I tried to build on the strengths and minimize the weaknesses of each component. Gallo Ref speakers have wonderful treble, good but not great midrange, and wonderful bass with second voice-coil driven. Using tube preamp and amps to warm-up the midrange. Using Gallo Subamp plus REL subwoofer to strengthen the bass. Using speaker-level output from C-J's to drive Gallo Subamp and REL subwoofer. Bass is fast and tight, strong as you want it to be, and really well integrated.
Strengths: Best bass I have heard in any system including big transmission-line systems and Vanderstein 5's. Midrange is warm and liquid. Not at all syrupy. High end is fantastic, no glare or grain. Fast leading-edge transients with CDT tweeters. Holographic imaging with deep soundstage.
Weaknesses: Not the most transparent system I have heard. Better transparency with the S200 solid-state amp. Soundstage height is limited.
Hi, saw your system is very similar to mine. Just wondering what you use for cables since you are looking for a little more transparency. After testing a lot of cables I settled on silver cables which really opened the sound up and added transparency. Just a thought.
