Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: Gallo Acoustics Nucleus Reference 3.5 Speakers by bullethead

Model:	Nucleus Reference 3.5
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$6000
Description:	dual 4 inch carbon fiber midranges, space age tweeter, ceramic coated aluminum woofer
Manufacturer URL:	Gallo Acoustics
Model Picture:	View

Review by bullethead on September 06, 2012 at 18:42:05
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for the Nucleus Reference 3.5

I have had these speakers after the recommended 100 hour break-in, burn-in period and I have to say I am blown away euphorically. The speakers are very well built, have a class of their own, with a non-normal speaker design. They are essentially 2 orbs of 4 inch carbon fiber midranges, a space age tweeter and a ceramic coated aluminum woofer, which seperates it from older designs because as I have read they are quicker and easier to drive than the older models which I have absolutely no experience with.

I have compared these speakers to mid range Harbeth, Dynaudio and Audes loudspeakers which cost no more than $4K, the Gallos win the battle @ the 6K they retail for. The key I believe is the crossover less design mixed with the quick woofer that doesn't need more than 150 watts to really shine. In terms of the look I have also added the custom grills which make the speakers blend into the environment without changing the sound. Now on to the sound. One word, holographic! Remember Star Trek the next generation TV show and their "holodeck" they had on the USS Enterprise which enabled anyone to experience something real but made up at the same time? That's how I feel about these speakers. One can check my main system profile here to see what kind of music I listen to, all of it sounds real and insanely right in front of me, especially with eyes closed. I am not a professional reviewer so I don't know the lingo but the sense of atmospheric realism is like nothing I have ever heard before in any kind of speaker I have auditioned. Also the sense of excitement I have when listening, really I have to brace myself when I turn my system on now and prepare for "movie night" with no TV. The albums present and open themselves up to an experience in the same way watching a great Hollywood movie viewing experience seems to produce. Its a 20 foot screen of music, out there for the listening experience. I have heard Magnepan speakers, a similar thing is going on with these speakers, they are not your normal speakers and I think I should recommend them in the $6K and below space.

Feel free to ask questions if you have any, really however they deserve to be auditioned, and the Anthony Gallo web site sells them direct with a 30 day no questions asked period for those who just won't believe it without hearing them in the flesh so to speak.

I don't know what to say other than I have made a great investment that should last a few decades with the Anthony Gallo Acoustics Nucleus Reference 3.5's.

Product Weakness:	Needs a lot of power
Product Strengths:	Holographic

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Bel Canto REF 500S
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Bel Canto DAC3
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Bel Canto CD3 / Pro-Ject Debut 3
Speakers: Anthony Gallo Nucleus Reference 3.5
Cables/Interconnects: Nordost
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz, Gangster Rap, Ambient, Noise, Black metal
Time Period/Length of Audition: 3 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): PS Audio
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Bel Canto REF 500S
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Bel Canto DAC3
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Bel Canto CD3 / Pro-Ject Debut 3
Speakers:	Anthony Gallo Nucleus Reference 3.5
Cables/Interconnects:	Nordost
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Gangster Rap, Ambient, Noise, Black metal
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 weeks
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner