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Totem model 1 with svs sb13 ultra or Forest

Hi,

This is my first post on audiogon. I currently own a pair of totem model 1's (original not sig). I really like them but would like some more bass. I'm considering a couple of options. I'm thinking I could buy an SVS sb13 ultra (cost 1600) or I'm thinking I could sell the model 1's and get a used pair of totem forests (net cost after selling model 1's 1000). If I do this, I would really like to avoid buying a different amp. I currently have a Parasound 2250 which has more than enough current to drive the model 1's.

I live in a medium sized apartment but eventually (three years from now) will move to a larger place. My setup is in my living room which is 14 ft long and 12 ft wide. I listen to everything from country and indie to electronica and hip hop.

Thanks,
Zach
zhorne

Showing 2 responses by kendrick2

kendrick2
41 posts
 
I meant to say (above) that that Totem Forest speaker is probably too much speaker for your room. You may have to place the Forest 5-6 feet from the rear wall to sound best, as indicated on the Totem Website. Do you have that much flexibility in your apartment? I would suggest contacting Totem to discuss your situation. If going for a subwoofer, I would be tempted us use one of the Totem models to better integrate the sound.

As for the Mani's, they are said to be fantastic speakers. But Manis are also very inefficient (85db sensitivity, 4 ohm load) and have a demanding impedance curve. On paper, the Parasound should work okay but the Mani's would probably sound best with a better quality amplifier.
kendrick2
41 posts
 
You currently have a small listening room well suited to the Totem 1 speakers. They may be short on bass but should sound great in that setting with proper amplification, which you have. Most people who know Totems would probably say it's too much speaker for your room. For that reason, I would say adding a fast, high quality subwoofer would be the safest upgrade path for where you live now. That said, there may be integration issues and adding more bass with either the Forest or subwoofer may bother your neighbors. But at least with a subwoofer, you can control the volume or turn off if late at night.

Good luck from a Totem owner.
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