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Vandersteen 1ci vs Totem Arro

About a year ago I purchased a (demo) pair of Vandersteen 1ci's. They are hooked up to my PrimaLuna Prologue 1 tube amp.

I really like the sound. If these descriptors make sense, I add that there is a texture to the sound. I love the bass and at times it can almost be felt. I swear I can hear or feel the air moving on the kick drum on certain recordings. And the tone is beautiful. I can distinguish between the flute and recorder, say, when listening to either Vivaldi's Flute and Recorder concertos.

This setup also works well with internet radio. Specifically, Sirius-xm. It is an enjoyable listening experience.

Some poorly recorded CDs sound terrible. I guess you call this "unforgiving". I can't think of an example.

Yet nothing is perfect, although I can't quite put my finger on it, and I have some regret that I didn't spend time listening to the Totem Arro. Honestly, I was put off by their marketing. After reading numerous reviews that was a mistake.

Do others find it normal to torture yourselves with "what if I bought this other brand'? Or is it worth going back to listen, and looking for a deal on the Arro's, as they do come up from time to time.

~Jim
128x128jimspov

Showing 2 responses by jetson

jetson
137 posts
 
I had the Totem Aro speakers paired with a Prima Luna Classic integrated amp (their lowest model).  It wasn't a good pairing. 
 When I auditioned the Aro, the dealer had them paired with one of the better PrimaLuna amps. Big difference.
  I moved on to Vandy 2C signatures and Ayre AX-7e but I wouldn't discount the Aro/Prima Luna pairing altogether. 
That said, you won't get great bass out of the Aro; a 4.5" dia driver can only do so much. I'd consider the Vandersteen sub as recommended. 
jetson
137 posts
 
Given that you would seem to be recreating what I found unsatisfactory, I'd highly recommend auditioning them with your amp before using the Aro with your PL. 
For me, they were great with female vocals,  acoustic blues, some jazz, but could not keep up with rock or other more "heavy" music losing detail and sounding very muddy. 
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