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SS Amp Recommendations for Gallo Reference 3 ???


I am making a list of solid state amps for audition with my Gallo Reference 3's.

What solid state amps and integrateds work well with the Gallo Reference 3's? I read in Bound for Sound that the Edge G6 works well. Does anyone have experience with this combination? What other amps are working well for those that currently own Reference 3's and use solid state amps? Does anyone have experience with Rowland, Levinson, or Mac?

I use a Wadia 850 for the source. I haven't decided if it stays or goes. If it goes, I will likely look for an integrated since I don't currently use a preamp. Also, I will be using the system for two-channel stereo only, and would spend up to around $4,500 new or used.

The reason that I am looking is that I hope to find something to help me make the transition out of tubes. I spend too much time fussing over them, and would like to find something to leave on all the time, that requires no maintenance, and allows me to spend more time enjoying music and less time tweaking. Of course, if I'm not happy with the sound, I'll ultimately have to stay with tubes.

Thanks in advance,
Jeff
jeffreyds
jeffreybehr's avatar
jeffreybehr
805 posts
 
Jeffrey, you didn't mention whether you used the Gallo bass amp. In case you don't, consider a 4- or 5-channel solidstate amp. Use 2 channels to drive the speakers full range and 2 more channels for the woofers' 2nd voicecoils. It would be fairly easy and inexpensive to create a low-pass filter for the bass channels, or you could look for an inexpensive low-pass electronic crossover/filter such as the ancient Dalquist DQLP-1 (one of which I just found!). It includes 2nd-order low-pass filters, a variable-bass-boost control, and, of course, bass-level controls. You would NOT need to run the full-range signal thru it.

I'd look at the B&K 200-series poweramps. Of course you'd then need a preamp, but you certainly can include one for your $4500 budget.
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c123666
871 posts
 
Levinson 29 or 27.5
Pass Aleph 5
Threshold SA3
ehoehn
169 posts
 
MGD at "Bound for Sound" loved the Edge G6 with the Gallos. He said they had great synergy
heavystarch
34 posts
 
6moons highly reccomends ICEpower for the Gallos Ref 3's
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/jjaz/jjaz.html

You can get ICEpower amps direct from www.RedDragonAudio.com

the sa1000 is only $1799 factory direct and comes with a custom power cord to boot.
earthpulse
58 posts
 
Based on my experience with the Gallo's and solid state, I can heartily reccomend the NuForce Referenc 8 Mono's for $1600 a pair. These are small, light, high-quality switching amps, cool looking and running... very, very good, especially when you realize how much money you have just saved.

Sound quality n the same league as my reference $3000 60wpc tube amp, but with the benefits of SS bass extension and speed. Also works well with a passive or transformer volume control (I use the Sonic Euphoria). You can spend more on amps that heat the room... but with NuForce's 30-day trial, don't take my opinion, have an extended listen, how can you go wrong? I didn't.

Ric Schultz, one of the original audio visionaries and one who has lived longer at the bleeding edge of audio technology than most; who is well known and respected for his mods to digital sources; and who is a Gallo Reference 3 user, is now also a dealer for the new NuForce amps. Ric includes his level-one mods to the NuForce with purchase, at no additional cost.

I would have purchased from Ric if he had been offering the amps when I got mine.
See his site:
http://www.tweakaudio.com/
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