Totem Model 1 vs Totem Arro

@audiofilo123

the TOTEM MODEL 1’s do crave solid state “grunt”. ( All TOTEMs do …)The better the upstream fed, the better performances overall.

I had the NAD C370 integrated amp initially to pair up to the ARROs initially (predecessor to the C275BEE on your audition list.) It was “ok if you like the bespoke NAD sonic signature that is on the dark side with a rolled off top end. It wasn’t my thing , so I swapped it out for the top model ARCAM FMJ integrated amp ….. It was for my “B” system, so I didn’t go that extra mile for a SIMAUDIO .

I still stand behind my post that SIMAUDIO is still the best partner for TOTEMs that I have heard . I’ve also heard them with AYRE and PLINIUS …. Sweet too .…but SIMAUDIO still had that extra ethereal bit IMO with TOTEMs.

FWIW, My current amp is the REGA OSIRIS integrated amp driving HARBETH M30.2 XD’s ,,,,it’s well worth an audition and I”m most confident that it would impress you further with the Model 1’s …. if you can live with the added strain on your wallet.

budgets matter big time for sure. Audition what you can , think about inserting a SIMAUDIO into the mix last if you csn, and have fun sorting out the contender(s) from the pretenders . This hobby is a journey and never a destination in our stroll down the Yellow Brick Road to Audio OZ. Excluding my OSIRIS, The SIMAUDIO is one that I might consider on a blind purchase on a hot deal .

choose wisely, and carry on sir!

PS If you are married to your TOTEMs and you see an AMBER integrated amp on the resale market … dive on it FWIW

last one I saw posted below. I suggest that you look for one on CANUCKAUDIOMART 

@akg_ca, it is funny, my dealer has the Rega Osiris always ready for a listen, and for a moment I thought of asking him to connect it to the Model 1 but my wallet conscience stopped me. I knew that I would like it a lot but it is 8000+ euros!

I just connected the Vincent for the weekend, so let’s see how it goes :)

I had been in touch with a company that sells Totem as I was interested in those speakers having heard the Totem Sky in a demonstration. They told me that Totem was coming out with a new speaker, the Bison in around the same price area for the bookshelf version. Don't know anything about it and haven't heard it but you might want to investigate. 

Here is a link to the announcement:

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2022/12/09/totem-acoustic-introduces-the-bison-series-announcements/

@dz13,  thanks but I already have the Model 1 and am loving them :)

Can I ask what amplifier do you use with the Model1?

I can’t recall but it would be either the Audio Research LS16/Plinius SA-100mk3 or Naim NAC202/NAP200/Hicap.

Good to hear that the Model 1s are an improvement to the Arro. That is all that matters. Enjoy.