Gallo vs. Quads ESL 57

I guess authority is what I miss in my system. The Quads are wonderful but if you listen to complex symphonic music (or even complex opera pieces) you feel like there is something missing, even with the woofers. Also, per Elevick comment, my listening room is fairly small, so perhaps I am not optimizing the quads' potential (although the combination preamp and amp should work pretty well with them).

Gioivanni,

I suspect you are going to find it tough to retain the exquisite qualities you have fostered but add the authority you crave (you may have to give in the midrange to gain some authority)

Shadorne, are you saying the "perfect" speaker cannot exist? I thought the addition of the woofers might solve my problem...it definitely improves the situation but it does not solve the problem fully. An audiophile I trust claims one of Triangle's high-end models (the Magellan Cello) gets close to what I am looking for, but I believe they are not imported in the US. I've also heard very nice reports about the new B&W 802D. Apparently they have a wonderful midrange and we all know the quality of its bass. The problem for me is that I have a small room, and the 802D probably needs more space.

I think the problem with Quads owners is that we get spoiled...the emotions it gives you with voices and jazz are hard to beat. But when you move to Mahler's 5th, it becomes a pretty standard speaker...

It is a matter of mating tweeters/woofers to take the load off that midrange.I tried the Decca and RTRs,though I would think the CDTs or Lineaum di-pole might be a better
match.Then there are the crossovers:Dahlquist and an EC-3 or?? I tried to stay passive as often as possible=ARC EC-3 into the Dahlquist.The 3 having passive top/tube low-pass,driving the input on the LP-1.
Now we needed to find amps suitable for Qiads,with enough power to sufficently drive the woofers and tweeter.
Sometimes you need to enjoy the speaker for what it does correctly and not try to "fix.Substitute a Klipsch horn and play symphonic.Back for small scale.

I think the problem with Quads owners is that we get spoiled...the emotions it gives you with voices and jazz are hard to beat.

B&W 802D is not going to work in a small room. Try to hear an ATC SCM 20 or 19 - your tubes might be just enough to drive them in a small room as they are a fairly easy load. They will probably not quite be the equal of your Quads in the midrange but will come close and you'll get the authority you are after to boot. ATC are similar to Quad in the sense that the bass and treble are somewhat rolled off - a polite sound that lets you hear the mdirange timbre well.

Another option would be Harbeth's... this will give you more warmth than the Quads but still an awesome midrange. but a slightly more colored and delicious sound.