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Gallo Stradas vs. Merlin TSM-MXRs

I know this is a weird question, but I have an opportunity to purchase either Gallo Stradas or Merlin TSM-MXRs, but do not have the opportunity to hear them. The Merlins are about $700 more, which I don't mind paying if they are superior. Both would be paired with a small sub for a music-only second system. Amp is a Bel Canto ref500s. The room (my office) has terrible room treatment (hardwood floors, blank plaster over masonry walls, hard modern furniture, tall ceilings- and I don't want to add much in the way of room treatment for aesthetic reasons). I listen to a very wide variety of music - but mostly indie rock and jazz, at low to moderate levels.

Thoughts? I will be replacing Meadowlark Kestrel Hot Rods.
mateored
magnumpi205
504 posts
 
Just heard both at RMAF and would definitley go Gallo.
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Mateored,

I'd be reluctant to comment decisively on your "what if?" since my biggest issue with the Gallo was that -IMHO - it absolutely needed a subwoofer.

I'd estimate that - in the room that I heard 'em - the TSM provided close to a full octave in additional bass extension. That delta gave the TSM a reasonably satisfying octave to octave balance, while the Gallo came up short. That overwhelmed all other differences for me, particularly because both speakers sounded so very good in all other respects to my ear.

I never heard the Strada set up with a sub, so I can't really offer a judgement, other than to say that I would PRESUME that it would be more satisfying with a subwoofer (provided that it was a good subwoofer, well matched to the Strada, and properly set up). In the end, however, that's just a presumption.

Incidentally, the Merlin might benefit from a well set up sub, as well, it's just that it's less critical than with the Gallo. I'd guess that it would be a much closer call for me were I comparing these two with subs on line, but - again - that's just a guess.

Marty
wrm57
981 posts
 
I have TSM-Mmi powered by a Manley Stingray II in a large, very reflective room with no treatments. The set-up is further compromised by having the TSM in a large wall unit--solid birch and open-backed, but still way suboptimal. Nonetheless, they sound superb. I was worried about edginess in this room, and a bass hump because of close proximity to the front wall, and diffuse imaging because of the wall unit, but no such problems. This is not my main system yet I could live with it as such. A small, fast, sealed-cabinet sub helps, set at 50 Hz. The TSMs are remarkably good, flexible speakers. Never heard the Gallos, though, so I can't help you there.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Marty, you're right. The Stradas absolutely demand a subwoofer. One is okay,
two are much better. The drivers of the TR-3 subs are identical to the woofers
in the Gallo Ref 3.5s, by the way.
bobbyapalkovic
729 posts
 
m205, the tsm was not in denver, sorry. i played the master vsm system.
you just like the gallo sound more than the merlin sound and that is ok with me.
bobby at merlin
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