Gallo Reference Center and Gallo Ref III Mods - Updates?

bob53 · « **on:** 10 Jan 2005, 10:53 pm »

Previous posts + info on gallo's website indicated that Gallo would show their new Reference center at CES 2005. Did anyone get a chance to demo at CES? In addition, I think Ric Schultz suggested he would be at CES with mods to the gallo ref III's. Info?

Thanks,

Bob

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Jan 2005, 12:02 am »

The Ric Shultz Gallo Reference 3's were at the ZCable / Cryotweaks / BPT room...but they weren't being played, just stored. They had another pair of Gallo Ref 3's playing.

I asked about it and they said Ric's little number needed a little more work.

Regardless, what I heard was really nice (I assume it was stock Gallos...tho I noticed a thin run of carpeting on the outside of it, so maybe there was a little more done on the inside?)

jgubman · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Jan 2005, 12:16 am »

I agree the BPT/Cryotweak/Zcable demo showed that you can get very, very good sound on a budget. I think full MSRP (w/o mods) of the gear shown was around $6k, I'm sure you can find the Sony gear discounted further.

In my opinion, their demo room was definately NOT embarrassed by the 5 and 6 figure rooms around it...

The Gallo refernce center was being demo'd in Gallo's room at alexis park. Unfortunately Anthony was only playing 2 channel stereo when I was in there.

averell · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Jan 2005, 01:58 pm »

Hi all

well I am very interested in this speaker too.

Do you have an idea when the new version will come to the market and is it right the price will increase??.

I read the tweeter switch will get off too.

Are these just rumours or do roundsound have already communicated about the new release?

bye

averell · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Jan 2005, 01:59 pm »

Hi all

well I am very interested in this speaker too.

Do you have an idea when the new version will come to the market and is it right the price will increase??.

I read the tweeter switch will get off too.

Are these just rumours or do roundsound have already communicated about the new release?

bye

Ric Schultz · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Jan 2005, 11:35 pm »

The only change on the current batch of speakers that just came in is the elimination of the tweeter switch. I should be receiving my pair in less than one week(it already shipped). The price is currently the same. I cannot say what Gallo will be doing in the future. The center channel and subwoofer amp will be out in the spring. I believe the center channel is going to be $1200.

When Mike at Cryotweaks A/Bed my modded Gallos with the stock ones he felt the modded speakers were more detailed but had a "cupped hands" coloration.....so much for trying to do a mod in two days!!! So, I will be burning in my own pair of stock Gallos and the modded speakers will be back here today or tomorrow and then I can get serious with the mods as I will always have a stock speaker to reference against. I should have the mods done by mid Feb. Fortunately, I can play the new Gallos for at least 12 hours a day at over 90 db so the burn in time should be about 2 weeks max.

TIC · « **Reply #6 on:** 14 Jan 2005, 06:19 pm »

Hello All,

I think I remember a reference to this display at CES that said they would be using a Sony STR-DA5000ES (stock or mod'd?) as the amplification. Is this correct? If so, what were they using for the source? One of the new inexpensive Sony DVD or SACD players (I hope).

I'm very much interested in a setup like this (Sony STR-DA5000ES, Sony DVD or DVD/SACD player) and was very curious about the sound.

Any thoughts? Anyone? Beuller?........

Enjoy,

TIC

TIC · « **Reply #7 on:** 14 Jan 2005, 06:30 pm »

BTW Ric,

I've driven through Boulder Creek, Ca several times while visiting Big Basin (I work for HP and have used our Little Basin Recreation facility several times).

Great little town! How are you guys doing with all of the rain? Hopefully no mud slides for you......

Enjoy,

TIC
(Tom in Cincinnati)

KKM · « **Reply #8 on:** 14 Jan 2005, 07:19 pm »

Ric,

Do you know why they've taken the tweeter switch out? I would think that it gives people more flexiblility unless it is somehow degrading the sound.

averell · « **Reply #9 on:** 14 Jan 2005, 09:31 pm »

Quote from: KKM

Ric,

Do you know why they've taken the tweeter switch out? I would think that it gives people more flexiblility unless it is somehow degrading the sound.

I guess because it is a commercial success and the whole production is selling out at this price. In order to increase their profit they had the choice between raising up the price or lowering the cost of production...

Ric Schultz · « **Reply #10 on:** 14 Jan 2005, 11:40 pm »

The switch was removed mostly because people were breaking it off causing a service problem....Since most people were using the middle position they decided to remove it. It does sound better without the switch as well. The difference they save is so little it would blow your mind if I told you. It was NOT done for monetary reasons. Remember, these speakers are made in China.

Yes, we have 40 inches of rain so far this year here in Boulder Creek....very lovely none the less. No flooding problems on our property. Thank you for asking.

They used the Sony STR-DA3000 receiver ($750 street price) with the Gallos at the show. According to Mark Hampton it sounded pretty darn good, especially Sunday when they put some better feet underneath the equipment.

bob53 · « **Reply #11 on:** 15 Jan 2005, 05:56 am »

Gallo has demoed the Ref 3's with Sherbourn in the past... I have heard them with Sherbourn (mine), Anthem Amp2SE (mine), Lexicon LX-7 (soon), Theta, Bryston, Carver, Gemstone, and none of these amps were bad. The Lexicon was the best match for sound.

-Bob

Ric,

Is the switch hurting the sound that much? Can I remove it myself and rewire?

averell · « **Reply #12 on:** 20 Jan 2005, 05:04 pm »

I cant find a better picture

KKM · « **Reply #13 on:** 20 Jan 2005, 05:50 pm »

Thanks for the photo, I beleive that stand is an extra $200.

Ric Schultz · « **Reply #14 on:** 20 Jan 2005, 07:32 pm »

Bob,
I am sure the sound is improved by removing the switch but cannot tell you how much because when I removed mine I did several other things at the same time.

The speaker is a real bear to work on.....In order to remove the switch and hardwire the tranny you have to take off the back panel, very carefully remove some of the socks filled with poly (they might tear and go all over). Then you have to remove the tranny inside (very hard to do). If you are very skilled and very patient and you don't mind buying some hosiery to rebag the poly (if it tears) then go for it.

I will be removing the switch as part of the mod I do....which will include better parts, direct wiring to the drivers using better wire and binding post bypasses.

nathanm · « **Reply #15 on:** 20 Jan 2005, 08:15 pm »

Quote from: bob53

Is the switch hurting the sound that much? Can I remove it myself and rewire?

Nope. Don't worry about it. That switch does next to nothing as is. I think its only purpose is to slow down the speed at which you remove the grille.

averell · « **Reply #16 on:** 24 Jan 2005, 08:40 am »

Hi all

one question please

I am about to order a pair of Gallo ref III from France and I wonder if it is easy to get a pair or if there is a delay before getting one

thanks

Ric Schultz · « **Reply #17 on:** 25 Jan 2005, 08:26 am »

Nathanm,
Is your post a joke? The switch controls the output level of the tweeter and it is indeed audible which position it is in. Removing the switch makes the sound better (and this comes directly from Anthony Gallo). All switches degrade the sound. I have not heard one that does not. And this is my direct experience having made preamps and passive preamps with switches and without.

tl1000sv · « **Reply #18 on:** 20 Feb 2005, 06:29 am »

Any update on the modding progress, Ric? Some of us are eagerly awaiting for your work...

Val · « **Reply #19 on:** 20 Feb 2005, 12:51 pm »

Quote from: tl1000sv

Any update on the modding progress, Ric? Some of us are eagerly awaiting for your work...

Me too.