It appears that the stands raise the speaker about 6"? If so, that likely accounts for the majority of the difference in sonics. Elevating a speaker so that it's orientation to the ears is altered inherently changes one's perception of the performance dramatically.
Thinking back to my review of the Von Schweikert VR-4 SR MkII, it had a time aligned, backward slanted baffle which shot the midrange and tweeter's primary wave front over my head (off axis). Standing up put me directly on axis and the sound was quite different. I was able to alter the speaker's performance by propping up the rear of the M/T module so that it was firing directly at my ears, more on a plane with the bass module. In the end I kept the speaker positioned as designed, but the discussion demonstrates my point about the height of the M/T on/off axis listening.
It's very possible you have been off axis (as the Gallo is a smaller floor stander) with the speaker's mid/treble and now are on axis. Huge difference.
So, in this case, a seeming "impossible" tweak (After all, what can a block of wood do?!) IS really doing something, just not what most people would expect it to do. When the explanation is seen, it's not so laughable. The cost of the stands might be debatable, however if the effect is enjoyed and their addition to the system aesthetically pleasing enough, then they very well may be considered a good deal. :)
Thinking back to my review of the Von Schweikert VR-4 SR MkII, it had a time aligned, backward slanted baffle which shot the midrange and tweeter's primary wave front over my head (off axis). Standing up put me directly on axis and the sound was quite different. I was able to alter the speaker's performance by propping up the rear of the M/T module so that it was firing directly at my ears, more on a plane with the bass module. In the end I kept the speaker positioned as designed, but the discussion demonstrates my point about the height of the M/T on/off axis listening.
It's very possible you have been off axis (as the Gallo is a smaller floor stander) with the speaker's mid/treble and now are on axis. Huge difference.
So, in this case, a seeming "impossible" tweak (After all, what can a block of wood do?!) IS really doing something, just not what most people would expect it to do. When the explanation is seen, it's not so laughable. The cost of the stands might be debatable, however if the effect is enjoyed and their addition to the system aesthetically pleasing enough, then they very well may be considered a good deal. :)