave had the older Doge 8 which was smooth. In short, for the lively version, you need smooth everything to go with it.
@@ThomasAndStereo okay thanks amigo! I have gustard r26 dac it’s got that smooth r2r and decent preamp, may work
@@robk5745Let me see if I can try a few combo and get back to you in the video.
Congrats to Thomas for bringing another great amp to the market.
Yes, this one really impressed me. Keeping an eye out for more of his amps for sure!
I've been watching the progress of Galion closely. I have the TS120 Standard Edition and very happy to see more offerings to satisfy other use cases.
Hi Joy of Vinyl, thanks for watching! I'll check out your channel as well, looks like fun stuff that you are covering. Yes, I've seen some of Thomas' process in voicing the components, he has a great ear and really brings these components to another level.
Thank you Dave for sharing your experiences in this review. It looks like Thomas has a very fine offering at a reasonable price.
The hi-hats in the audio sample were realistic and revealing. As a drummer, the ability to present cymbals and snare drum tonality and transient detail are critical.
Hi Clarence, thanks for watching! Yes, glad you picked up on one of the best and most elusive qualities of the Galion, the air and high end detail and energy that this amp provides. Realistic cymbals are really rare to hear, that is probably the biggest difference I notice between live and recorded music that features drum sets.
Hello, I’m another Dave who enjoys 2 channel listening in the Montreal area. I’ve also met Thomas who lent me his beautiful tube amp. He’s extremely supportive and generous.
I been listening to your channel and enjoy its simplicity and promoting an openness to the hobby.
Take care from NDG.
Hey Dave, thanks for watching! There's enough of us it seems that I should start a Dave's hifi club! Ill be at the Montréal show in march, maybe we'll see each other there
Sounds great, Are they all Dave's? Take care@@davelistenstohifi
I'm another 2 channel listener in the Monkland Village. Dave and Dave, let's have a pint sometime and share notes.
Great Job -
Music can be so emotionally Engaging . THANKS FOR THE VIDEO
Yes, the transparency does make a difference in connecting with the music, I'm enjoying some tracks more than ever. Thanks for watching!
Being grateful is always a good way to live life. To start your video expressing gratefulness was classy as hell.
Thanks Jmalen, I am grateful for your comment! Thanks for watching, I appreciate your support
I was impressed that it uses separate transformers for each channel. Sounds like he has a giant challenger at a really attractive price.
Yes, full power supplies for each channel, it does present a good Soundstage.
The Carl Sagan of Hifi reviewers! I subscribed. 😊
Thanks daveyurkovic! Billions and billions of videos still to make....
The case work and component lay out looks like a DIY Audio First Watt Pass Clone project. Not a bad thing mind. The modular lay out and the overbuild means it'll last and be easy to service. I'm sure that the amplifier modules on each side of the power supply has room for future upgrades or tweaks (even a whole new board set) by the manufacturer. The power supply and heatsinks are so robust, it's like a tank...
Yes, the version I tried is not the production one, the finished products will be wider and have more room around the amp boards.
Great review, love seeing under the hood of an amp
Yes, I make a point to show the insides, that's often missing and I think it shows if something has value if the insides match the price!
I really want this amp !
Yes, me too!
Great review like the doorway comparison
Crazy but it really did sound like that!
Volume and gain are 2 separate things and are very different from each other. You can't change gain with a volume control. That's why its a volume control to begin with. If you want to change gain, there has to be another adjustment for it specifically. So, if you do have a separate gain adjustment, you should set that first. Its typically called gain staging. The reason you do gain first is only gain can distort the signal or overdrive an input. A volume control can't distort the signal. Once you have gain set properly, then you can adjust loudness with a volume control. Doing it this way ensures that you won't have any gain related issues. Once its locked in, the signal can't be distorted so you can set your volume control wherever it needs to be because you can't damage the signal.
