Anthony Gallo Acoustics

Anthony Gallo Acoustics seemed set to make a splash with its demo of the new Reference 3.5 speaker in prototype form. As Anthony Gallo himself was leading the demonstration, three SoundStage! Network writers sat in to have a listen. [www.roundsound.com]

The 3.5 is a revision of the current Reference 3.1 and embodies significant changes, such as a new woofer and a revised geometry on the metal domes that house the speaker’s two midrange drivers -- in essence, a reshaping of their cabinets. Also changed are the base and feet of the speaker, which now use metal-rod outriggers fore and aft to make the speaker more stable. According to designer Anthony Gallo, the new support system and woofer result in tighter and deeper bass response.

The demo system consisted of the Reference 3.5 prototypes along with a pair of Spectron Musician III Signature Mk 2 amplifiers used in mono. The source was a two-box PS+CD disc player provided by Resolution Audio. Speaker cables were from Gallo -- a twisted pair of the same wire used inside the speakers.

As the first note of the demo music came charging through the speakers we sat up and took notice. Although they’re physically small, the Reference 3.5s sound very big, projecting a wide and deep soundfield. Bass was more powerful than expected from such a small speaker. But what really impressed were the clear mids (female vocal was terrific) and a sparkling, detailed treble that wasn’t the least bit overdone. As we listened to some heavy cymbal action, it was easy to imagine that a lesser speaker might well make a mess of all that high-frequency energy, but the Gallo Reference 3.5 was spot-on.

Anthony Gallo’s latest creation seems sure to be a winner when it comes to market this summer. Right now, Gallo estimates the retail price to be about $6000 per pair. The only question now is how the three SoundStage! Network reviewers who attended the demo will figure out who should get to write about the 3.5s.