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Gallo Reference 3.5 Speakers. Now Looking For Amp

Recently purchased a pair of Gallo 3.5's. I have been reading Audiogon for years, but this is my first question. Your assistance and expertise as to which amplifiers should be considered with these speakers would be greatly appreciated.

These speakers were selected to replace my B&W 805s speakers due to the fact that my equipment is going into a small music room (11'x13') where there is no dedicated seating for the purpose of listening to music. There is a drum set, 2 keyboards, 2 guitar positions, stereo rack flanked by speakers and a plasma tv on the wall above the stereo system. The center of the room is open as the music equipment has been placed more towards the walls. The 805s just don't have enough clarity and instrument separation when listening to them from one of the music positions. For the most part, the only time the stereo system is on is when I am playing one of the instruments.

Speaker positioning is limited in this current layout. Hopefully, a larger room will happen in the next few years but for now, this is it. If the room size does change, I will design a dedicated listening space in the new room. This is the reason for buying the best equipment possible for now (budget permitting). If the right pieces are added now, they won't necessarily have to be changed later.

I understand that these speakers do require some power to push them. "Preowned equipment" for the amplifier would be "preferred". Budget for the amplifier would probably max out at the $4,000-$4,500 range, but do not have to spend that much if something more economical does a great job. Musical style ranges from Blues, 70's-80's Rock, Santana, 'especially' acoustic guitar, etc... (not a fan of classical, but can appreciate it).

My current amplifier that will be replaced is a Rotel 1080. No problems with it, just thought it would be a good time to upgrade. I don't mind spending the money as long as it makes a noticeable difference!!!!!! Just trying to think long term and I do appreciate quality equipment.
bhpedalpusher
sunnyjim
884 posts
 
I would recommend the Red Dragon M-500 class D digital monoblocks. They retail for 1600.00. I own a pair of them and think they provide the best bang for the buck. The amps are very dynamic, neutral and transparent with just a tad of brightness on top I believe there was an excellent member review on AG about a year ago

Unfortunatley, I may have to sell my RD amps because of recent financial difficulties, and down size my entire system. So you may see an ad in the coming week or so for them. The Gallo 3.5 are power hungry, but the RD M-500 should drive them superbly. ....Jim
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
1,219 posts
 
Ihave found the Passlabs 250.5, as well as the excellent Plinius 301
Both are the best that I have ever heard.
dhc
6 posts
 
I was driving my Reference 3.5's with a Bryston 14 B SST and tried a used Axiom A-1400-8 which is an 8 ch class D. I also decided to go 5.1 surround. With the Axiom I was using a low pass filter set at 55 Hz to drive the second voice coils of the Reference 3.5's. This was the most amazing sound I have ever heard. The Axiom sounded much better than the Bryston did in this configuration. The problem I was having was a mechanical relay noise from the one unused channel. I was using 2 ch rear, 2ch front main, 2 ch second voice coil and one ch centre. That left one unused and the clicking relay drove me crazy and I sold the amp. I'm kicking my self now, because that was one very sweet combination. The Axiom amp is very quick, detailed and extremely powerful, it also had the best high end of any amp I've owned. It was very detailed but not at all bright or sibilant. The new Axiom is available in 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 channels. I will be getting one soon. I bought an EMOTIVA XPA-5 to get me by for now, but it has a very hot top end with these speakers and is somewhat sibilant.
stelladesign
9 posts
 
I am using mine with Consonsance cyber 845 & Gallo SA.
Those speakers disappear completely when I am playing well recorded music from my modified MacMINI server.
The bass is beautiful,tight, deep and tune full.
The tonal range is natural and captivating.
The only system more holographic that I have heard was made by MBL.
The 3.5 replaced a 3.1 set with MapleShade stands.
I tried the 3.5 with the stands but did not like having the musicians playing above the normal plane.
I am using my system in a Roomtune treated dedicated listening room.
I quit watching the boob tube for months now.
I listen to music from around the world from Boine, the artist from the Lapland to the ECM artist and Giles Coquard,Hans Theesink the dutch blues singer.
dhc
6 posts
 
Update. I went back to the Axiom class D….I bought the new version of the Axiom, the ADA-1500 in a 4ch version. 2ch to drive the mains and 2 thru a low pass filter from 55 Hz down. No relay noise! This amp is a perfect match for the Gallo 3.5's. Detailed, but smooth and no sibilance. Very life like Mids and awesome bass with very good control. This is the most realistic sounding system I've heard yet.
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