Just wanted to let our local friends know that we have a wonderfully broken in pair of Gallo Reference 3s, Flying Mole DAD-100pros which are breaking in VERY nicely and will have the first revision of the prototype Eighth Nerve audio PC in less than a week.
Most likely, the Audio PC will accompany a new series of digital amps designed around the Flying Mole modules based on how impressed I am with the affordable DAD monoblocks. My biggest gripe with digital amps has ALWAYS been the high noise levels when idle. When using the new Eighth Nerve Spinal Cord, the noise is almost non-existant, even compared to the best "ultra-high-end" gear. I had them set up last night on a pair of 104db efficient Avantgarde Duos and you had to jam your ear all the way up to an inch in front of the tweeter to hear anything at all. Avantgarde's own matched integrated amp exhibited more idle noise. With higher end components, no volume pot and unparalleled internal wiring, the Eighth Nerve version of this amp should be a giant crusher. Right now the plans are for a 300Wpc monoblock and a 5-channel 100Wpc amp.
The review of the Gallo's in The Absolute Sound is spot on in my opinion, if not a little bit more reserved than they could be. After listening to its incredible tweeter, nothing I have heard at any price satisfies anymore. (I will aknowledge the possibility that the Plasma Tweeter from Accapella may be competition, but I have not heard it, and it does not have an almost 360 degree dispersion, which is much closer to the ideal pulsating point source)
Get out to hear one no matter how far you have to travel. It is as close to a perfect speaker as I have ever heard, with imaging that is unmatched, ANYWHERE (absolute sound even says this, at any price), a tonal balance and phase and impedance that is as benign and perfect as any I have heard (including full range drivers), and a low end (esp with the optional BAM module) that is without reproach in any size room. They could have priced this at $10,000 with a straight face and no one would have questioned them. Two patented technologies that are significant to the design, and EVERY speaker design, just solidify their position. I am still, as I have been since I first plugged them in, in shock.
