2. amps-preamps
  3. 1144377931

question for Gallo Ref owners

A hi-end novice friend of mine is moving residences and for the first time is exploring improving his music system more seriously. I managed to do a convert, ...the more the merrier. Given his budget, I have advised him speakers between Gallo Ref and Zu Druid both of which are available here in HK. (he wants full range and dynamic capability) This is based on my own listening exp which were not extended by any means but were enough to convince me that both were extraoridnary in their own right, especially for their pricing levels.

The friend first visited Gallo, Apparently the dealer here (I was not present) drove them thru Naim amplification, I think it was an integrated plus another pwr amp to drive the bass drivers. While he loved it, he is hesistant to spend that much money (US$5-6000) on just amplification which we can all understand especially for someone who is first entering our world.

So the question is ...for Gallo Ref owners out there what integrated or pre-pwer combination of price tags of US$3000 or less would you recommend? What has worked well in your exp? Help me to help him, we need more audiophiles!
henryhk
kpw
2 posts
 
I have tried Gallo 3 with Krell 400xi with good results.
The treble is very clean and sweet and airy
It is worhtwhile buying the accompanying Gallo amp for the woofer if you desire deep tight bass.
henryhk OP
648 posts
 
thanks Kpw...the krell did strike me as a possible good match
drphare
6 posts
 
I'm running mine with a Rowland Concentra II with ease. They can take lots of power and the CII has a liquid presentation which they seem to love. Sounds great - and your friend should be able to pick up a clean used CII for about $3k
earthpulse
58 posts
 
The Sonic Euphoria passive autoformer preamp requires no expensive powercord, and adds no noise whatsoever. Read the reviews for more information. >$1500

with,

Mono class D amps: neutral sound with no heat, little weight, no tubes, no bias adjustments, no electric bill. Plus they sound great and cost 1/3 to 1/2 of their equivilent tube or SS class A. This is not a passing fad.

Check out Channel Islands, Bel Canto, Nuforce, Spectron etc.

Class dismissed. (This is one course where receiving a "D" is a passing grade).
bmwhaus
84 posts
 
Im also thinking about combining the DK Design VS1 MK.2 with the Gallo's reference 3.1..I heard the Gallos and they sound terrific running off some Tube mono blocks,I never heard the DK Design VS1 MK.2 personally but what I read and was told this is a very capable intergraded for the 3.1....
More to discover