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
YouTube video review by Thomas and Stereo
Customer Reviews
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
I really love the A20! I'm not sure I have even broken it in yet with only about 20-30 hours of playing, but the sound is fantastic. I have it paired with a NAD M66 preamp and either some vintage Boston Acoustic Lynnfield VR975 speakers or a new set of Zu Union 6 Supremes. The BA speakers are 91 dB through 8 ohms and the Zus are 99 dB at 8 ohms, so both are well suited for the 20 watts on tap from the A20. I was concerned that the somewhat analytical M66 would be a bit too lean for the A20, but it sounds glorious. I especially love the soundstage and instrument separation that the A20 brings to the other components. I like the treble, midrange and bass control on tap. This setup really rivals the TS 120 SE in class A!
This is definitely the best class A amplifier I’ve ever heard, just straight out of the box, and it sounds great, can’t imagine how it would sound when burnt in.
I connected it to my Kudos Titan 808 loudspeakers, and used my Auralic Vega S1 as a preamp, it works flawlessly, got no problem driving my speakers, and they are 91dB in 8 ohms.
We have timbre, 3-D sound, details, punch and deep bass, didn’t miss anything, and this is coming from a guy, that have had a lot of different hi-end setups over 35 years.
MBL 101e MK II, Avantgarde Duo Omega, Estelon, JBL, Klipsch, Kudos, Bastanis OB etc with amps like MBL, Aavik, McIntosh, Mark Levinson, Krell, Accuphase, Wavac, Kondo, AN, Pass Labs and so on.
All I can say after listening to Galion for some hours now, is that this got to be a bargain and a great value for your money, so grab one while you can 😃👌🏻
I purchased the TSA 20 Class A amplifier to drive a bedroom system.
So far so good with authoritative base and tube like mid range.
The highs are opening up with bunt in.
Very enjoyable second system.
Look forward to pairing this amp with future Gallion preamp:)
I've been listening to my A20 for the past month and racked up about 250 hours with it. The best speaker amp I own right now hands down, at this point in time. If it's combined with a good recording and a preamp/speakers that don't hold it back, it will play back all the details embedded in the recording with a rich and nuanced sound. Picking other descriptors is hard, it plays music and you just sit there and don't worry about anything except selecting your next piece. There's no fatigue except when you inevitably have to get up, shut it off, and do other things.
My setup: AudioGD R27HE DAC/preamp taking coax input from a Wiim Pro and USB input from my PC, JBL Studio 580 tower speakers on SVS feet, high quality TrippLite and Worlds Best Cables interconnects throughout. I believe that interconnects do affect sound, but the point where they stop doing so is quickly reached with some common sense and good materials/build quality.
Other speaker amps in my collection: Schiit Aegir 2 and Tyrs, restored Hafler XL280, Galion TS A75
(To those that think I'm crazy pairing these speakers with this level of equipment, you severely underestimate how much potential they have. JBL could have charged double their posted MSRP when they were sold, and it still would have been reasonable.)
