Hawthorne Audio Trio vs. . . . ?

SolidSqual
SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
edited March 2013 in 2 Channel Audio
I've received an early birthday present from the wife . . .
Post edited by SolidSqual on
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited October 2012
    That looks like an Accuton grill, but the cone doesn't seem right...
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited October 2012
    I disagree. Accuton grills are more honeycomb shaped, not rounded as pictured above.

    Maybe a BE tweeter?
    Jake
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited October 2012
    Looks a little like the woofer cover on a Martin Logan
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,171
    edited October 2012
    Cerwin Vega?
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited October 2012
    I would have a hard time believing these were Matin Logans considering SS's taste in equipment, but who knows. This driver looks very familiar but I cant put my finger on it.
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited October 2012
    newrival wrote: »
    I would have a hard time believing these were Matin Logans considering SS's taste in equipment, but who knows. This driver looks very familiar but I cant put my finger on it.

    I doubt it too but the driver does look very similar but the perforation on the logans grill is a little thinner
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited October 2012
    newrival wrote: »
    I would have a hard time believing these were Matin Logans considering SS's taste in equipment, but who knows. This driver looks very familiar but I cant put my finger on it.

    Present from the wife- I dunno about you guys, but mine knows better than to buy any pricey stereo gear since it might not match my taste.

    On the other hand, a pair of Polk Atriums might fit the bill. Looks like a curved grill- the driver color is off, but could just be the lighting.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited October 2012
    PFB, that does look very close, you're right. The grill in his pic is different in that the holes in metal are at a 90 degree cut with no chamfer, and martin logans have definite rounding to the edges. Also ,the driver looks to me as though it is not a standard cone type. Hopefully SS will grace us with it's identity soon....
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2012
    I'm actually surprised no one guessed it . . . What do you think?

    rsz_img_6359.jpg


    Anthony Gallo Nucleus Reference 3.5
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited October 2012
    Man that was really hard to get, now if you were a little further back and snapped the pic we may have stood a chance :smile:

    I have been watching these speakers religiously as I have contemplated putting together a 7 speaker deal with them and ridding myself of the logans and just keeping 2 for 2 ch. Right now there is the best deal I have ever saw going on ebay for the brand new matching center channel at only $725shipped plus surrounds for $725. The market for these I have observed over the past 2 yrs has been around $900 + for used ones at that

    Here is a link to the center http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-Anthony-Gallo-Acoustics-Reference-AV-Center-Chanel-Silver-Speaker-/170899891495?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item27ca6d6527

    Matching surrounds http://www.ebay.com/itm/Brand-New-Anthony-Gallo-Acoustics-Reference-AV-Side-Silver-Speaker-/170899893296?pt=Speakers_Subwoofers&hash=item27ca6d6c30
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2012
    Wife bought mine from Home Theater Design and Installation in Florida, a registered dealer. $2885 shipped. Kevin McEvoy. Awesome guy. I'm thinking of getting a pair of TR-3D subs for $1450 shipped
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  • zingo
    zingo Posts: 11,258
    edited October 2012
    Congrats! How's the comparison between those two speakers?
    Jake
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited October 2012
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    I'm actually surprised no one guessed it . . . What do you think?
    More importantly, what do you think?
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2012
    I'm running the Gallos in right now. Evidently they need 100 hours to open up according to the manual. Out of the gates, I'm very impressed with the soundstage and big sound these tiny speakers produce. The bass is very tight and non-boxy. I've made no comparisons to the Hawthornes yet, but the fun will begin soon. Placement was a cinch since these speakers are so small. I was able to spend just under 30 minutes moving them around and quickly dialing them in to an acceptable degree.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited October 2012
    Gallos! Yeah, should have guessed in that direction and it's totally obvious now that you've told us! But the important thing is that "you" like them!

    Enjoy!

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited October 2012
    Darnit!!!! I knew I recognized it! Especially since I could tell the cereen was almost bubble shaped! I had been researching and looking at those like crazy for like 2 months straight as my next addition.

    Although I was looking at the Reference Strada for use with my REL as Anthony was quoted as stating the Strada were capable of equal performance as the 3.5 with a sub, and perhaps better performance since they are more flexible. Although I thought they were awesome, they didn't do dynamics or output like the emmys, nor the new speakers I'm getting for HT, but they sure did sound excellent. I'm very curious to hear your thoughts. Also, are you aware of the bi amping the second voice coil trick? I've read that it is quite an enhancement.

    I am fairly certain I will get the Strada in the future, but for now, I am moving to a combined Stereo/HT setup.

