I am surprised at how well my Forests sound powered by my PrimaLuna Prologue Two. They are premeiring monoblocks rated at 60/70W? at the CES show. I would recommend giving those a shot.
Also, the Krell kav-400xi sounds great powering the Forests, but for me, I preferred the tube sound of the PrimaLuna. The Krell could get a little fatiguing in the highs at hihg levels, although this may have been dependent on cables?
I am going to try an i-5 next week myself as my dealer (who doesn't sell simaudio, but totem and krell) stated that Vince (of Totem) used to own Simaudio, so the synergy is there. This is the only source I have heard this information from though?
I've had a Plinius 8200mkII integrated driving Tabu's back in the day, and I wasn't feeling the combination. Just personal preference.
I had the PrimaLuna driving the Arro's previous to the Forest, and thought the PrimaLuna wouldn't cut it, but I was pleasantly surprised. Many, even Totem themselves said that the Forests want a lot of power, like 200W SS, but I am questioning that as the PrimaLuna sounds so damn good. I think the monos with a little more juice may be the ticket?
I would recommend the Forests highly over the Hawks, again just personal opinion. I've heard the Hawks on several occasions in seperate systems and have never been as 'wowed' with them as the Forests. The best Hawk system I've heard was at the HE show this past year paired with Ayre gear. CDP and integrated, not sure the model #'s? but you may want to check them out if the Hawks are your taste?
Good luck with your decisions, it really will come down to was is most pleasant to your ears!
Also, the Krell kav-400xi sounds great powering the Forests, but for me, I preferred the tube sound of the PrimaLuna. The Krell could get a little fatiguing in the highs at hihg levels, although this may have been dependent on cables?
I am going to try an i-5 next week myself as my dealer (who doesn't sell simaudio, but totem and krell) stated that Vince (of Totem) used to own Simaudio, so the synergy is there. This is the only source I have heard this information from though?
I've had a Plinius 8200mkII integrated driving Tabu's back in the day, and I wasn't feeling the combination. Just personal preference.
I had the PrimaLuna driving the Arro's previous to the Forest, and thought the PrimaLuna wouldn't cut it, but I was pleasantly surprised. Many, even Totem themselves said that the Forests want a lot of power, like 200W SS, but I am questioning that as the PrimaLuna sounds so damn good. I think the monos with a little more juice may be the ticket?
I would recommend the Forests highly over the Hawks, again just personal opinion. I've heard the Hawks on several occasions in seperate systems and have never been as 'wowed' with them as the Forests. The best Hawk system I've heard was at the HE show this past year paired with Ayre gear. CDP and integrated, not sure the model #'s? but you may want to check them out if the Hawks are your taste?
Good luck with your decisions, it really will come down to was is most pleasant to your ears!