Hi AT, thanks for your comment. As i was comparing an integrated amplifier to a power amp, i used the volume control of the integrated amp to give an effective gain of the Galion and Ashly amps. Not sure if gain is the correct term to use here, but what i was doing was getting the same volume output for the same input voltage so i could just do an A-B comparison between power amps and integrateds.
@@davelistenstohifi Matching the levels on 2 pieces of gear to do an AB comparison is absolutely correct. You always want to do that. When I watched the video, I saw a potential problem because a lot of people think gain and volume are interchangeable. Its understandable because a gain control can look and feel like a volume control, but they're very different. A volume control can only attenuate the signal, and can't alter it. Gain can. A gain control can actually alter the signal. For example, if you were trying to match the volume levels on 2 pieces and on one piece you moved just the volume control, and on the other piece you moved the volume control and some tone controls that would be a problem. The test would be invalid because adjusting the tone controls on just 1 piece introduces an element that's artificial, and its effecting only that piece. If we now replace the tone controls with a gain control in our example, you need to be careful. A gain control can be adjusted without effecting the signal but if you go too far, you can. That's why its important to know the difference. You may harm the signal without realizing it.
I'm not the best at explaining things, so I'm going to give a quick test that anyone can try. For the test, I'm going to use a guitar amp because its the only type of amp that I know of where you want to distort the signal with too much gain on purpose. If you don't already have a guitar amp, most people know someone who does. Here's what you do. Most guitar amps have a gain control and a volume control right next to each other. First, turn the gain know up just a small amount. Play something through the amp and keep raising the volume control. You'll notice that the amp will be playing a clean signal no matter how much you increase the volume. Now, turn the gain really high and the volume really low. The opposite will now be true. The signal will sound distorted at low volumes, and will stay that way as you increase it. This is exactly what you are trying to avoid with your audio system.
Hopefully this helps.
Yeah, Aman to gratitude especially after Thanksgiving.❤
Grateful for my viewers, too!
hey , good way to adjust the volume, thx
Love to share my little tidbits of experience, thanks for watching!
Dave, great review. I am looking forward to more. What DAC are you using?
Right now it is the MSB Link dac, using the Arcam Airdac as my streamer. Thanks for watching, more to come!
Nice review. After watching your test I am compelled to ask the obvious question: What is the mass of 1 Watt?
Yes, very good question. Not sure how I check...weigh it running a 4Ω speaker then check the weight powering an 8Ω speaker?
Have you heard the Musical Fidelity M6si? If so how does the TSA75 compare?
Hey GBRM, I have only heard the M6si at a show, and since it is an integrated amp it's not really a direct competitor to the TS A75. I do remember it sounding powerful and detailed, but it is also rated at 220WPC compared to the 75WPC on the TS A75. I would guess that the A75 would have the edge in air and nuance, but the M6si might have more heft. Speculation, this opinion is for entertainment purposes only!
Hi Dave, I appreciate the info. thanks.@@davelistenstohifi
Grateful, thanks for the review 😊
So, this amp looks to have taken several cues from Bryston. Not a bad thing!
Will this drive Maggies?
That should get those heatsinks cooking;-)
I use a Musical Paradise mp701mk2 valve preamp with my Bryston B3sst amp.
Now that Thomas has finally finished his 2 year assessment and review, why not get one to try with this amp?
Get the neutral V-cap eqipped model and some decent nos valves too....
🎵🎶😉🎶🎵
Hey, yes there are physical similarities to the Bryston amps, but I cannot comment on the circuit design at all. The MP701 is a cool product, but I think it's too configurable to use as a reference, it will be hard for anyone to relate to the sound when it is so variable!
@@davelistenstohifi
Get one anyway.
You can review valves;-)
is there a european version . i noticed on one picture of the rear of the amp it said AC 115 v
Hi Sirios, great question! Let me reach out to Thomas and find out for you.
My problem with this review is that Rega brio is an old entry-level integrated. So what does it really say, if Galion sounds better? Not so much.
