Integrated amplifiers — Galion Audio TS120

The TS120 is a tube integrated amplifier designed for Galion Audio, a firm incorporated in 2022 with headquarters in Quebec, Canada. It was developed together with the manufacturer Doge, with Mr. Liu credited as designer, and it allows the user to choose Class A or Class AB mode through what Galion describes as patented technology. The current Special Edition sells for USD 4,495 including shipping and customs.

Key specs that matter

In Class A the amplifier delivers 30 W per channel RMS into 8 ohm, with 75 W as the maximum figure. In Class AB the RMS rating rises to 50 W per channel, and the maximum figure reaches 100 W. Frequency response is 12 Hz to 80 kHz in Class A at 30 W and 17 Hz to 65 kHz in Class AB at 50 W. Distortion is up to 0.15 percent in Class A and up to 0.25 percent in Class AB at 1 kHz. The noise floor sits at least 90 dB below signal. Line input sensitivity is 420 mV, an HT input needs 1.5 V, and input impedance is 50 kOhm. The chassis measures 43 x 36 x 21 cm and weighs 30 kg.

Engineering and use context

The stock valve set is two 12AX7 and two 12AT7 double triodes feeding four Psvane KT88 output tubes. The output stage also accepts 6550 and KT120 valves, and a microprocessor sets the bias automatically while staying outside the signal path, which makes swapping tube types simple. Two voicing settings, Sound A and Sound B, change the damping factor - 10.8 or 6.5 in Class A and 9.3 or 5.6 in Class AB. A tone control is included, and Galion states it was tuned to limit sibilance. The Special Edition adds upgraded capacitors, from Jupiter and Solen among others, and an Alps volume control made in Japan. A metal remote handles standby and bias adjustment from the listening seat. Versions for 120 V or 230 V mains are available in black only, and Galion gives a two-year warranty on parts and labour with six months on the tubes.

Pairing

The HT input with its fixed gain allows the TS120 to act as the front channel amplifier when a home cinema processor is part of the system. Such low damping factors mean speaker cables and the load of the partnering speaker have more influence than with a typical transistor amplifier, so speakers with a smooth impedance curve and sensitivity near 90 dB suit the Class A setting in a room of about 20 m2.

Alternatives

Galion Audio lists no other integrated amplifier, offering only the TS120 in its standard and Special Edition versions.