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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
leatherneck1812
116 posts
 
Dave,

I had a robust 80lb dog knock over one of my Gallos and damage the speaker cover. The original feet are only 6" apart and the stands can't weigh more than a cpl of pounds. The 4" stands feet are 11" apart and weigh close 15 pounds. The mass is all at the bottom due to the weight and the low center of gravity. These are not going to tip over.
dave_newman OP
20 posts
 
Woofer, I get it. ;)

Thanks guys. I found another photo on the Mapleshade site that puts things in a better perspective: http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/audioproducts/hometheater_hub.php

Much better photo than just a closeup of the stand on the speaker.

I notice their statement about treble and imaging for those standing, what does it do for those of us sitting?

Only problem now is that my wife likes the cherry but the custom orders don't allow a 30 day trial period. I tried calling about getting a B stock demo pair to try before buying a set in cherry. No answer, so I'm awaiting an email reply.
leatherneck1812
116 posts
 
Dave,

I sit 15 feet from my speakers.
I prefer a little less angle on the speakers to achive optimum treble and midrange from my seat. I have the back feet screwed out about 1/4" making the difference from the back to front feet about 1/2" instead of 3/4" YMMMV Got the house to myself, listening right now. Sounds wonderful.
dave_newman OP
20 posts
 
No B stock/trials available so I just ordered a pair. They weigh 40 lb. per stand, pretty substantial. Shipping costs are high at $70 a pair. The photos on the web site make it hard to determine which color is best. Does everyone have the natural maple or custom finish?

We went with the natural. If we don't like them they can be returned. If my wife wants, we can exchange them for the cherry bases and I'll be out ~110 in shipping.
ritrau
3 posts
 
This may be too late, but I would like to share another less expensive option. I used two 2 1/2" thick,16x16 solid cutting wood blocks from Ross store ($25 each). Mount the speakers to the blocks with couple of 3 1/2 " long through bolts. The existing fasteners are metric, so make sure to take the spike to the hardware store to confirm the right size bolts. Drill new holes for the footing at the desired width. I kept the front and back distance same as the origninal design, you can add metal washers to adjust the height and anlge of the speakers later. This solution will give you the similar result to the mapleshades base. IMO, it's the added weight of the bases and the stability that tranformed the sound of the speakers and not the type of wood. You can finish the base with few coats of black paint and they look like they come from the factory that way :) All for total of $65.
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