Sony and Gallo System?

[cwall]

Hello all,

I will be honest and say that I am somewhat new to the Home Theater realm.

I currently have a HTiB, Sony HTSS2300, and one of the speakers has started crackling, the UI has never worked correctly in the system and I would like to upgrade to a system that has more expandability and punch. With all that being said, I have been researching over the last year or two on a replacement for the system.

I live in an apartment and my living room is of course awkward, and the wife (nor do I really) doesn't want speakers with a large footprint. I primarily watch Sci-Fi or Action movies so quality surrounds are important.

I think I have boiled it down to what I think to be a fairly solid setup with expandability options available. So here goes:

Receiver: Sony STR-DN1040
Speakers: Anthony Gallo A'Diva Ti 5.1

I really like the new GUI on the Sony and, from all I've been reading, the Gallos are supposedly amazing for their size.

What are you guys' thoughts?

Thanks,

Chris

[blackraven]

Here is a good review on the Gallo's. I haven't heard them but they certainly fit the WAF (wife acceptance factor). This will be a huge upgrade from your HTIB.

6moons audio reviews: Anthony Gallo Acoustics A'Dia Ti, Micro Ti, TR1 & TR2

As for the Sony, I have never been a fan of any of their gear, thats not to say the one you are looking at is bad. Also take a look at Onkyo, Yamaha or Marantz.

[cwall]

Thank you for your input blackraven.

I just went to the store and heard the Gallos, and they're awesome. I also went to the Sony store and got my hands on the GUI for the 1040, and I have to say it was pretty slick. 4K upscaling, bluetooth and WiFi: all very nice features.

Any specific models to look at with the Onkyo, Yamaha or Marantz?

Any more input from others is welcome as well

[blackraven]

Take a look at the new 6 and 7 series onkyo receivers.

Marantz- Marantz SR5007 7.2-channel home theater receiver with Apple AirPlay® at Crutchfield.com

[cwall]

I did a little digging on the Onkyo's, and I know this may sound a bit superficial, but I didn't care for the "look" of the device lol.

Additionally, I did follow up on your advice on the Marantz, and I may end up going with that receiver. I was unable to find any info on the GUI for the Marantz. Do you have any info on that box?

Also, what do you guys think of the Sony STR-DA1800ES or STR-DA2800ES?

I have done more research into the Orbs:
People's Choice Home Theater Speaker System

From what I have found, they seem to be comparable, if not better, than the Gallos. Thoughts?

[Mr Peabody]

The Gallo I have heard a few times and are very good, I highly doubt the Orb knock offs are comparible.

The Sony 1040 may not be the best bet for overall sound but it is more feature rich than it's competition. I think the Marantz would be a better match with Gallo if it has all the features you require.