It can sometimes get a bit too serious in the world of real hi-fi. We spend so much time obsessing over the details that we can sometimes forget what it’s all about: music and entertainment. And what are those two things about? Fun! Hi-fi is supposed to be fun – or rather – it’s the fun enabler. And every now and then a brand realises this and embodies it to its fullest capacity – without letting the quality slip in the process. Anthony Gallo Acoustics is one of those brands!
Known for their creative use of shapes, spaces and colours, Anthony Gallo have produced some of the most iconic satellite speakers in the world, speakers which can be used in all sorts of set ups and layouts – from desktop speakers to partakers in full blown 5.1 systems – owed to their ease of placement, general user-friendliness and the fact they have a huge range of stands and mounts which are suitable for most of their products. They have long been a favourite of our customers – and our’s too! So here is a run-down of our five favourite Anthony Gallo products.
Remember, all prices were correct at the time of publishing and may be subject to change.
1. Anthony Gallo Nucleus Micro Speaker – £134.90 each
Adorable huh? These are the most affordable speakers in the range – but that doesn’t mean they’re sheap! These sweet little spheres are versatile, funky (look at those colours!) and will fit easily in your hand. The spherical design, so synonymous with this brand, isn’t just a gimmick – it has a function. All of the spheres start life as a solid aluminium or steel (in the case of the Micro and the subwoofer) disc which is then spun into a perfect sphere and dipped into an electrolyte bath – to form the shell. The sphere is one of the strongest structures on Earth, and a spherical cabinet boasts minimal resonance and eliminates external diffraction while preventing any resonance there is interfering with the output. The Micros may be the entry-level Gallo, but their sound is clean, clear and box-less.
Why do we like them?
They’re cute. There, we said it. But stepping away from that, they’re impressively versatile. Use two for music, or five for 5.1, put them anywhere you fancy – walls, surfaces, ceilings – and pick a colour that best suits your personality. Or, you know, room.
Why do they like them?
‘If you have need of a system that is at once discrete and musically engaging, majoring on communication, clarity and transparency, then look no further. Indeed, if it’s the latter qualities that you prize then the Gallo Micros could easily be your speaker of choice, regardless of type. Don’t confuse these with the six in a box toys that everybody and their wife seems to be offering these days. This is a genuine hi-fi speaker.’ (Hi-Fi+ Magazine)
2. Anthony Gallo Micro SE Speaker – £180 each
Taking a step up from the Micro – we have the Micro SE. Slightly more serious in appearance, but still maintaining that all important sense of cuteness and fun. Available in black, white and stainless steel, the Micro SE takes everything that was good about the original Micro – and refines it. The Micro SE boasts an improved flat panel single driver (per seaker – which minimises cross interference) and more power. The result is a sound that is clear and vivid and remains stable, no matter where you place the speakers – or indeed yourself.
Why do we like them?
They’re still exceptionally versatile – but offer a little bit more in the power and sound department. Small changes – big differences.
Why do they like them?
The Anthony Gallo Acoustics’ Micro SE and A’Diva SE are, pound for pound, the best sounding miniature speakers I’ve heard to date. They redefine the performance standard for very small speakers. (CNet)
3. Anthony Gallo A’Diva SE Speaker – £270 each
The A’Diva SE is the final step in the spherical Gallo range – boasting everything we love about the previous models – including the flat panel driver and the ultra-wide dispersion flat-diaphragm transducer of the Micro SE, but the A’Diva boasts the addition of Optimsed Pulse Technology (OPT) and patented S2 damping control pods, which guarantee the elimination of colourations such as enclosure resonance and distortion. The result is a clear, all encompassing sound which manages to remain almost as tiny (and still pretty cute – let’s be honest) as it’s spherical siblings.
Why do we like them?
They are still unbelievably tiny – yet their sound is huge. And extremely clear, balanced and even detailed – there are few speakers of this size (and even slightly larger) that can match the sound quality of these little speakers.
Why do they like them?
The Anthony Gallo Acoustics’ Micro SE and A’Diva SE are, pound for pound, the best sounding miniature speakers I’ve heard to date. They redefine the performance standard for very small speakers. (CNet)
4. Anthony Gallo Strada 2 Satellite Speaker – £675 each
The Strada 2 is the next step up from the acclaimed Strada and boasts pride of place as the highest satellite speaker in the Gallo range. No, it’s not cheap, especially when you consider its distinctly affordable cousins – but the quality of build and design and the sheer sound and power of these small and relatively discreet speakers make them worth it. Very worth it. The upgrades and refinement present in this satellite have made it a very popular choice for providing deep, rich and layered sound in both 5.1 and two channel systems.
Why do we like them?
The spheres are gone, but the sound lives on. And then some! These are the best sounding satellites that Gallo have ever produced. They’re ambitious in style, sound and execution, but every update works. We can particualrly recommend them for home cinema use.
Why do they like them?
‘The Reference Strada 2 system is a lovely and effective problem solver. It is compact, easy on the eyes, and will fit in spaces where larger floorstanding speakers will not. Best of all, it may look like a “lifestyle” speaker but turns out to deliver legitimate, audiophile-grade, big-speaker performance.’ (TheAbsoluteSound)
5. Anthony Gallo Nucleus Micro 5.1 AV Speaker Package – £999
Bringing it all together, we have a very special package indeed! Compromised of five of the iconic Nucleus Micro speakers functioning as 5.1 satellites and a TR-1 active subwoofer – all award winners in their right – this is a set up not to be sniffed at. Available in a range of colours – including the more demure black and silver – this is a system that makes a statement. With their minimalist, futuristic style, award winning sound and tiny size (the satellites can be placed virtually anywhere) these are an excellent way to introduce surround sound into your home without making too much fuss.
Why do we like it?
That big sound from the tiny speakers you can fit in one hand and a powerful subwoofer shaped like a barrel from the future. We just love it.
Why do they like it?
‘These speakers are the best I have heard in the micro class. If a small, affordable, low-visibility speaker is your desire, this high-resolution gem is a perfect choice.’ (Audio Video Revolution)
A BRIEF HISTORY
You probably wouldn’t too surprised to learn that Anthony Gallo Acoustics was founded by one Anthony Gallo in 1993 when his partner Gary Pelled stepped in to invest. At this pint Gallo was a man who had just sold off the last of his possessions in order to fund his life-long love of speaker design. How life long? Well, he designed his first speaker at the age of fourteen! From that age onwards, he collected information and experimented as much as he could, funding his passion with his successful video repair business – which he ended up selling.
With a little help from Gary, the risk paid off. The original Nucleus was released in 1994 and took the world by storm. And I think Anthony sums up the rest quite well himself:
‘Since 1994, we’ve heard our speakers described as “breathtaking”, “futuristic”, and “strange.” But whether you think our cosmetics are stunning or bizarre isn’t really important to us. Everything we do is judged according to a single, simple goal – achieving the highest fidelity possible.’
From their humble beginnings. Anthony Gallo products are now sold in over 40 countries and still attract rave reviews to this very day. And we’re not at all surprised. Everything they have made has stood out in every category, and they still remain a fun product that makes serious, discerning audiophiles use the word ‘cute’ repeatedly in one article. That’s something special, right there.