you need an amp with quite a bit more power for the Totem's. I also have a pair of these and I use a pair of Odyssey Monoblock amps and the speakers sound fantastic. See if you can borrow an amp with power and then listen to the Totem's. The Totem's will blow away the Paradigm's with the right equipment (IMO). Read up on the reviews of the Model 1's and they will tell you they need power.
Advice on Totem model ones
Hi, this is my first post, I'm really green and need help.
Recently purchased used Totem Model Ones (4 ohm, 87 Sensitivity)for my Audio Refinement Complete Integrated (50wpc)and CDP. Using Ultralink ICs and Monster wire. Room is 15x35, system on short wall, lots of glass, 10-23ft wood ceiling, hardwoods with area rug.
Took my Paradigm Mini-Monitors off and hooked up the Model Ones (on stands). Sounded great, if a little light on bass. Listened to them for a couple of days, moved them around a bit and then put Paradigms back on for comparison. Paradigms sounded better, richer, more lows, highs just as crisp. It seemed the Paradigms sounded better on just about every type of music and quality of recording. Totems fared better on best recordings, jazz. I would sum up the Totems as sounding tinny or veiled in comparison to Paradigms.
Interestingly, I moved the Totems to the HT system in the basement (Yamaha 80 wpc)and they sounded much better. Smaller room, carpet.
My questions are:
1) Are the Totems a good/poor match for the Complete system and why?
2) Will the Complete system ever satisfy me "completely" with its 50 wpc and my large room?
3) The system sounds pretty darn good with the Paradigm Mini-Monitors, what would make it sound better if I can't get the Totem's to perform? Paradigm studio 40s?
I listen to all types of music but mainly easy, mid-level volume stuff for the living room.
Audiogon has given me a lot of the basics and I hope the experts in the group will have the patience to help me with this.
Many thanks
Andrew Storey
Recently purchased used Totem Model Ones (4 ohm, 87 Sensitivity)for my Audio Refinement Complete Integrated (50wpc)and CDP. Using Ultralink ICs and Monster wire. Room is 15x35, system on short wall, lots of glass, 10-23ft wood ceiling, hardwoods with area rug.
Took my Paradigm Mini-Monitors off and hooked up the Model Ones (on stands). Sounded great, if a little light on bass. Listened to them for a couple of days, moved them around a bit and then put Paradigms back on for comparison. Paradigms sounded better, richer, more lows, highs just as crisp. It seemed the Paradigms sounded better on just about every type of music and quality of recording. Totems fared better on best recordings, jazz. I would sum up the Totems as sounding tinny or veiled in comparison to Paradigms.
Interestingly, I moved the Totems to the HT system in the basement (Yamaha 80 wpc)and they sounded much better. Smaller room, carpet.
My questions are:
1) Are the Totems a good/poor match for the Complete system and why?
2) Will the Complete system ever satisfy me "completely" with its 50 wpc and my large room?
3) The system sounds pretty darn good with the Paradigm Mini-Monitors, what would make it sound better if I can't get the Totem's to perform? Paradigm studio 40s?
I listen to all types of music but mainly easy, mid-level volume stuff for the living room.
Audiogon has given me a lot of the basics and I hope the experts in the group will have the patience to help me with this.
Many thanks
Andrew Storey