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Tyler/Salk sensible alternatives to Gallos?

Friends, Since I first posted last week, my obsessive tendencies have kicked into "gear." Many suggested the Gallo Ref III as a must hear for me - a musician who literally plays with his system. On paper, the Gallos make a strong impression with near universal accolades. But peeling away the adoration, I wonder whether they would be a best buy for my needs. I am prepared to buy used. The Gallos go for around $2k. But then you need to add the cost of the sub - another $500-600. Many may say it is not necessary. Without having it, I will always wonder. A bigger issue is the sound stage. I am told that they cast a broad but short shadow. Since I stand when I play/listen, that is a significant issue. I could buy a pair of stands, but custom made can run upwards of $700. Cinder blocks will not fit our decor, I am sure my wife will say. All told, even used, I am looking at something some north of $3k for the Gallos. And perhaps it is still the champ at that price point. But enter the contenders. I read that Mr. Tyler makes magic with his Linbrook Signatures which can be had from him, used, for $4k delivered with a 2 yr warranty. They can be had for hundreds less from private sellers. And Mr. Salk's QW can be had new for the same price as the Gallos in my paradigm, and his Ht3's could be had used for about $1000-1500 more. No reports from owners or reviewers quibble about the depth or vertical reach of these speakers, or the need for stands or subs. So, assuming that they all trade within the same range, and given my particular needs, would the Gallos still reign in my world?
deliberate1
tvad
9,467 posts
 
IMO, if you're going to be standing while playing along or listening, then you'll be best served by getting the speakers up higher than normal (normal generally being at a height appropriate for seated listening) so they are at ear level.

Driver height will be as important as speaker choice. In this respect, none of the speakers on your list are ideal, but the Tylers at least get the drivers up higher than the Gallos.

You might really enjoy a pair of excellent two way monitors on tall stands. Add a sub later if necessary. Tall line array speakers would be another possibility.
miklorsmith
146 posts
 
I owned the Gallos and don't particularly care for them. They're great at audiophile "special effects" but their instrumental tone through the midrange is opaque at best. Depending on the room, all that tweeter dispersion could be an issue too. Cue rotten tomatoes.

I'm way more toward the hi-eff camp for dynamics and tone.

The height issue isn't one of apparent stage height *in the listening chair*, but vertical dispersion which is limited. They will sound different standing vs. sitting. Most aphiles won't care, as their primary listening is seated.
deliberate1 OP
33 posts
 
Thanks to all. Frankly, Tvad, your suggestion for the Klipschorns triggered schoolboy lust. The first time I saw and heard a Paragon monolith was one of those "you remember exactly where you were where when...." moments. Damn if the idea of having a pair of Klipschorns wouldn't scratch that itch. And your second post about getting the drivers up got me thinking. My current house system is a pair of Newform Research speakers driven by a Pass Aleph 3 and Blue Circle 21 pre. It is a great combination for playing with, especially since the Newforms have a ribbon device that takes the overall height to 75", making the "driver" at ear level and then some. The Gallos are 36" and the other towers are in the 50" range (if memory serves). That system is set against a side wall in a large room - 24x24x18. The room opens into the rest of the house which adds another 1500sf or so. I could park the Klipschorns in the corners at the far end of the room, filling it and perhaps the rest of the house. The Pass/BC would be a good match for the Klipsch. I could run the Newforms in my studio with the Halcro MC40 I just got (thanks Ebay), and a pre that I am shopping for. And looks like the Khorns can be had (used) for less than the Gallos (2k-3k). Funny this passion. Yesterday, my sights were set on the state of the art Gallos, and today, on the art of the classic. Tvad, appreciate the paradigm shift.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
I believe Khorns would love the BC21/Pass combo, and you're right about the room filling sound. That's why I suggested them.

Interesting that you are already using tall speakers. You're experiencing the importance getting the drivers up to standing ear level. That seems important for getting the full immersion effect of playing along with the music.

I believe the Khorns would also achieve this, but you'd have to be positioned a little farther away and into the room.
deliberate1 OP
33 posts
 
Tvad, frankly, when I got the Newforms about five years ago, I never gave any consideration to the height of the ribbon. And I have been happily playing along with them ever since, probably for that very reason. More I think about it, I may already own the perfect speaker for my needs. The 400 watts from the Halcro would really drive these relatively inefficient (91db) speakers better than the 30wpc (albeit Class A) pumped out by the Pass. But then for the house, I can already see a pair of Khorns anchoring the corners. They are in the range of 108db, making the Pass a much stronger partner than with the Newforms. Tvad, really greatful for your suggestion.
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