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Gallo Ref 3.1 stands, need more stability, help...

I am very happy with my Ref. 3.1 speakers but the base is way too unstable for my household that includes dogs. The lateral stability is horrible. I have read threads here about various stand options but I still have a few questions.

The cheapest tweak was a pair of Auralex Mopad Monitor isolation pads. These sound great. This $39 experiment convinced me that better stands are the way to go. The bass is much better, soundstage fuller, just sweeter in every way on my tile flooring. The only problem is that they are foam and not even as stable as the original feet.

The Bright Star Audio stand looks ideal but I can't find one for sale.

The Mapleshade is a bit expensive. Is the added 4 inches of width and added mass enough to make a serious improvement in the stability of the speakers? I would get the radiused feet.

I need stability but I also want an improvement in sound for my money. What have the Gallo mavens discovered? Will the Mapleshades fit the bill?
dave_newman
dave_newman OP
20 posts
 
No B stock/trials available so I just ordered a pair. They weigh 40 lb. per stand, pretty substantial. Shipping costs are high at $70 a pair. The photos on the web site make it hard to determine which color is best. Does everyone have the natural maple or custom finish?

We went with the natural. If we don't like them they can be returned. If my wife wants, we can exchange them for the cherry bases and I'll be out ~110 in shipping.
ritrau
3 posts
 
This may be too late, but I would like to share another less expensive option. I used two 2 1/2" thick,16x16 solid cutting wood blocks from Ross store ($25 each). Mount the speakers to the blocks with couple of 3 1/2 " long through bolts. The existing fasteners are metric, so make sure to take the spike to the hardware store to confirm the right size bolts. Drill new holes for the footing at the desired width. I kept the front and back distance same as the origninal design, you can add metal washers to adjust the height and anlge of the speakers later. This solution will give you the similar result to the mapleshades base. IMO, it's the added weight of the bases and the stability that tranformed the sound of the speakers and not the type of wood. You can finish the base with few coats of black paint and they look like they come from the factory that way :) All for total of $65.
barry_e_cohen
83 posts
 
Ritrau,

I'm interested.

What/Where is Ross Store?
ritrau
3 posts
 
Barry,
Ross is a discount clothing store chain. You can Google them to find a store in your area. The boards are in their kitchen section.
barry_e_cohen
83 posts
 
Thanks Ritrau,

I had googled them, and saw the clothing store, but thought there may be another that I hadn't found. FWIW there are none less than an hour away, but I may stop in when we go visit my sister-in-law.

Thanks, Barry
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