A J Posted March 16, 2014 Posted March 16, 2014 Hey team - I've seen a set of Gale 401A in pretty good condition for about $1000. Is this a good price and is there anything I need to be aware of before I jump?
Peter_F Posted March 16, 2014 Posted March 16, 2014 It would be an excellent price if the all the drivers have been serviced (re-foamed and tweeters tested) and the crossovers tested / serviced as well. If its $1000 for an original un-serviced set then forget it IMO. 1
THOMO Posted March 16, 2014 Posted March 16, 2014 Whenever you buy these you are taking a punt. You probably need to assume that you will need to spend some money on them.The main concern is that the drivers are original and that they are in good cosmetic condition.The rest can be refurbished. Also don't assume that just because they are working that they are sounding as good as they should.Many old pairs sound a bit choked up and this is often due to the midranges being painted with some sort of doping/glue to reinforce rotting foam surrounds-probably PVA glue.Sometimes you also need to replace the fibreglass damping as it seems to pack down and lose its spring-which can also cause a choked up sound. If they sound free and open and look good that is a really good start and they probably are worth close to $1000. At the end of the day even if you have to spend another $1000 on them which would be the absolute worse case you still end up with a pair of speakers that will see off the vast majority of modern speakers in the $10,0000 plus range.There are more "audiophile"sounding speakers around but that is not the point.I have had lots of them but the Gales have surpassed them all in terms of musical engagement. 1
Peter_F Posted March 17, 2014 Posted March 17, 2014 Unfortunately purchasing Gale 401 speakers with very little knowledge on what to look for, and associated restoration costs can be a recipe for major disappointment expense. It is also important to mention that employing a decent technician is essential to ensure that the work carried out will be to specification to retain the Gale sound. I have come across several "restored" Gales with non-genuine drivers used, incorrect foam or rubber surrounds installed to drivers, and crossovers not serviced in any capacity and were clearly just not functioning properly. Some I have encountered with the chrome ends liquid nailed to the cabinets which is just disastrous for the chipboard cabinets. 1
A J Posted March 17, 2014 Author Posted March 17, 2014 Thanks guys - I've followed a few restoration threads and done a little research so I'm armed with a little (dangerous) amount of info. These ones have been owned long-term and serviced by a trusted tech from what I can see so they are pretty mint & genuine. It's a bit of a passing fancy I think as they may have gone by the time I get a chance to respond.
Peter_F Posted March 17, 2014 Posted March 17, 2014 In this case AJ it seems a $1000 is a bargain. They are labour intensive and very expensive to professionally refurbish.
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted March 17, 2014 Posted March 17, 2014 The Gale 401 requires an amplifier capable of supplying prodigious current. And not that current claimed by many Japanese manufacturers. REAL current, backed by a REAL power supply.
A J Posted March 17, 2014 Author Posted March 17, 2014 So I need to factor an ME amp into the equation? 1
Peter_F Posted March 17, 2014 Posted March 17, 2014 So I need to factor an ME amp into the equation? If that floats ya boat then yes. Lots of high quality, very clean SS power is a must for Gales IMO.
blinky Posted March 17, 2014 Posted March 17, 2014 The Gale 401 requires an amplifier capable of supplying prodigious current. And not that current claimed by many Japanese manufacturers. REAL current, backed by a REAL power supply. yeah, none of that piddling Accuphase rubbish, just some MEan old arc welder.
A J Posted March 17, 2014 Author Posted March 17, 2014 Accuphase would be dodgy if I understand correctly.
THOMO Posted March 17, 2014 Posted March 17, 2014 They are not that fussy really. Most decent power amps of around 150 watts will drive them quite well. You are probably better off with a competent power amp and a really good preamp.
Zaphod Beeblebrox Posted March 17, 2014 Posted March 17, 2014 So I need to factor an ME amp into the equation? That, or a big old Krell. FWIW: The Gale 401s were used by Peter Stein in the early 1980s for amplifier testing/listening. It's not about power with the Gales. It's all about the current. 1
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