Gallo reference /TAS vs Me

From the 6moon review, they didn't seem all that impress, they said that starting out with a good amp might render the SA redundant:

"However, the sound more than filled the room and the bass for the most part sounded appropriately deep and fat. It just lacked ultimate definition. [For comparison's sake, my reference tube amps don't generate enough current for that low-frequency leading edge into those 10-inch woofers either. However, the 1000-watt into 4-ohm ICEpower amps are truly shocking in that regard. At least in my space, they could well render the addition of the bass amp redundant. The same would probably hold true for a more affordable Bryston or McCormack amp - Ed.]"

Remember that you'll need a crossover, set around 45 Hz. if you use something other than a sub amp. And an infrasonic filter if you play LPs.

Well, after waiting a couple of months to get my Bruce Moore Custom 120's back, they've finally returned and now have new matched quads of EH 6550's. They sound terrific. Great definition, and bass that sound very satisfying. Still, I had my IRD 100watt mono blocks sitting around, so I got a couple of inline 50 Hz low pass filters and connected them to the sub input. The difference in wattage between my tubes and the sub amps may be responsible for the somewhat underwhelming difference. The speakers sound larger, and bass definition is sharper, but overall, there's not a lot of difference, maybe 5-10%. That's what you want to hear though, right? The Gallos as is, without the need for bi-amping, are pretty special. Of course, when the, what are they, 220 watt per channel, sub amps come out with their ability to tailor the power and frequency more specifically, they should make a more significant difference. Still, it's kind of fun to have a little added bass thrown in.

In my room the Gallo's still need EXTENSIVE break in, but already:
1) Look good (meet the family's approval)
2) Are flexible about placement
3) Have great dispersion (more than two consenting adults may share the sweet spot)
$) Are fast and extended (scary-fabulous tweeter!)
4) Render the acoustic well (good depth)
5) Throw better and more quality-bass than any of my previous speakers (various Quads)
6) Are easy to drive and tube friendly (CJ MV-60)
7) Sound great at low volumes (late at night)
8) Continue to improve daily

As a former Quad-57/63 listener, my listening confirms that this speaker is a whole new game.

I am awaiting a pair of the cigar box size NuForce Reference 8 Mono's, 100wpc Class D amps to try with the Gallo's full-range, and will let you know what I hear. Could be the ticket, or with their damping factor of >4000(!) the NuForce may be the perfect bass amp.

More to follow...

Good listening, with good music!

Just another thought on the IRD's. They are 200wpc into 4 ohms, which is the ohmage of the sub bass input. What this reiterates is how minimally the addition of another amp may effect your listening enjoyment if you have good amps to begin with...

David