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Are the Anthony Gallo Reference 3.5 still up to it?

Hi. I've enjoyed my Gallo 3.5s for many years but with upgrades to the rest of my system (Gato Audio monoblocks and preamplifier) I'm wondering if I should upgrade my speakers too.

I enjoy 'interesting' speaker designs from a purely aesthetic perspective and am interested in Vivid Audio, Audiovector Trapeze Ri, Aequo Stilla, Lyngdorf CUE-100 and others. They're all very different but sound very good to my ears.

I can't audition those other speakers at home with my electronics, in my room. So I'm interested in any views on whether the Gallos have stood the test of time. Any owners out there still love them? Any who have moved on? Any other thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

bails67
kb77
1 posts
 

Just to chime in: I have 3.5's in my main system and personally I have not heard anything that makes me want to switch. I have upgraded other components around (including adding a JL Audio F113 some years ago - it provided the best integration with the 3.5's I could find at the time). In fact, I have a spare pair of 3.5's I found NIB a few years ago as insurance should anything happen to my main pair. 

kodak805
79 posts
 

Unfortunately the Ref 3.5's are largely undervalued because they have been paired with mid-fi components based on their original asking price.

I bought mine new in 2010.  They replaced Avalon Eidolons and PMC AML1's.

I originally had them driven by Rowland mono blocks and a Wadia front end.  

Currently, I use Bricasti M28 mono block power amplifiers, a Weiss Jason transport and a Berkeley Reference DAC.  The cables are TARA Labs 0.3 loudspeaker cables and TARA Labs Zero Evolution interconnects.  

The point in describing the associated equipment is to demonstrate just how good the Ref 3.5's really are.  I have no plans to replace them.

I hope my description removes any doubts on your keeping your Ref 3.5's.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

evilstepdaddy's avatar
evilstepdaddy
1 posts
 

I'm running a pair of 3.5s to with a Luxman L-507z and a gallo amplifier for 2nd voice coils in woofers in secondary listening room.   Still love the sound.  Now you all have me thinking I need a set of powered subs too?  

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,858 posts
 

we were a Gallo dealer for years no, the 3.5are not going to sound as good as modern designs, even when they were brand new they had a rolled off top end also the image size is low and not that expansive.

 

We would recommend listening to Alta audio, Dali Epikore series and legacy signatures.

 

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect NJ

dali alta legacy dealers

nymarty
120 posts
 

Yes, the Gallo 3.5s hold up very well.  My friend brought his pair over a couple of weeks ago and they sounded great.  They image well with a wide soundstage and good dynamics.  Very impressive speakers. He loves them and I can understand why.  If you want to try something different, buy a used pair of something else and see if you like them better.  

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