[johzel]

Thought you might be interested in my decision - Gallo Reference 3.5's. No offense to any and all of the many fine recommendations offered - I appreciate the help.  The Gallos just fit my ears so well.  Still considering speakers for my "second system" - Given the many excellent products suggested here - including Danny's terrific work - these decisions are anything but easy.

[Danny Richie]

I always loved the way those speakers imaged. There is a lot to be said for zero baffle reflections. If it were just taller. The image always seemed like it was around me knees.

My issue with those was that I just never could get past the hole the response in the range between the mids and the lower woofers. The mids can't physically play low enough to reach the woofer and with the woofer being passive you are kind of stuck with it.

There was also an active woofer version, and I heard that some end users were making mods to the amplifier to get it to play up a little higher and fill the hole.

I'd look into that if you have the active version.

[johzel]

Danny, I have the new version - the Reference 3.5's.  I'm no expert when it comes to audio.  My understanding is that these new speakers have addressed a number of things you mentioned.  These are considered, by those who review such things, as very significant upgrades in the evolution of this design  . . . e.g. the soundstage is clearly no longer "low" . . . it rises up into the room as one would want.   Anthony (Gallo) actually sells a separate amplifier for the woofer. To date I haven't seen a need to add it on but one never knows. I know the reviewers (6Moons for example) are very impressed by this new model.  For what that's worth . . . who trusts those people anyway!

[Danny Richie]

I don't know how they have been addressed. It was a physical limitation. You either actively add gain to the mids to get them to play lower or try crossing the lower woofer higher to reach them. A quick measurement would tell the tale.

They still look short to me too. So I am still thinking that the low image is still going to be an issue for me. I kind of like the tweeter near ear level and not 2 feet off the ground.

Keep us in mind for next time.

Also, get yourself on our demo list of the N2X's and N1X's that are going around and see how they compare. I think you'd be quite surprised.