Gallo Ref 3.1 stands, need more stability, help...


I am very happy with my Ref. 3.1 speakers but the base is way too unstable for my household that includes dogs. The lateral stability is horrible. I have read threads here about various stand options but I still have a few questions.

The cheapest tweak was a pair of Auralex Mopad Monitor isolation pads. These sound great. This $39 experiment convinced me that better stands are the way to go. The bass is much better, soundstage fuller, just sweeter in every way on my tile flooring. The only problem is that they are foam and not even as stable as the original feet.

The Bright Star Audio stand looks ideal but I can't find one for sale.

The Mapleshade is a bit expensive. Is the added 4 inches of width and added mass enough to make a serious improvement in the stability of the speakers? I would get the radiused feet.

I need stability but I also want an improvement in sound for my money. What have the Gallo mavens discovered? Will the Mapleshades fit the bill?
dave_newman

Showing 3 responses by dave_newman

How much do the 4" Mapleshade stands weigh? Totally stable, would you think that this would include a 50 lb. dog knocking into the side? Would the stand just scoot over or topple?

The improvement in sound will be icing on the cake...
Woofer, I get it. ;)

Thanks guys. I found another photo on the Mapleshade site that puts things in a better perspective: http://www.mapleshaderecords.com/audioproducts/hometheater_hub.php

Much better photo than just a closeup of the stand on the speaker.

I notice their statement about treble and imaging for those standing, what does it do for those of us sitting?

Only problem now is that my wife likes the cherry but the custom orders don't allow a 30 day trial period. I tried calling about getting a B stock demo pair to try before buying a set in cherry. No answer, so I'm awaiting an email reply.
No B stock/trials available so I just ordered a pair. They weigh 40 lb. per stand, pretty substantial. Shipping costs are high at $70 a pair. The photos on the web site make it hard to determine which color is best. Does everyone have the natural maple or custom finish?

We went with the natural. If we don't like them they can be returned. If my wife wants, we can exchange them for the cherry bases and I'll be out ~110 in shipping.