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In Reply to: RE: Kicking tires, graduating from Gallo Ref 3.5 posted by bullethead on June 19, 2016 at 09:38:53
You have a very difficult decision to make. I bought my Ref 3.5's new when they were first introduced in 2010.
I enjoy the Ref 3.5's and, although I have been looking and researching, there is no other loudspeaker I can find as an acceptable alternative. That CDT is a soundstage and resolution champion. There is no enclosure or crossover to color the result.
Most loudspeakers are a variation on a theme with multiple drivers, including a dome tweeter, routed through complicated circuitry, mounted to a baffle, surrounded by a box with a hole punched in it called a port or a tube. Dividing networks create phase issues. Enclosures introduce resonance problems. Designs with both bring efficiency deficits. Most consumer loudspeakers have power handling limits. The big ones are very expensive and difficult to place due to their enormous weight and size.
I speak from 50+ years of audiophile experience. I have had many loudspeakers including active PMC's and Avalon Eidolons. The Ref 3.5's have surpassed them all except in the very deepest bass, perhaps a lower half octave. I do not use a subwoofer or the Gallo SA amp for the 2nd voice coil.
Unfortunately, Ref 3.5's are usually paired with equipment of comparable pricing. Such equipment choices severely limits this loudspeaker's ultimate potential. Given inadequate break-in time, too low a listening height and less than optimal source, cable and amplifier pairing, many owners may blame the loudspeaker for failing to meet their standards. The Ref 3.5's may be sold in frustration without the owner ever hearing their full capabilities.
I have changed equipment, experimented with listening height and added extensive room treatments to fully appreciate everything the Ref 3.5's can deliver without any restriction. The results are amazing, thrilling and well worth the time, effort and expense.
The equipment can easily restrict the full capabilities of the Ref 3.5's. The strengths of the best equipment are revealed by the Ref 3.5's and they can certainly highlight the flaws of less than the best. I would still choose the Ref 3.5's over any of my previously owned loudspeakers. They are just that good. There is nothing out there like them and have no idea what I would ever replace them with.
The Ref 3.5's do like power though. I am amazed by how loud they can play without any sign or distortion, compression or break-up. In your case though you want the ability to enjoy low level listening and that certainly can be an issue. Perhaps you might consider the efficiency of a horn loaded system.
Follow Ups:
this I figured would be as easy as throwing money at the problem, which there is no problem at all with the Ref 3.5, I will just have to wait for the Ref 4 or whatever it will be called.
There have been numerous announcements over several years promising a Ref 3.5 replacement. I last read somewhere that it may debut early next year at a $4500.00 price point. At that retail price it can never approach the parts quality or performance of the Ref 3.5. I understand that Gallo lost money on the aluminum stalk of the Ref 3.5 due to manufacturing expense and a high rejection rate. It should have been priced higher but would not sell in enough quantity so would still be a loss. Consequently, the Ref 3.5 did not remain in production for very long.
Given all that, the Ref 3.5 you have will never be duplicated or surpassed. It has an aluminum framework, carbon fiber midrange drivers with neodymium magnets, a ceramic coated aluminum diaphragm woofer, various premium parts and that phenomenal CDT unit.
If you are just bored, I can fully understand. However, if you move on, any replacement you choose will be at a significantly higher cost for any significant performance improvement. If you are still not happy after that you may never get back the Gallos.
If you look at my equipment profile you will clearly see that the Gallo Ref 3.5's are the least expensive component in my system. Yet they never impede or restrict in any way. With every component upgrade I have made, the Ref 3.5's have allowed significant improvements to be heard. That says it all!
I am with you, I doubt Gallo can do it for less than $6k the original price after the fabrication problems were solved with the 3.5. If he can than we will see, I can't guess, he's really got to be certain, I know that he won't release a sub par product, If anything at the end of all of this both you and I are very fortunate to own these Gems.
Good listening, yes I am bored. Problems of having too much time to think, so thank you for the moral support, I agree.
The new woofer compared to the 3 is great. Have a good week, I had to add in the SA amp into the chain today as I am listening to Dr Greenthumb. :)
Keep me posted -bullethead.
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