Tyler/Salk sensible alternatives to Gallos?


Friends, Since I first posted last week, my obsessive tendencies have kicked into "gear." Many suggested the Gallo Ref III as a must hear for me - a musician who literally plays with his system. On paper, the Gallos make a strong impression with near universal accolades. But peeling away the adoration, I wonder whether they would be a best buy for my needs. I am prepared to buy used. The Gallos go for around $2k. But then you need to add the cost of the sub - another $500-600. Many may say it is not necessary. Without having it, I will always wonder. A bigger issue is the sound stage. I am told that they cast a broad but short shadow. Since I stand when I play/listen, that is a significant issue. I could buy a pair of stands, but custom made can run upwards of $700. Cinder blocks will not fit our decor, I am sure my wife will say. All told, even used, I am looking at something some north of $3k for the Gallos. And perhaps it is still the champ at that price point. But enter the contenders. I read that Mr. Tyler makes magic with his Linbrook Signatures which can be had from him, used, for $4k delivered with a 2 yr warranty. They can be had for hundreds less from private sellers. And Mr. Salk's QW can be had new for the same price as the Gallos in my paradigm, and his Ht3's could be had used for about $1000-1500 more. No reports from owners or reviewers quibble about the depth or vertical reach of these speakers, or the need for stands or subs. So, assuming that they all trade within the same range, and given my particular needs, would the Gallos still reign in my world?
deliberate1
I dunno, I've never heard speakers I like as well as my Gallos, and I've listened to a lot of speakers, before and since.
"I dunno, I've never heard speakers I like as well as my Gallos, and I've listened to a lot of speakers, before and since."

Dopogue, good for you. Satisfaction is the Holy Grail of the audio experience. The rest of us hang out at this audio equivalent of an online dating forum searching for that perfect sonic mate. We should all envy you.
Deliberate1, here's my speaker odyssey over the past three decades, so you can see how I "evolved" to the Reference 3s:

* Infinity 2000A (ultimately, stacked pairs)
* Magnepan MG IIA
* Magnepan MG III
* ProAc Response 2
* ProAc Response 3
* Gallo Nucleus Ultimate (still have these, in the back channels)
* Gallo Reference 3 (since 2004)

No plans to change, but I'd like to hear Gallo's $15K towers when they get out of the prototype stage. Dave
I sold my Gallo's. Matching an amp and pre amp to the speakers plays a essential role in the process. I have moved through about 30 pairs of speakers in the last 5 years and God only knows how many amps. Tube and SS. About 6 months back I exchange a little communication with Sarjan (6 moons). The man has some solid real world experience in playing around with this stuff. He convinced me to switch from my existing 16K worth of world renown amplification to a used First Watt 1 Amp for $1,500. He then convinced me to switch my Speakers to a cross overLESS design (well, almost). I will tell you that my system immediately took and meteoric jump up in performance across the board. It is considerably better than anything I have ever heard. Set up was not a problem and I purchased the equipment for less that the tax I paid on my previous system. I especially love that the ribbon on the speakers are manually directional. The crossover consists of a single capacitor. The tweeter output is easily adjusted to suit my taste by changing an external resistor located across a set of posts. I stand up and I am in the room with the musicians. The sweep and depth of soundstage is SPECTACULAR and I use to own an all Mbl system that was always set up by the manufacturers rep. The designers name is Steve Deckert. You can find him on the Internet. He wont BS and will let you know if these drivers will dance with your amp. At 1,500 new the sale price is a joke. Oh and the wife factor is very high. Nicely build and good looking stuff. Hope it helps -.