Gallo vs. Quads ESL 57

Totally different sound. I love both but for different reasons. If I have the space and the big mono blocks, the Quads are great. The Gallos are a little more user friendly and less needy of power/space but definitely can be less forgiving on the highs.

Two different sounding devices.Had the 57s matched up with the Hartley,then M&K 12s and finally the Mag/Tym IIIb bass panels.My Gallos are modified:time-aligned the larger CDT and configured for a 9 ohm load.
You really are comparing apples-oranges.The 57 won't play with as much authority/volume,you need outboard x-over and the ESL tweeter is pure,but not as extended.Not to mention 4 AC connections.Imaging will also be different.
I suppose that each has its' place and making equipment accomidations for each will maximize their performance.

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...