Gallo Reference 3.1 with/without the subwoofer amp

Depends on your listening preferences, room size and associated gear. I would try them w/o the sub amp first and see how you like it. Some have gotten the sub amp and found it wasn't necessary for their needs. Other need and want the added effect. IMO, with the sub amp the Gallo's are competitive with some of the better full range speakers. But I will say depending on your associated gear, you may be suprised by the level of bass you can get w/o the sub amp. The Gallo's love current and get the impedance thing matched and your all set. I was consistently amazed at how they got better as the gear/system matching got better (as should be the case with a good gear.)

If you are using a high-current amp you can get away without one. But the SA works so well with the Ref 3.1's that I would strongly recommend it. Allows you to use a sweet little tube amp and still get solid, well-integrated bass.

or just spend a few bucks on a couple resistors?

http://www.10audio.com/gallo_ref3-1.htm

I have heard the 3.1s at my house and at friend's and we both preferred them better with a good sub instead of their amp. He returned the amp.

Tubes on top,a good SS on the subs, a Velodyne SMS to tie them together ,it is the only way to go.Raises the price of the speakers by $1k to $2k but is worth the price, on the plus side you can get there in steps.
Tony