TS A20 Power Amplifier

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

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!