Anthony Gallo Reference 3's

[The13thGryphon]

Does anyone out there own a pair of Anthony Gallo Reference 3 speakers? I’m very interested to hear your thoughts on the speakers, and how you would describe their sound qualities.

For the last couple of years, as my wife and I have been building our new home, we’ve been planning out our dedicated media room (22 x 18.5 x 8). We listened to dozens and dozens of speakers, and finally settled on Magnepan. There’s just something incredibly lifelike and transparent about Maggie speakers. Something so right that the music just grabs you and won’t let go… something that hits you on a deep emotional level.

However, I have also just recently had a chance to very briefly hear a pair of Gallo Ref 3’s, and had the same type of reaction. Sound so real it was spooky! Obviously I’m going to have to listen to them for a longer period, and with material that I’m familiar with… but I’d love to hear back from anyone with experience with the Reference 3’s, particularly if you’re also familiar with Maggies.

 

[Blundaar]

No, but I know where I can give them a listen. With your sig (and obvious good taste), I may have to spend some time this Saturday for a small road trip.

 

[WmAx]

However, I have also just recently had a chance to very briefly hear a pair of Gallo Ref 3’s, and had the same type of reaction. Sound so real it was spooky! Obviously I’m going to have to listen to them for a longer period, and with material that I’m familiar with… but I’d love to hear back from anyone with experience with the Reference 3’s, particularly if you’re also familiar with Maggies.

If you evaluate a speaker such as the Gallo 3, keep in mind that it is almost omnipolar throughout the entire bandwidth. This means, that in order to get the proper effect with them:

(1) 4' minimum from back wall
(2) 2' minimum from sidewall
(3) Symmetrical distance/placement for each channel to each wall
(4) Standard rectangular or square room

Note: Dampening of 1st reflections: this type of speaker's impressive sound is in fact largely due to it's use of room reflections as a type of 'constructive' coloration, at least in regards to realistic space/ambience. If you significantly absorb or diffuse the 1st reflections from the side or rear walls, you will kill much of the unique sound effect that this speaker produces.

-Chris

 

[The13thGryphon]

No, but I know where I can give them a listen. With your sig (and obvious good taste), I may have to spend some time this Saturday for a small road trip.

I only wish there was a place to listen to them anywhere near here... I'd be only too happy to do a small road trip. If you do decide to step out and give them a listen please do let me know what you think.

If you evaluate a speaker such as the Gallo 3, keep in mind that it is almost omnipolar throughout the entire bandwidth. This means, that in order to get the proper effect with them:

(1) 4' minimum from back wall
(2) 2' minimum from sidewall
(3) Symmetrical distance/placement for each channel to each wall
(4) Standard rectangular or square room

Note: Dampening of 1st reflections: this type of speaker's impressive sound is in fact largely due to it's use of room reflections as a type of 'constructive' coloration, at least in regards to realistic space/ambience. If you significantly absorb or diffuse the 1st reflections from the side or rear walls, you will kill much of the unique sound effect that this speaker produces.

Sounds just like the requirements for Maggies... which is as I figured given the similar dispersion pattern of the Gallos. Luckily I've got a large, rectangular space dedicated for my media room... so that wouldn't be a problem.

 

[WmAx]

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Sounds just like the requirements for Maggies... which is as I figured given the similar dispersion pattern of the Gallos. Luckily I've got a large, rectangular space dedicated for my media room... so that wouldn't be a problem.

The Gallo Reference 3 almost has an omnipolar response extending to the upper treble band. Standard ESL speakers have poor horiztonal polar response. With an ESL it is beneficial to dampen the side 1st reflections; virtually no upper mid or high frequency energy is disperesed horiztonally with an ESL. However, the response in the horiztonal off axis will have an extreme response difference compared to the on-axis response --- this means that the horiztonal response should be reduced significantly or eliminated for optimum sound quality. The rear, however, does have beneficial output on an ESL that should be reflected(if the spatial depth affect is desired) at a sufficient distance.

-Chris