VR-4jr or Gallo Nucleus Reference 3


Von Scheikert Audio VR-4jr or Gallo Nucleus Reference 3 with it's Gallo subwoofer amplifier (see the great review in the new Absolute Sound- cover story) . I have finally narrowed my choice in loudspeakers down to these two. The difference in the amount of money is not the issue here, but the sound is. Has anybody heard both speakers? What are your thoughts? Or does anyone just have an opinion on either one that they would like to share? My room is 13Ft. by 15 ft. It's main use is for the audio system (the TV is in another room. My amps are dual monoblock Quicksilver M80s (80 strong watts per). I like all types of creative music. I am looking for speakers with a great soundstage and imaging. I like good dynamics and low base when it is called for. Any helpful suggestions on which speaker to decide on would be greatly appreciated. I don't have the luxery to listen to either one before I order them. Thanks, Edward
128x128elb
The former is advertised as time-and-phase-consistent, and the latter as time-and-phase-coherent. In audio gear, being coherent is better than being consistent. On the other hand, in a lover, inconsistency is better than incoherence. Seriously though, I have my doubts about the SA3 amp.
I did not get a chance to hear the Gallo's with an SACD player...they were hooked up to an all Cary system, but when I say there was NO bass, understand that this is coming from a guy who had Spica's for 13 years so I know weak bass..lol. My comment on the on the reviews was just that..don't shoot the messenger. The comments were an aside to a glowing review in TAS. But it makes sense. The current Wilson Sophia/Linn Classik dealer stunt aside, how many of you would hook up a new amp with an MSRP of $900 to a set of $2600 speakers?
I have narrowed my choices to three speakers: VR-4jr, Gallo Ref 3 and Hyperion 938. I've heard the Gallo and didn't like it... maybe it wasn't well broken in at 50 hours.
Please share your experience, if you've heard the Hyperion, how it compares with the other two.
The Gallos at 50 hours are not even close to broken in. Also, to comment on jdm61's remark above on the $900 amp and a $2500 speaker...it is a sub amp, not an amp for the entire speaker. How much do you think the amp costs in a REL sub? How about the amp inside the Vandersteen 5A? These are both considered world-class.
on the Hyperion 938. The bass is much tighter and cleaner than the VR-4jr; the Hyperions can image the position of a double bass with ease whereas on the VR-4jr, I have feel the energy but not "see" the positioning as clearly. The VR-4jr I heard may not be set up well with its cabinet lead/sand filled but the bass sounded woolly and loose compared with the Hyperions. Moreover, I found the Hyperion more balanced from top to bottom while the VR-4jr warmer sounding.

As for the Gallo, I felt that they cannot deliver the bass weight I would like. However, to be fair, I auditioned them without their delicated sub amplifier. But then again, why do I need to bother myself with such nitty gritty when the Hyperion can deliver what I wanted with just using my current Audio Research VT100 tube amplifier?

I'm sure there are many 938 owners around - where have they all gone to? Too busy enjoying the music??? :)