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Gallo Reference 3.1; What integrated amp?

Hello,

I am a proud owner of a pair of Gallo Reference 3.1 speakers. I'm now in the market for a new integrated amplifier with a good phono stage or an additional separate phono stage (cartridge is a Sumiko Blackbird MC)

Unfortunately where I live there are virtually no stores that carry really high end hi-fi gear so I can actually go have a listen and I've been doing all of my research on the net.

I would love some opinions of what you think would be a good match for the Gallo's, amplifier and separate phono stage if required. My budget is up to around $3000-4000, hopefully less.

I've read really good reviews about the Copland CTA 405, a hybrid, which apparently has a good phono stage as well. I was also looking into the Primare I30 which is a high current amp with oodles of power but no phono stage. In tubes Cary Audio SLI-80 looks interesting as well and Eastern electric M520 seems a bargain. What do you think? What would you recommend as a phono stage?

Thanks!
Alexis
a_philippides

Showing 4 responses by a_philippides

a_philippides OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations so far.

I've actually just been reading about the Plinius 9200. Seems it's made a lot of people very happy. I'm definitely adding it to my shortlist.

Please do keep your comments coming in.
a_philippides OP
4 posts
 
Again thanks for your all your comments.

I've been doing some reading and I can say I am even more confused than when I started... There are just so many choices and it's very frustrating when you can't actually go and have a listen to your music before you actually commit and buy.

I'm happy to see good comments about the Primare I30 as I am leaning towards that particular amp since it's easy for me to get hold of it on the web. By the way Viclondon, have you tried the resistor "hack" of the Gallo's? http://www.10audio.com/gallo_ref3-1.htm (5th paragraph from the end).

I will look into the Musical Fidelity one as well. Any comments on the other amps I've mentioned?
a_philippides OP
4 posts
 
Same here I hadn't found much info on the Gallo SA so didn't think about investing into it. It's definitely a big plus to be able to get subwoofer frequencies in one box.

a_philippides OP
4 posts
 
You have a valid point Kkm, it would introduce more vibration. I don't know if anyone has a more expert opinion on this.

As a follow up, I ended up order the Primare I30 and Primare R20 phono stage and will post my impressions with the Gallo's when I receive the amplifier.
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