Gallo Ref 3's for musician?


Friends, I am building a new system for my practice space and would appreciate your thougts. I am a semi-professional musician (get paid but not enough to eat) with tenot sax and clarinet as main horns. I am working a on my improvisational skills by playing along with the greats - Stitt, Ammons, Bill Evans, Brubeck, and Getz, and with vocalists like McCrae and Cassandra Wilson. I am particularly into samba these days as well. My practice space is appx 13'x30' with sheetrock walls, carpet over concrete. The ceiling is a sloping cathedral. Speaker placement is unlimited in the room, and there is very little furniture, all of which can be moved as needed.
My needs are simple, though perhpas not simple to satisfy. I am a student of technique and tone. I want a speaker that is accurate; one that, to the extent possible, faithfully reproduces the true tone, color and pitch of the recorded instruments. And I need a speaker that throws a wide soundstage. When I honk along, I tend not to stay in one place, but try to find a spot that places me in the group. I am also looking for a speaker that has a good vertical stage as well - that sounds strong whether standing or sitting.
After some initital research I came across the Gallo's. The words people use seem to match my needs with regards to accuracy and soundstage and overall musicality. As there is no dealer within reach (according to the Gallo website), I am looking to you folks for your thoughts and suggestions in the $2k range - new or used.
I am also looking at Rogue componants, on the lower end or an integrated like the Tempest Magnum, PL Prologue 2 or the Cayin a88. I like the idea of being able to fine tune the sound with tubes.
I appreciate your assistance and thoughts.
deliberate1

Showing 3 responses by rlwainwright

I second the Gallos. In fact, Mr. Pogue is the one who got me addicted to the damn things. I now have a pair of the Ref 3s, a pair of the Ref AVs, and 3 Dues. The do throw a very wide and deep soundstage and are exceedingly musical.

Used prices are right around 2k right now, however I snagged mine for $1700 a year ago. Keep an eye out here and on Videogon, you might get lucky...

-RW-
Chazz is right about the Gallos loving current. Mine are mated to H/K Signature separates: 2.1 amp with 2.0 preamp. Amp kicks out 100 wpc into 8 0hms, 150 into 4 ohms. But it has MASSIVE current, +- 100 amps. I bought the amp for right around $500 and the Pre was $350 - I think I did pretty well for the money spent [smile].

You might want to check out the Emotiva products, they appear to be a real bargain and they're having a sale right now - look at the Ultra Theater Series: $799 for killer separates, a smokin' deal!.... http://www.emotiva.com

or

http://www.emotiva.com/products.html

-RW-
Mr Pogue, of course, is right. I did not mean to disparage tube gear. His system sounds spectacular, better than mine as a matter of fact. He is driving the 2nd voice coil, using a Gallo Sub Amp, to very good effect.

So, looks like the Refs sound great no matter what you drive 'em with, as long as it's good quality gear...

-RW-