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6 new Totem Hawks vs Used Wilson set-up ?

I think I have an interesting item for discussion. I am building a multipurpose, 2-ch audio and 6.1 home theater system. I also like the idea of being able to listen to 5 channel audio but this is not critical for the decision making process. I have spent the last 6 months auditioning dozens of speakers and I have it narrowed down to 2 manufacturers. I have really fallen in love with the Totem Hawk. I like some of the other Totems, but I have auditioned the Hawk 3 times, in 3 rooms, with three sets of components and loved them each time. I had not originally considered Wilson’s as they are out of my price point. I casually listened to a pair of W/Ps once or twice while I was waiting for the other rooms to be set up for the auditions. I liked them but I did not use my source material or listen to them very critically. I know they are considered to be some of the best speakers, period.

In this process, I have become familiar with various online used gear communities, and now I see that buying used Wilson gear brings them into my price range. I like the idea of having matching speakers around the theater room. I could go with smaller Totem speakers (Lynk or Rainmaker) and save some money, however, I lose similar amount of space and I lose coolness of having 6 matched speakers. This is a dedicated room so I can place whatever I want wherever I want (within reason).

6 new Totem Hawks = ~$8000-9000.
Used W/P 8 or Sofia II + 3 watch surrounds + watch center (or third W/P or Sophia II) = ~$12-14,000.

So for a bit more $, I can buy what most people would say is a significantly better speaker. Of course I need to audition for myself to determine if I subjectively like the Wilson’s.

Up for debate is whether buying the “better” Wilsons will make my system sound better or worse due to the rest of my equipment being of a lower caliber than the Wilsons. Will the resolving ability of the Wilsons highlight inadequacies in the rest of my system, or is buying a better speaker…buying a better speaker…and will be an improvement.

Existing equip:
Marantz AV8801
Parasound Halo A52 (5x125W)
jasonatptld
jameswei
883 posts
 
First, you need to audition the Wilson's seriously. While many might judge the Wilson's to be "better," there are some people who do not like the Wilson sound. Best to verify for yourself.

If you find you like the Wilsons, then How Much better do they sound to you? If it's a big difference, then they would be worth paying up for. Otherwise, it becomes more of a value judgment on your part.

Another issue is how committed are you to improving your system? Many of us have gone through numerous upgrade cycles where all of our equipment is gradually replaced with "better" units. If you think you will eventually upgrade from your Marantz and Parasound, then probably the Wilson' might be the better choice, assuming you like their sound.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
In this hobby, there is not a linear relationship between cost and better sound.
You say you have "really fallen in love" with the sound of the Totem Hawks, I'd buy 6 used Hawks and spend the extra dough on upgrading your electronics.
bjesien
1,239 posts
 
I would step back a little and look at the math. In the end you get what the market gives you. If you want an awesome two channel system spend around $30k (new) and you enter the market (IMHO). Awesome surround means maybe $45k.

In a surround system I would spend less on the speakers and more on the electronics. Maybe good mains, but less on the rears and sides.

I think you would make a mistake to try the make it all equal. I'd go with near equal on the mains (33%) electronics 34%, other speakers and sub 33%. Better sub then surround speakers.

Oh no, I forgot cables. :O
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