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'New' Gallo Reference vs. 'old' B&W Matrix 802

Hi Everybody,

I happened to audition a pair of old B&W Matrix 802 Series 3 and I was truly impressed. I always wanted to have Gallo speakers and I read a lot of good things about the Gallo Reference III. Unfortunately the local dealer does not have on here to demo. The price of the new Gallo and this old B&W are about the same (2500$). So, I ask you guys if somebody out there can help me in my decision.

Thanks in advance
jig43
transnova's avatar
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transnova
350 posts
 
My vote is for the 802 series 3 hands down! It's one of the finest speakers ever made,better than the Naut. 803 which can be bass heavy.I've heard the Gallo at a local dealer.Neat looking and sound is interesting,but they were bested by other similarly priced and less expensive speakers(Consonance Eric 3,Von Schweikert VR-2)in the store.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
If you ever get a chance to hear a pair of Ref 3s that are fully broken in, I don't think there will be any question. Read the review on 6moons where they replaced $20,000+ speakers in Srajan Ebaen's system. THAT is what they sound like. I understand, though, that the Ref 3s are substantially back-ordered. Good luck.
steph9985
6 posts
 
The Gallos easily bested the 802s when I auditioned them recently.They are really that good.I am now waiting for the sub amp they are offering to drive the second set of coils.I also own Martin Logan Odyess and Vandersteen 3A Sig.
tabl10s's avatar
tabl10s
1,075 posts
 
I'd go for the Gallo's. The 802's are no longer supported. The driver's are $300 if you blow one(Repair not replacement and are 16 ohms which are'nt made anymore). You'll need the Northcreek Xovers and Soundanchor stands to get the best performance.
jig43 OP
2 posts
 
Thanks all of you for the answers. They are very insightful.

Yes, Gallos are insanely backorder (good luck to me!). Also, I want black with a wood-base, but dealers only carry black on black or black on aluminum. They told me about 2-3 months!

Ohh well. At least I have more time to make up my mind.
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