    Congrats on the Gallos! They are one fine speaker at a hell of a price!
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited October 2012
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    I'm thinking of getting a pair of TR-3D subs for $1450 shipped

    Do you have them bi-amped with the sub input? Give that a try before you add a sub. And if you've got them in the same room as the Hawthorne's, try using the Hawthorne's bottom end as your sub. I wasn't really floored by what the TR-3 added, so do a little experimentation before you pick up the Gallo subs (haven't heard the TR-3D, but it looks to be pretty close in design).
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2012
    I think those are good points and the dealer told me the same thing. He said to get the SA Amp going first because it literally activates the "subwoofer" capabilities of the speakers. That being said, he also said the new TR-3D is way more powerful than the original. In fact, the new TR-1D is actually as powerful as the original TR-3. For now, I'll enjoy the speakers without the SA Amp, then upgrade in a few months. I'm also going to try using the Augies to help fill in the bass at the very low end. I'll report back when I know more.
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  • EndersShadow
    EndersShadow Posts: 17,590
    edited October 2012
    Mike, you dont post often but man when you do, its a biggie of an update lol....
    "....not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." William Bruce Cameron, Informal Sociology: A Casual Introduction to Sociological Thinking (1963)
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  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited October 2012
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    I think those are good points and the dealer told me the same thing. He said to get the SA Amp going first because it literally activates the "subwoofer" capabilities of the speakers. That being said, he also said the new TR-3D is way more powerful than the original. In fact, the new TR-1D is actually as powerful as the original TR-3. For now, I'll enjoy the speakers without the SA Amp, then upgrade in a few months. I'm also going to try using the Augies to help fill in the bass at the very low end. I'll report back when I know more.

    Huh. Might have to give them another try- I thought the updates were just drivers to match the 3.5's and going digital from A/B.

    Anyhow, you should have the infrastructure to try out the Gallo's sub inputs w/o buying the SA- if you're comfortable tweaking things around with the Orpheus, you're just going to set a low pass output around 40hz, then bump the gain up & down to taste. Depending on your room, you might want to boost a little in the low 20's; 3.1's you can get flat to 22hz this way, 3.5's might dig a little lower.

    If you like what you hear, then pick up the SA (the SA manual has a good bit of detail on what it's doing, so check that out for where to cross over, boost, etc)
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2012
    I was thinking the same thing. I put in a call to Gallo to let them know what kind of gear I have and to ask whether I could just "biamp" as I normally do with the active crossover. I'm pretty sure there will be no issue as you yourself conclude.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2012
    Eh, I just don't have as much to say these days. Life has just been busy I guess.
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited October 2012
    Just for clarification sake, I'm not looking to replace my Hawthornes, but I think this is a comparison review that absolutely needs to be done.
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  • newrival
    newrival Posts: 2,017
    edited October 2012
    How is the comparative review coming? any impressions?
    design is where science and art break even.
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited March 2013
    Any Jerry Springer final thoughts on the 3.5's?
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  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited March 2013
    Wow! Congrats. Glad you're enjoying them:razz:.
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  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    edited March 2013
    Looks like a Harley Davidson!! Congrats!:razz:
    Relayer-Big-O-Poster.jpg
    Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
    "I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion." :\
    My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....

    "Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson

    "Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,967
    edited March 2013
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    , but I think this is a comparison review that absolutely needs to be done.

    Really ? Why so ? Those Hawthorns look like they can produce a full range signal with dynamics and clarity and fill a large room effortlessly. Nothing like a large radiating surface to portray large scale music.

    The Gallo's are no slouch, don't get me wrong but I've heard 'em and while good in their own right just can't display that large orchestra before you like a large speaker can. Just my opinion of course, they'd probably be pretty good in a midsized room I would gather. They do throw a surprising sound field for their size, caught me off guard for sure.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited March 2013
    tonyb wrote: »
    Really ? Why so ? Those Hawthorns look like they can produce a full range signal with dynamics and clarity and fill a large room effortlessly. Nothing like a large radiating surface to portray large scale music.

    The Gallo's are no slouch, don't get me wrong but I've heard 'em and while good in their own right just can't display that large orchestra before you like a large speaker can. Just my opinion of course, they'd probably be pretty good in a midsized room I would gather. They do throw a surprising sound field for their size, caught me off guard for sure.[/QUOTE

    I heard the 3.1's ages ago and they had the sa amp hooked up to the second coil and I also heard it without. The amount of bass I heard would be too much for my medium room unless I was wanting a visit from the cops. I am really curious how the 3.5's sound and I am just on the prowl these days for something diff for HT
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited March 2013
    tonyb wrote: »
    Really ? Why so ? Those Hawthorns look like they can produce a full range signal with dynamics and clarity and fill a large room effortlessly. Nothing like a large radiating surface to portray large scale music.

    The Gallo's are no slouch, don't get me wrong but I've heard 'em and while good in their own right just can't display that large orchestra before you like a large speaker can. Just my opinion of course, they'd probably be pretty good in a midsized room I would gather. They do throw a surprising sound field for their size, caught me off guard for sure.
    Since the woofers are on an open baffle, the Gallos may dig deeper. Besides, it appears Mike has moved onto something else for the time being: http://www.hawthorneaudio.us/forums/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4542
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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