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Gallo Reference 3.1; What integrated amp?

Hello,

I am a proud owner of a pair of Gallo Reference 3.1 speakers. I'm now in the market for a new integrated amplifier with a good phono stage or an additional separate phono stage (cartridge is a Sumiko Blackbird MC)

Unfortunately where I live there are virtually no stores that carry really high end hi-fi gear so I can actually go have a listen and I've been doing all of my research on the net.

I would love some opinions of what you think would be a good match for the Gallo's, amplifier and separate phono stage if required. My budget is up to around $3000-4000, hopefully less.

I've read really good reviews about the Copland CTA 405, a hybrid, which apparently has a good phono stage as well. I was also looking into the Primare I30 which is a high current amp with oodles of power but no phono stage. In tubes Cary Audio SLI-80 looks interesting as well and Eastern electric M520 seems a bargain. What do you think? What would you recommend as a phono stage?

Thanks!
Alexis
a_philippides
a_philippides OP
4 posts
 
Thanks for the recommendations so far.

I've actually just been reading about the Plinius 9200. Seems it's made a lot of people very happy. I'm definitely adding it to my shortlist.

Please do keep your comments coming in.
craigoberman
2 posts
 
These speakers sound great Bi-Amped. Try any high current amp on the bottom end to activate the secondary voice coils. Use a tube amp for the midrange/high end.You will need a low pass filter to make sure your solid state amp only allows low frequency information. You will be amazed at what these speakers are capable of given the right amplification & source.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,305 posts
 
I know you want an integrated but what about a Quad 99 pre and 909 power amp with their current dumping design? A very highly rated combo with a deep tradition of quality.
viclondon
19 posts
 
Alex,
I have tried the Gallos with the Primare I30, as well as a Krell 400 and with my Unison Research Unico, an hybrid integrated cheaper but quite good.
Here my findings: with the Unico high, mids and soundstage are excellent, I am surprised of the quality I am getting, although I will upgrade soon because the bass is frankly not great compared at what I have heard from the Gallos in other settings.
The Primare was actually my favourite of the three: excellent tight and well textured bass, very engaging sound all around, quite similar in tonality to my Unico, but maybe a bit faster.
The Krell was a huge disappointment: boring, boring boring, dry, sterile and uninvolving. Probably a bad synergy with the Gallos and with my ears.
I will be auditioning soon the new Nuforce 9SE v2 and the Belcanto ref 1000, then I will choose.
I am also thinking about getting the Gallo SA bass amplifier, although for some reason I have not managed to find many impressions about it on the web.
stan1ollie
8 posts
 
I am running my Gallo 3.1's with a Musical Fidelity A5 (also have the A5 CD player). The integrated amp has a phono section but I have not used it yet. I enjoy this setup, but have just gotten back into two channel, so can offer no comparisons to other equipment. 6moons has a review of this setup (A5's with Gallo's). The writeup is consistent with my experience. I purchased the A5 because of the high current, high output- at 250 watts per channel, and the phono section (and sound). The bass is excellent without the SA Gallo amp, but again I have not heard the setup with the amp. For $2750 for the integrated, I believe it is a great value. I believe the SA amp is $900 retail.
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