Gallo Nucleus Micro/Adiva specs and advice

Archived from groups: rec.audio.high-end (More info?)

The Gallo website (www.roundsound.com) has the specs for the Nucleus
satellites speakers (Micro/Adiva) from around 80Hz up to around 20KHz.

I've read from various postings dating back to when these speakers
first appeared, and most of those posts indicate that the Gallo
satellite speakers are crossed at 120Hz. I'm not sure if this was
simply referring to the crossover in the subwoofer, or to the
frequency range of these speakers.

Also, I have read posts that indicate these spheres can handle on 40
watts.

Has anyone made independent tests of the frequency range and power
handling of the Gallo satellite spheres (Micro and Adiva)?

I am thinking of replacing my old Bose cubes in a 7.1 setup (spheres
would be for side and rear surrounds) with the Gallos, but only if the
Gallos can handle the full frequency range for music/sound effects.

Any suggestions on whether I should go this route, or recommendations
for others?

Thanks in advance.

-Hung Tran

Archived from groups: rec.audio.high-end (More info?)

WW:

Thanks for your response.

I was just curious about the frequency range, as it seems odd to me
that the specs would change on the product. Also interesting that the
low frequency spec is around the "magical" 80Hz. If what you're
saying is true, and I have no reason to doubt, that the Gallo spheres
fades rapidly below 120Hz and above 15KHz, then that's not much better
than Bose, and I would want consider other speakers. I fully
understand specs and actual audio experience are two different things.

My setup is Klipsch RF35 for fronts, RC35 for center, and a Klipsch
10" sub (can't remember the model). I'm hoping the A'Divas will
complement for HT as well as modest multi-channel audio in the near
future, as a starter set. I'm just getting my feet wet, and don't
want to invest $$ heavily unless I get hit hard with this bug.

Do you have a recommendation for other small speakers that would work
well with my setup.

Thanks!

-Hung Tran

"Wylie Williams" <wyberwil@earthlink.net> wrote in message news:<KTefc.139471$w54.894248@attbi_s01>...
> No tests, but here is what I know from experience selling Gallo, and
> lisening in my home. The Nucleus will go below 120, but output falls rapidly
> and it is very limited in power handling. The A'Diva will go lower, and is
> usable as a decorator fullrange speaker for moderate SPL listening. On both
> the highs start fading over 15KHz. If you compare Gallo to Bose you may
> decide to convert to Gallo 100%.
> I can't imagine using either one full range in a 7.1 system - it's only a 4
> inch speaker. For its size it handles a lot of power. A 7.1 system should
> have bass management to allow filtering bass from the surround channels, and
> I am assuming there is a subwoofer in your system.
>
> Wylie Williams
> The Speaker and Stereo Store
>
> "Hung Tran" <hungmeister@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:YM2fc.137885$JO3.83935@attbi_s04...
> > The Gallo website (www.roundsound.com) has the specs for the Nucleus
> > satellites speakers (Micro/Adiva) from around 80Hz up to around 20KHz.
> >
> > I've read from various postings dating back to when these speakers
> > first appeared, and most of those posts indicate that the Gallo
> > satellite speakers are crossed at 120Hz. I'm not sure if this was
> > simply referring to the crossover in the subwoofer, or to the
> > frequency range of these speakers.
> >
> > Also, I have read posts that indicate these spheres can handle on 40
> > watts.
> >
> > Has anyone made independent tests of the frequency range and power
> > handling of the Gallo satellite spheres (Micro and Adiva)?
> >
> > I am thinking of replacing my old Bose cubes in a 7.1 setup (spheres
> > would be for side and rear surrounds) with the Gallos, but only if the
> > Gallos can handle the full frequency range for music/sound effects.
> >
> > Any suggestions on whether I should go this route, or recommendations
> > for others?
> >
> > Thanks in advance.
> >
> > -Hung Tran
> >

Archived from groups: rec.audio.high-end (More info?)

"Hung Tran" wrote in message

> I was just curious about the frequency range, as it seems odd to me
> that the specs would change on the product.

I'm not sure what you mean by "specs changing". the Adiva has a larger
enclosure (approximately softball size vs. baseball size) so it goes a bit
lower before it rolls off.

> Also interesting that the low frequency spec is around the "magical"
80Hz.

The smaller model is shy of bass between 80 and 120 Hz. Gallo subs are made
to fill that gap. The Adiva matches all brands of subs made for home
theater.

> If what you're saying is true, and I have no reason to doubt, that the
Gallo spheres
> fades rapidly below 120Hz and above 15KHz, then that's not much better
> than Bose, and I would want consider other speakers. I fully
> understand specs and actual audio experience are two different things.

Yes, specs are not the whole story. (although it's possible that a complete
set of the right specs might actually tell the story. Usually all we get is
the -3db points at the extremes, which is merely a starting point.). To me
Gallos are much better sonding than Bose. And not just me - at one time I
looked on the net and found several opinions based on comparisins of Bose
and Gallo which were wildly in favor of the Gallo. If curious you might
Google a bit to see what you find.

> Do you have a recommendation for other small speakers that would work
> well with my setup.

There are many fine small speakers, but not many as small as the Gallo. I
personally love the sound of the Gallos for music for the natural quality of
the midrange and accept a slight diminishing of the highs. The other reason
people choose Gallo is that they are good looking; not the usual box.

