Upgrading to Totem Mani 2's


I’m considering upgrading from the Model 1’s to Mani 2’s. I’ve read most of the forums here on A’gon regarding the Mani’s and the one thing that they all pretty much have in common is that you need a lot of power (and current) to drive them. I’m currently running a Plinius 9100 for my Model 1’s which is rated at 120 W per side (around 200 W @ 4ohms). I’m also running the Plinius on 220v which has opened it up considerably and gives the bass a lot more punch (something I know I'll need for the Mani's). My room size is approx. 15 x 22 and my listening position is about 16 feet from the speakers. I normally listen at a moderate volume (10 o’clock is loud for me and 12 o’clock pretty much drives me out of the room). I know the old adage that you can always get a bigger amp, but if I’m going to spend several thousand on a speaker upgrade I’d rather not turn around and spend several thousand more on upgrading the amplifier as well (at least not right away). In addition I'm very pleased with the 9100 and like the Plinius sound very much. So what do you think Mani 2 owners? Am I living in a bubble thinking that the 9100 has the juice or based on my room size and listening habits will the 9100 do the job for me?
jaffeassc

Showing 4 responses by telemarc

I run my mani's with a Totem Amber which is a 230 watt into 4 ohm integrated made by sim audio for totem. Very pleasing to the ear and plenty of power for the room which is 14 by 22. If I play hard rock and crank it up to be almost unbearably loud then it is not enough amp but I mostly listen to Blues and world music with a bit of classical so it is fine. I considered upgrading to a W-5, P-5 seperate setup but the more I listen to my setup the more satisfyied I have become.Here is my system.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vopin&1133742864&read&3&4&
The stands are made by a local guy in town and are solid black marble. To accomodate the open side and the sliding glass door I toed the Glass door side in a little more than the open side which removed some of the reflective properties and centered the soundstage more.
The stands were mads by a local guy on Vancouver Island and cost 600.00 dollars canadian.
The Marble stands are available through Fine Audio in Courtenay,Harold is the owner. They Range from 700.00 to 1000.00. I got a deal on mine as I got them from the guy who made them as they were sitting in his living room. Harold has a pair of White Marble ones in stock right now that are beautiful. I think they are 750.00 if I remember correctly. You can contact Harold at http://www.fineaudio.net/
or the guy who makes them is Franco Ciomo 250-338-5765.