New Gallo Strata's sound like tin-cans: break-in time problem?

When I had Stradas they were purchased used, and thus broken in, but my experience was NOTHING like what you're describing.  

Seems like something is seriously wrong somewhere, but where, I don't know.

I still kind of wish I hadn't sold the Stradas.  They are really good speakers.

I notice your preamp has two gain modes low and high. If it's in the low gain mode try switching it to high. It sounds like a system issue rather than the speakers.

Many Thanks to both responders
Since then I have made some changes to confirm the problem: moved the Stratas to a different and much smaller room with wood floors, and connected to an Onkyo TX8160 receiver (80 wpc into 8ohms plus an Onkyo CD 7030). In addition, I have connected my old Cambridge Soundworks Model SIx speakers to the original electronics I described in the first post. Results for the Stratas are the same; tin-can sound and only running the receiver wide-open produces a normal output volume. The Cambridge Model Six (connected to ARCAM P49 and Sonus Veritas Genoa pre-amp) sound exactly as they should, running at 12:00 volume setting produces full, clean output volume.
I read a few reviews of the Stratas before purchasing and did not find any indication of the problems I am hearing. Everyone loves these speakers right out of the box, and no one complains of needing extended break-in time. Although, the optional Gallo subwoofer DOES require considerable break-in.

Tried the Stradas 2 last week. Bought them used half a year ago but havn’t given them much time till now. Sorry to say I had much the same impression as you. Had high expectations based on reviews etc but find them lacking resolution in the mids. And they don’t produce anything below 150hz (open space). They really need support from a pair of subs that can go to maybe 300 Hz. For listeners that are into a warmer and non-fatiguing sound they may be a good fit. They certainly disappear as a speaker with a fine soundstage.