Wylie Williams
The Speaker and Stereo Store.

Archived from groups: rec.audio.high-end (More info?)

"Hung Tran" wrote
> Some of the specs from pre year 2000 posts seemed to have listed
> higher frequency range on the Gallos spheres. Now, it seems as though
> the specs vary depending on whether they are wall mounted, on their
> flower stand, or on the included isolation ring.

Certainly the bass response will change with location. I was told that the
Adiva, when wall mounted, gets enough help from being mounted on the the
wall that it is a satisfactory background music speaker all by itself, with
no sub needed. On the ring, on a table, there would be a bit less bass
reinforcement, and on stands very little.

>I find it interesting that the low end is listed at 80Hz. Also the high
end
> lists at 20KHz, which from your reply, is not accurate. Seems a bit
> misleading and perhaps a marketing ploy (80Hz-20KHz) to me.
>
I didn't mean to be giving official specs, and if I contradicted Gallo I
regret causing confusion. As for "misleading"and "marketing ploy", I have
found Gallo is a very honest company. On that subject, if you have any
objections to misleading ads or marketing ploys you should declare your Bose
unclean and fling them out the window.

..> Have you had an experience with the Orb spheres? Seems to me like it's
very similar to the Gallo spheres, but
> at a lower pricepoint.

I have seen ads for several new spheres, but I have no experience with any.
Gallo has been a success, and others follow their example. Now you need to
discover a sufficient number of reports of their sound quality. to feel
confident enough to make a purchase. You seem to enjoy research.

Wylie Williams
The Speaker and Stereo Store

Archived from groups: rec.audio.high-end (More info?)

Here are my general views on your search:
It's not that specs are not useful, but the amount of information given
in most speaker specs is just not enough to make more that an initial
screening decision, and even that benefit is clouded by the fact that there
are various views on what specs to offer, so comparisons are dubious.
Listening rooms and speaker placement in the rooms make a big
difference, and this is a very large subject - way too big for this thread,
and probably not worth it anyway unless you are dedicating aroom to sound
and are willing to spend lots of time and money making it just right. Most
people place the speakars where they are convenient and live with the sound
that they get.
Making in-store comparisons is problematic, since listening at local
dealers usually means going between different listening environments, so a
speaker may or may not sound up to its potential in a the wrong setting.
And usually you are not able to hear all the prospective speakers.
Online reviews are very useful, but only when you take the time to
evaluate the reviewers to determine their taste and their level of
experience. For instance, at audiorevew.com almost all reviews are
positive reviewers by owners, and the few really negative reports seem to be
from persons who seem to be on a strange wavelength.
But it's only as big a problem as you allow it to be. Careful research
will narrow the search down to a few good choices. So long as you are not
seeking a guarantee that you have selected the very very very best speaker
that may be chosen from among the many, and that you are willing to live
with just having made a good solid choice, you can find a speaker that
pleases you. You started with the Gallo and for all that I know you could
have stopped your search there and been as happy with the Gallos as any
affordable very small speaker could make you.

Wylie Williams

"Hung Tran" <hungmeister@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:c68i8501si4@news2.newsguy.com...
> "Wylie Williams" <wyberwil@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:<bSchc.178469$JO3.102783@attbi_s04>...
> > Certainly the bass response will change with location. I was told that
the
> > Adiva, when wall mounted, gets enough help from being mounted on the the
> > wall that it is a satisfactory background music speaker all by itself,
with
> > no sub needed. On the ring, on a table, there would be a bit less bass
> > reinforcement, and on stands very little.
>
> I'm new at this, so forgive my knowledge or lack-there-of. So
> apparently, the room the speakers are in will massage their final
> specs. Interesting.
>
> > >I find it interesting that the low end is listed at 80Hz. Also the
high
> > end
> > > lists at 20KHz, which from your reply, is not accurate. Seems a bit
> > > misleading and perhaps a marketing ploy (80Hz-20KHz) to me.
> > >
> > I didn't mean to be giving official specs, and if I contradicted Gallo I
> > regret causing confusion. As for "misleading"and "marketing ploy", I
have
> > found Gallo is a very honest company. On that subject, if you have any
> > objections to misleading ads or marketing ploys you should declare your
Bose
> > unclean and fling them out the window.
>
> Believe me you, that as soon as the replacements come in, the Bose
> will grow wings. Bose non-specs are the main reason I'm looking at
> specs to narrow down my replacement choice.
>
> > .> Have you had an experience with the Orb spheres? Seems to me like
it's
> > very similar to the Gallo spheres, but
> > > at a lower pricepoint.
> >
> > I have seen ads for several new spheres, but I have no experience with
any.
> > Gallo has been a success, and others follow their example. Now you need
to
> > discover a sufficient number of reports of their sound quality. to feel
> > confident enough to make a purchase. You seem to enjoy research.
> >
> > Wylie Williams
> > The Speaker and Stereo Store
>
> Only way to figure this out is to go out to the shops and ask, or to
> ask on a forum such as this. Though I'd like to go to the local audio
> shops, just don't have the time to. This way, I can narrow down my
> choices and then go take a listen. Thanks for all your advice! Oh by
> the way, haven't really found much feedback on the Orb spheres.
>
> -Hung