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Conrad Johnson with Gallo Reference 3.1s

I'm looking for an amp to drive my Gallo Reference 3.1s. This is my first attempt at finding a real audiophile piece of equipment to drive the Gallos. The room is a lively 18 x 24 x 9 with an open dining/kitchen area behind the listener. I listen to Jazz, Instrumental, Folk and Rock. Has anyone heard the Gallos driven by a Conrad Johnson CA200 or an MF2500A? They both seem to have enough power to drive them and a touch of warmth I would enjoy.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
shooterama
cellorover
358 posts
 
The CA200 is neutral and detailed without being warm. The 2500 A is more open and smoother than the 2250A but not as detailed as the CA 200. It is sonically similar to the 2250A but opens up the sound of the 2250 A. The 2250 A is a good amp but does not have the power or overhead as the other two amps. The CA 200 eliminates the need for a preamp or extra interconnects. Any of the amps would drive the Gallos. If you consider the speakers warm then go with the CA200. If you consider the speakers bright go with the 2500 A. I have owned all three plus several CJ tube amps. No matter what you choose, consider the speaker wires.
invenio78
33 posts
 
I think you should do fine with a Conrad Johnson tube amp unless you want to play it at deafening levels. I usually find that I play my music at moderate levels to perceive the most detail. I use a Conrad Johnson Evolution 2000 amp with Martin Logan Vantage speakers with excellent results. You may want to check out www.conradjohnsonowners.com to see if anybody else has specific experience with driving Gallos with CJ amps. Let us know how things turn out!
shooterama OP
1 posts
 
Thanks all for your feedback and opinions. I've purchased the CA200 and should have it set up late next week. Considering I've been running the Gallos off of a basic Yamaha receiver the past year, this should be quite an improvement. This year's budget is just about tapped out now but I'm considering either the Mapleshade Golden Helix speaker cable or a set of AntiCable Performance speaker cables. I'll let you know how everything turns out.
Cheers,
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