Hey No Limits, that was the only other amp I had on hand to compare it to, unless I hauled my Nikko STA-5010 in there as well! I tried to give a comparison so you could get an idea of the character of the sound.
When you mention Ashly , do you mean the pro audio company ? How clean are those amps ? I've always wondered.
Hey Danieles, yes Ashly pro audio power amp FTX2000. I also have a FET500 that I am reworking. One of the best of the 15 or so pro amps I have tried. Some are terrible, some are OK, Ashley are really good. Studiomaster also very good, have not tried an MC2 but supposed to be the best.
hello, vocals are further then on your amplifier?
I think I meant that there was more depth of field, if the vocals are back in the mix you will hear it better.
Dutch probably? The joy in your eyes when mentioning value gave you away 😂
No, Don't think I have any Dutch heritage although I ride bikes a lot and enjoy a piece of Gouda from time to time...Scottish maybe, there is some passed down from my fathers side!
@@davelistenstohifi color me surprised 😁 though since you mentioned bikes and Gouda in one sentence you are now an Honorary dutchy 🤣
Did you do a deoxidation clean of metal connectors before doing your tests?
Hello Rodney, no i dont clean the connectors, i am switching in and out different components often when I am doing listening tests, so the cables are constantly being plugged and unplugged, no time for oxidization to occur in the contact points.
Thats my theory at least!
@rodney,,,,- " detoxification "
LOL 😂
When will this be available for purchase?
I think that very early in Q1 2024 they should be available. Hopefully there is one left for me!
Clever marketing brow,but to obvious.
Sorry but you have misjudged me, those are genuine thoughts. Have you heard it?
vs orhard audio?
Haven't had a chance to sample Orchard audio yet, but I am close to getting my hands on one! Stay tuned :-)
Seria mais justo comparar com Rega Elicit ou Elex. Doge 8 é um campeão.
Sim, infelizmente não tinha esses outros amplificadores disponíveis. Sim, eu realmente gosto do meu Doge 8!
Synergy = Pairing one poorly measuring piece of gear with another equally but opposite poorly measuring piece of gear in hope that they somehow together don't sound as bad.
Hey Prayingmantis! I have no idea if the Galion measures poorly or not, but I have experience with other fantastic measuring products (Topping I'm looking at you) that do not mate well with other well measuring products. Sorry that your experience tells you otherwise, but some pieces can make beautiful music together while not working well with others. That's part of the fun!
@@davelistenstohifi
You always so serious?
I'm trying to have a bit of fun over here dude.
For some reason audiophiles are always very serious and very defensive, chillax, it's only sound.
Damn, you got me!! Was just dealing with some other toxic comments, didn't pick up on your vibe! Yes, it's sound and listening to music, not world politics. Thanks for watching, I'm going to grab a drink and chill out now, I'll raise my glass to you.
@@davelistenstohifi
😄 go save the world one ear at a time 🍻
It feels like a knockoff amp. The parts make it look like a cheap “visiting” team attempt to make something bargain. I am sure it may work for a few weeks or even months. I don’t trust that thing for sure. I will stick with my Rega. Why didn’t you compare this to other amps? You eluded to other amps… Testing this in a vacuum doesn’t say much.
Hey Revelry, I tested this against my Ashly reference amp, and this is my new reference amp. The parts quality is pretty high, the build inside is meticulous (nicer than many other high-end brands I have seen) and the casework is OK, glad the money was spent on the inside. I do have a Rega Brio on hand, the older version, and that looks like it was built in a garage, compared to the build of this Galion amp. I'm sure more recent Rega equipment is better built. As for long-term reliability, I am using it every day for a few hours, it is working flawlessly without a single hiccup. The amp does not get very hot, so I think that speaks well for the long term reliability. If I do encounter any issues I'll be sure to mention it. I had some other amps on hand, they all cost more but they were on loan without the express permission to review, so I didn't mention the names. If I had more patreons and subscribers I could afford to buy more equipment outright and do comparitive reviews, just not there yet! Keep watching though :-)