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

First time Gallo-user. Have been breaking them in according to instructions for approx 80hrs. Amp: ARCAM P49 (200 wpc in stereo mode), pre-amp Sonus Veritas Genoa, Source, ARCAM CD player (2yrs old), connections and wires all Nordost Tyr-or higher level. The new speakers are eating up the P49, I have the pre at full volume, and Strata's output is only slightly above conversation level. And, the sound I'm hearing is just like listening to the music thru tin cans. A friend commented, "these sound like mid-level television speakers".  Is all this due to incomplete break-in, poor speaker orientation, bad system combination, or.....what?  Any ideas are appreciated, as I had great hopes for these speakers.
Many thanks.
maximoam85
tomcarr
1,468 posts
 
+1 jetter.
OP- Make sure your amp-speaker connections are correct polarity also...
maximoam85 OP
15 posts
 
Thanks very much for these suggestions.

Strata's are not bi-wireable (only two posts on each). I have run the polarity tests for both the amp and the subwoofer. Also, the pre-amp has polarity options which I tested.  Essentially, I've been thru every user-available combination with no change in the anomalies I'm hearing. Note, that I have also changed equipment, wiring, and room characteristics when I moved the speakers into a small office (wooden floor, 12'x12') and connected to the Onkyo receiver and CD player with same results as before.

Only three options left I can think of: 1) the speakers are somehow defective, 2) they require much more break-in time, 3) this is their inherent sonic character.
Thanks again.
tomcarr
1,468 posts
 
Sorry to hear that. Many of us probably know first-hand how frustrating your situation is currently. Hopefully someone will post some information that will prove helpful to you. Keep us posted...

Tom
Post removed 
prpixel
876 posts
 
I'm listening to a pair of Strada's as I write this.  I'm using a Wadia 151PowerDac Mini to drive them which is rated at 25W into 8 ohms and it drives them fine in my 10 x 10 office.  Sounds like either the woofers aren't working or somethings screwed in the Crossover.  Did you buy them used?  Have you tried calling Gallo?

I love my Strada's, which are wall mounted and paired with a small custom sub.  My wife hates the retro Telephone Receiver look, but they're in my Office and she doesn't have to look at them.
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