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Gallo 3.1's and amps?

Just curious if anyone has used a Tube Amp with the Gallo 3.1's? I tried a Jolida 1000rc and it sounded nice. I'm looking to get the most out of my Gallo 3.1's and want to increase the power. I'm currently using a Sherbourn 5210a, which is rated at 5x200. I listen mostly to Rock music at loud volumes.

Would it be better to just stick with a Solid State amp like a Bryston 4bsst? Does anyone have any suggestions on some amps to try? Any thoughts or help on this would be appreciated.
darrenmc
dopogue
1,767 posts
 
I can confirm that these speakers love tubes. Been using 845 SET monoblocks with my Ref 3s for five+ years and have no interest in changing either the amps or the speakers. My amps are not commercial products, though, and the designer/builder is not making more of them as far as I know. Good luck, Dave
newbrook
82 posts
 
I looked at these and was told by the dealer that one needs SS to make these sing. There is an article somewhere on one of the major audio sites discussing the tube v. solid state issue with these.
dopogue
1,767 posts
 
Newbrook, that particular dealer may not sell much tube gear. In any event, I know a couple of folks driving Ref 3s and 3.1s with tube amps and I think it's safe to say they would disagree with him.
newbrook
82 posts
 
You are right. He does sell some tubed gear, but most of his sales are solid state stuff. I wasn't nuts about the 3.1s, but I was told that they weren't well broken in. I can't fathom why the dealer would audition speakers that take some decent amount of use before sounding optimal without breaking them in himself.

I do note that Stereotimes just did a piece on the new 3.5 series. Aesthetically, they look the same but the price has doubled so presumably they sound better. LOL.
rsfphil
110 posts
 
I'm driving my 3.1's with a pair of 60 watt tube mono-blocks with no problems. I play a lot of rock and at times it can get pretty loud. If you are a real headbanger you may need a more powerful amp, but tubes will be fine.
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