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GMA Callisto's: Opinions

Hi, I know there are probably numerous threads on these speakers but I have to make a quick decision w/ no audition and am too lazy to read through every thread.

Either buying these for myself or recommend them for a musician/recording friend who wants a studio (read: accurate )monitor.

Have found a decent deal (I think, approx. $1400-1500, perfect condition) on them locally. I live in an apt./condo and will be doing so for the forseeable future (300-400 sq. ft). Plan on running 80-150 watts, tubes somewhere (don't know if it matters, pre now but undecided on amp...likely hybrid power amp)

Pretty much as much as I'd like to afford given my buying spree lately.

Unfortunately, I personally think they're ugly as sin but if they are as good as the reviews make them out...

Especially looking for immediacy, imaging (as if they are in the room, etc), tonal accuracy, details w/o being harsh, decent (note: I live in a condo) bass..

Thanks, any help would be appreciated.
elf73
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
a tip...for about 1k you can get a pair of castle harlechs(nos from May audio) which would be a much better speaker for the money.
lorenzo
12 posts
 
Have never heard the Callistos, but do own a pair of original Europas. GMA aesthetics, if anything, are controversial - most love 'em or hate 'em. One thing is certain, though, you will be hard pressed to find a clearer, more focused soundscape, whatever your source. The new GMA EOS 1 is said to surpass the Callisto, which it replaces, for only $1900 from GMA direct. The tweeter position on the EOS is adjustable in the horizontal plane (listener can move it closer or farther away), as it rides in its own track. Dual port also improves bass. The EOS 1 are more efficient (90 dB) than my Europas, which are driven with ease by a 22 watt parallel single ended stereo tube amp.
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
When I did an extensive demo of the Callisto they were very VERY impressive! I wasnt prepared to like them as much as I did after hearing them, they were clear well defined, tight and imaged great...I thought they were a killer speaker and I kinda liked how they looked!
jdombrow
371 posts
 
They are truly great speakers. I've heard them in several different rooms and setups, and I've always been impressed. They are fairly efficient, so you don't need a lot of power for them. If you don't care for them, you can always sell them again for the same price.
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