Gallo Ref 3.1 stands, need more stability, help...


I am very happy with my Ref. 3.1 speakers but the base is way too unstable for my household that includes dogs. The lateral stability is horrible. I have read threads here about various stand options but I still have a few questions.

The cheapest tweak was a pair of Auralex Mopad Monitor isolation pads. These sound great. This $39 experiment convinced me that better stands are the way to go. The bass is much better, soundstage fuller, just sweeter in every way on my tile flooring. The only problem is that they are foam and not even as stable as the original feet.

The Bright Star Audio stand looks ideal but I can't find one for sale.

The Mapleshade is a bit expensive. Is the added 4 inches of width and added mass enough to make a serious improvement in the stability of the speakers? I would get the radiused feet.

I need stability but I also want an improvement in sound for my money. What have the Gallo mavens discovered? Will the Mapleshades fit the bill?
dave_newman
I STRONGLY recommend the Mapleshade stands. Yes they're expensive (I have the 4" versions). They make the speakers totally stable. But more important, they literally transform the sound especially in the lower midrange and upper bass, where they add a solidity and "authority" to the sound that the Gallos never had, and I thought they were pretty great before adding the stands. I wouldn't have believed the difference they make. Dave
I built 4" stands of solid maple following Mapleshades exact dimensions. I bought heavy footers from Edensound, so mine are not an exact copy. I did it for the same reasonas you, stability. The sound as Dopogue correctly stated improved across the board. Mapleshade's stands will NOT allow you to use your speaker covers though. My stands have a groove routed in them that will, which for me was a must because of occasional visits from small children.

With the labor, materials, and brass feet I have invested in these it makes Mapleshade's seem reasonably priced. Your not just getting stabillity, you are getting an overall improvement in the sound as well.
How much do the 4" Mapleshade stands weigh? Totally stable, would you think that this would include a 50 lb. dog knocking into the side? Would the stand just scoot over or topple?

The improvement in sound will be icing on the cake...