chess,

The owner/designer of Ascend Acoustics (my speakers ) said that those Gallos were one of the best speakers he heard at 2004 CES.

This year, he said TAD (pro division of Pioneer now entering the consumer market) had the best bookshelves he has heard......$15K for the pair. I had a chance to hear them as well....incredible sound.
http://tadhomeaudio.com/home.html