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question for Gallo Ref owners

A hi-end novice friend of mine is moving residences and for the first time is exploring improving his music system more seriously. I managed to do a convert, ...the more the merrier. Given his budget, I have advised him speakers between Gallo Ref and Zu Druid both of which are available here in HK. (he wants full range and dynamic capability) This is based on my own listening exp which were not extended by any means but were enough to convince me that both were extraoridnary in their own right, especially for their pricing levels.

The friend first visited Gallo, Apparently the dealer here (I was not present) drove them thru Naim amplification, I think it was an integrated plus another pwr amp to drive the bass drivers. While he loved it, he is hesistant to spend that much money (US$5-6000) on just amplification which we can all understand especially for someone who is first entering our world.

So the question is ...for Gallo Ref owners out there what integrated or pre-pwer combination of price tags of US$3000 or less would you recommend? What has worked well in your exp? Help me to help him, we need more audiophiles!
henryhk
holderlin
20 posts
 
I've just introduced the TAD-60 tube amp to go with a Placette passive pre (total <$2500). The instrumental articulation, detail, tonal accuracy, depth, staging and musicality have all appreciably improved. I think it matches the gallo quite well - it smooths some of the brightness of the tweeter, and it really shows off the mid-range beauty of the speaker. I also don't feel compelled to rush out and get a sub-woofer amp. I've only been listening to the TAD for 3 days so I haven't yet gotten beyond my initial impressions and enthusiasm. It'll take more time before I reach a more considered view. Just wanted to share my experiences with matching Gallos.
Bob
flg2001's avatar
flg2001
543 posts
 
I drove my old Gallo Reference with Gryphon integrated amps (AT and Tabu) with good results.

Not sure if Naim (which I also had but not mating with the Gallos) would be a good match for them.

Hope this helps

Fernando
kpw
2 posts
 
I have tried Gallo 3 with Krell 400xi with good results.
The treble is very clean and sweet and airy
It is worhtwhile buying the accompanying Gallo amp for the woofer if you desire deep tight bass.
henryhk OP
648 posts
 
thanks Kpw...the krell did strike me as a possible good match
drphare
6 posts
 
I'm running mine with a Rowland Concentra II with ease. They can take lots of power and the CII has a liquid presentation which they seem to love. Sounds great - and your friend should be able to pick up a clean used CII for about $3k
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