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Gallo Stradas vs. Merlin TSM-MXRs

I know this is a weird question, but I have an opportunity to purchase either Gallo Stradas or Merlin TSM-MXRs, but do not have the opportunity to hear them. The Merlins are about $700 more, which I don't mind paying if they are superior. Both would be paired with a small sub for a music-only second system. Amp is a Bel Canto ref500s. The room (my office) has terrible room treatment (hardwood floors, blank plaster over masonry walls, hard modern furniture, tall ceilings- and I don't want to add much in the way of room treatment for aesthetic reasons). I listen to a very wide variety of music - but mostly indie rock and jazz, at low to moderate levels.

Thoughts? I will be replacing Meadowlark Kestrel Hot Rods.
mateored

Showing 3 responses by martykl

martykl
3,578 posts
 
I own VSMs but have little experience with the TSM. I also own A'divas, but have little experience with the Strada. Oddly, however, I did recently happen to listen in on an A/B between these two speakers that a local dealer was conducting for another customer. (I was in the store on another matter.)

I agree that both sounded very good, but the TSM has significantly more bass and would IMHO be a far better choice as a stand-alone speaker - even at the higher price. The Gallo seems to have been designed for use with a subwoofer, and that equation would probably change if you were to add the sub into the mix. Also, bear in mind that the TSM falls (IMO) toward the brighter side of the FR balance spectrum itself, so it may not be ideal for your needs, either.

One more note: the Gallo also has a super-wide dispersion tweeter, which might spell trouble in a small, reflective room like yours. That's just speculation, I heard 'em in a larger, well damped room and the balance - save for MIA bottom end - was pretty good.

For your application, I'd pick the TSM every time. There may be other choices out there better than either of these for your needs, but between these two choices, run full-range in a small, bright room....

Marty
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Sorry, I just noticed the small sub reference in your OP. I'm not sure that my observations are quite as relevant to your application as I thought, save the potential problems with the wide dispersion tweeter on the Gallo. On that front, the floor (and ceiling) may not be a problem as these tweeters are limited in vertical dispersion, but (IIRC) 300 degrees horizontally.

Marty
martykl
3,578 posts
 
Mateored,

I'd be reluctant to comment decisively on your "what if?" since my biggest issue with the Gallo was that -IMHO - it absolutely needed a subwoofer.

I'd estimate that - in the room that I heard 'em - the TSM provided close to a full octave in additional bass extension. That delta gave the TSM a reasonably satisfying octave to octave balance, while the Gallo came up short. That overwhelmed all other differences for me, particularly because both speakers sounded so very good in all other respects to my ear.

I never heard the Strada set up with a sub, so I can't really offer a judgement, other than to say that I would PRESUME that it would be more satisfying with a subwoofer (provided that it was a good subwoofer, well matched to the Strada, and properly set up). In the end, however, that's just a presumption.

Incidentally, the Merlin might benefit from a well set up sub, as well, it's just that it's less critical than with the Gallo. I'd guess that it would be a much closer call for me were I comparing these two with subs on line, but - again - that's just a guess.

Marty
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