How does Totem do it ???

Madfloyd...did you get the Winds??

No, Dave, I didn't. I had some other business with them and casually asked about it - and after a bit of conversation told them I would be by to listen to them soon.

But Saturday aft, I got a call on my cell phone from them stating that a customer had just heard them and wanted to audition them at home... and that they would refuse if I was planning to show up that day. Unfortunately I was out of town and couldn't. Found out yesteray that the customer decided to buy/keep them. :-(

Your thread has revived my interest in Totem. Must be around 15 years ago I bought my Sttafs, and could hardly believe my good fortune at the wonderful music. I still enjoy them immensely in my second system.

More recently, I've paired Reference 3a Dulcets with my Nait 5i and Naim CD 5x. I had Totem Model 1 Sigs in to compare. The Model 1s were absolutely lovely; but the Dulcets outperformed them all around, at least in this system and room. Even so, the Model 1s had their own seductive magic, especially on voice and acoustic guitar, which is a huge part of what I listen to...

But Rbstenho has me wondering if the Nait, as fine as it is, (and conservative in its 50W rating) lacks the power to get the most out of the Model 1s; I have certainly not heard them with a genuine, high quality 100 WPC plus, let alone 200. Is that the key?

I've been thinking for a long time that a system based around Mani-2s might be my ultimate. I was looking to the new Simaudio I-7 at 150 WPC as a possible, but perhaps it won't be quite up to driving the Manis...

Advice on this point from Mani-lovers would be much appreciated; what are some of the best amp partnerings; know of any integrateds that really do the trick? One reputable Toronto dealer swears by the Jeff Rowland Concentra, or now the Concerto, as a partner to the Manis, but I didn't get the chance to audition yet...

Can I share a little heresy; that is, talk about appearances? Leaving music aside for a moment, I find the wood veneer finish on the Totems a gorgeous, living thing. Unspoiled by little plug holes for grill covers. A little lemon oil on the old rose-mahogany Sttafs, and they glow from within...and the Cherry finish on the Model 1s I auditioned has its own beautiful amber warmth.

Totem speakers love power and current! I like the Krell 400XI myself, although Rowland is great stuff as well! My krell cost me $2000 new for 400w/ch into 4ohms on my winds...quite a bargain!! Price is going up Sept 1rst to $3K...or so I hear!!

Dave b
Maybe the Krell 400xi is worth a second listen for me, but with Totem this time. I listened to it with JMlab in the past. I found that combo rather dry and flat, even tho' the Krell was clearly highly competent, had tremendous bass grip and reserves of power. Perhaps it would shine with the more lively and forward Totem sound...