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Request advice-need "brighter" speakers than Totem Hawks

Hi All-
Love the community here; first time poster.
My gear:
i have a pair of Totem Hawks, driven by Sim Audio W-5 amp and P-5 pre. I listen primarily to Redbook CDs via a Marantz SA8005. Cables are all Audience AU24SE. I listen both through a modded Eastern Electric DAC (op amp upgraded, tube removed) and direct from CDP to preamp (teensy sound difference between DAC/no DAC, if any). My medium sized room is pretty dead sonically (carpet, textile window coverings).

My Issue:
The high frequencies are uncrisp, rolled off severely, muted, and just lacking generally, especially on contemporary works (jazz, rock). I don’t hear cymbals, hi-hats, or rich, crisp snare drums (yeah, I’m a drummer). Listening to my favorite disks is a deeply disappointing experience, Though classical sounds ok to fine. I am thinking that I need brighter speakers than the Hawks (though there are numerous folks who extoll Sim Audio plus Totem speakers, something is not right. I do have a bit of hi-freq. hearing loss from playing percussion for over 40 years (amateur), but I’ve heard a number of less expensive systems that sound better to me. My first thought is to go for a used pair of B&Ws (CM5s?) or Vandersteens (assuming good WAF on the latter) to swap out for the Hawks. I’m on a budget, but am not above selling some of the current gear to pay for the right equipment.

I would love love to hear some suggestions or alternate diagnoses/ideas. I am not limiting myself to speakers; I’ve tried a bunch of different cables to no good effect. Analysis Plus silver cables, for example, were a disaster with this gear, for example, FYI. Thanks in advance for any sage thoughts you choose to offer. -Bruce


bheiman
213runnin
914 posts
 
I don’t think Totem’s specifications for break in have been mentioned, though I only scanned this thread. It doesn’t appear as if the salesperson mentioned this, but the Hawks needed 60-80 hours at moderate volumes.

I did a little searching, but can’t find what the OP’s cables sound qualities are as to warm or more open. Ditto with Sim Audio, but both are obviously good quality stuff. I had a pair of Dreamcatchers, and these Totems were the most responsive to cabling changes that I have ever experienced. I see that the OP has tried cable changes though.

What I’m wondering, is if the cables and the electronics are on the warm side of the sound spectrum. If they both are, then the combination would no doubt muffle the speaker output as the OP is experiencing. Can anybody chime in on Sim Audio and the Audience AU24SE?
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,403 posts
 
"Can anybody chime in on Sim Audio and the Audience AU24SE?"

This has been mentioned. Both the amp and cables have a laid back presentation with smooth highs.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,403 posts
 
(Can anybody chime in on Sim Audio and the Audience AU24SE?)

This has been mentioned. Both the amp and cables have a laid back presentation with smooth highs.
psickerson
97 posts
 
If you want bright then listen the the B&W 805 diamonds.  You'll be reaching to find the volume soon enough.  I prefer a Speaker that tries to imitate live music rather than a speaker that tries to impress your friends with it's clicky hi hat sounds that distract from the vocals.



notlem
4 posts
 
I'll second the shout for Monitor Audio.  Until recently I had some RS6 floorstanders.  They are great at dynamics, plenty bright and have great bass.  Here in the UK you can pick them up for about £300 second hand and should have no problem selling them on again for the same.

My other suggestion is ATC.  More expensive and the passive models need at least 200W imo but they're used in the studios of many of the people who make the music we listen to and are certainly crystal clear.
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