Amplifier for Totem Forest

My brother has smaller Totems with Arcam amplification, and IMHO, it's a good match. By inference, Hegel would also be a good match, since, again IMHO, the Hegel house sound is similar to Arcam's. Both are very clean, smooth, with good PRAT and spot-on transients.

How large a listening space you have and how loud you listen are definitely relevant. FWIW - I've owned Forests for years now. While not perfect - I very much enjoy how they sound. They aren't the most efficient speakers and do benefit from more power BUT don't rule out tubes. I originally ran them with a JoLida 502B, things sounded good. Got the factory mod for the JoLida and things sounded better. But always wished for a little more "loud" without having to crank the volume control to 2AM (sound was NOT fatiguing in this position, peak dBs maybe only low - md 80s)but I did worry about pushing the amp to get them to that level. Subsequently, got a pair of Cyber 800SE monoblocks. The nominal power rating isn't all that much more than the JoLida (78WPC VS ~60??) but something is definitely different. I've got all the volume I need in my small (13' x 15') listening space. Easy 85dB+ if I want it with 9-10 o'clock volume control setting. I know volume pot settings aren't apples to apples but the point is tubes can work very well. I've always been amazed at the imaging and soundstage from the Forests and with the better amplification, bass is really impressive. I'm not anti-solid state at all. Have heard very good things about Plinius + Forests. Have fun. Hope you find something great that works for you.

I've run Forrests (and Model Ones) on 35 - 60 tube watts and the sound was glorious. I've also run them on a 120 watt Plinius integrated amp and the sound was very good as well. You have to decide what sound you prefer. I'll take them with tubes any day of the week.

Every speaker design has its own character.
For Totem Forests, are they more to bass & dynamic respond or transparent & purity side?

I'll be interested in what other owners have to say in reply. Not sure I think about them in the terms you have provided. I will say, compared to some Von Schweikert VR4 Jrs that I heard, the Forests are probably not as neutral or linear. The VR4s were very good...great extension low and hi end. The Forest's sound seems a little more "fleshed out" so probably more colored with a warmer mid-range...maybe more b & d vs t & p???