Help, need advice on Totem speakers...
Come to me my Totem brotheren...I have heard the distant call of the ancients and I need your help.
I know there are some experienced Totem members on here and I need your experience and advice on which model to try? I know I want to try Totem, so this isn't a discussion of whether Totem or not...just which model? One of the greatest audio experiences I've ever had was hearing Model Ones at a Stereophile show some 15 years ago. The Ones are out of my price range though.
Purpose is for 2-channel listening. Most of my listening is at low to moderate levels - I don't listen at high SPL's. I'm no bass freak, but do want a satisfying amount with the type of music I listen to (rock/pop mostly). "Presence" and 3-dimensionality is very important to me. Room dimensions are 14'x20', with an opening on one side-wall half way down that's 4' wide and goes into a 5'x12' room. Ceiling is cathedral - from 8' to 9.5' (8' end is where speakers would reside).
Searching for dealers anywhere near me seems to only come up with custom install home theater shops that have no demos/showroom.
Models I'm considering for budget/sonic signature/room dimensions and research: Arro, Rainmaker, Sttaf
Seems like each speaker has it's own sound, so going up the line doesn't necessarily keep giving you more of what you like, which makes it tougher.
I'm not stuck on whether it's monitor or floorstander - only what sounds the best. Sounds like Arro has the best "presence" factor and best disappearing act to them (which is high on my list of importance), but lacks a bit in bass and power, and I've read doesn't do rock well. Rainmaker has more bass than Arro, rocks a little better, but not quite the disappearing act. Some say Sttaf has the best of both, some say no?
So what have you my friends, what you say?
I know there are some experienced Totem members on here and I need your experience and advice on which model to try? I know I want to try Totem, so this isn't a discussion of whether Totem or not...just which model? One of the greatest audio experiences I've ever had was hearing Model Ones at a Stereophile show some 15 years ago. The Ones are out of my price range though.
Purpose is for 2-channel listening. Most of my listening is at low to moderate levels - I don't listen at high SPL's. I'm no bass freak, but do want a satisfying amount with the type of music I listen to (rock/pop mostly). "Presence" and 3-dimensionality is very important to me. Room dimensions are 14'x20', with an opening on one side-wall half way down that's 4' wide and goes into a 5'x12' room. Ceiling is cathedral - from 8' to 9.5' (8' end is where speakers would reside).
Searching for dealers anywhere near me seems to only come up with custom install home theater shops that have no demos/showroom.
Models I'm considering for budget/sonic signature/room dimensions and research: Arro, Rainmaker, Sttaf
Seems like each speaker has it's own sound, so going up the line doesn't necessarily keep giving you more of what you like, which makes it tougher.
I'm not stuck on whether it's monitor or floorstander - only what sounds the best. Sounds like Arro has the best "presence" factor and best disappearing act to them (which is high on my list of importance), but lacks a bit in bass and power, and I've read doesn't do rock well. Rainmaker has more bass than Arro, rocks a little better, but not quite the disappearing act. Some say Sttaf has the best of both, some say no?
So what have you my friends, what you say?
..... ><////(*>
Post edited by fishbones on
Comments
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Sttaf.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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Totem "wind" are stunning to look and listen to.
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BTW, gear is tube preamp with SS amp - probably B&K 200.2 or the like, but still not positive yet? (I'm ampless right now)..... ><////(*>
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Totem "wind" are stunning to look and listen to.
Given the aforementioned models, those may be out of the price range.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
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My stuff....which always changes but the BBQ was the amplifier. I'm not sure what I was running when I had the Totem waterfall. They're power hungry loudspeakers and not terribly efficient to boot, so make sure your ready for that aspect. This might be one loudspeaker that falls right I to Cfrizz's 200wpc only category
I've had the Arro, Sttaf, Hawk, Rainmaker, Mite and Dreamcatcher.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
As a Totem Dealer , Just buy the best pair you can afford. I have been impressed by the entire line. My favorite bang for the buck speaker is the Rainmaker. It's about 85% of the Sig Ones and less then 1/2 the price. They are truly an amazing speakers. I'm considering picking up a pair.
You need to go to a Totem Dealer and sit down and listen to the line. You can't pick a bad model.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
One of the best sounding rigs I've heard was a pair of Sttaf's with a Jolida tube integrated.....a buddy of mine has that rig and it just sounds more musical than a lot of rigs I've heard (including some of my own) with higher tone gear.
BDTI plan for the future. - F1Nut -
Anyone know why so many of these 3 models are run with integrateds? It's everywhere I look online?..... ><////(*>
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I listened to a pair of Winds today that were hooked up to a bunch of old looking gear with big blue VU meters.
I was very impressed with them. They have pinpoint imaging, nice depth in their soundstage, very detailed without fatigue. With the music being played ( which I was not familiar with) they did not give you the SDA wall of sound, but it was a very nice holographic airy presence/soundstage. I would definitely like to listen to them again with some music that I know well. IIRC the salesman told me they were $13,900 and I could finance them at 0%. However since I can not raise my debt ceiling I will be sticking with my 21 year old Polk Audio speakers that I think would even impress the salesman.
I am a beer budget sweatshirt wearing pickup truck drivin' deal seeking audio buyer at this time so I am good were I am. Although they did sound good.
ScottI like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D -
I have heard the Rainmakers with SS gear and they were amazing. Extraordinary detail and imaging. I've heard the Wind's on tube gear and would love a pair if I could afford them. No Totem speakers will disappoint. If you can afford them, get the Wind. If not go with the Sttaf which I've also heard but can't remember on what gear. I do remember being totally impressed though. By the way, like a lot of really good gear, made in Canada eh.SDA-1C (full mods)
Carver TFM-55
NAD 1130 Pre-amp
Rega Planar 3 TT/Shelter 501 MkII
The Clamp
Revox A77 Mk IV Dolby reel to reel
Thorens TD160/Mission 774 arm/Stanton 881S Shibata
Nakamichi CR7 Cassette Deck
Rotel RCD-855 with modified tube output stage
Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus
ADC Soundshaper 3 EQ
Ben's IC's
Nitty Gritty 1.5FI RCM -
The Totem Arros were the most enjoyable speakers I have ever owned and I have no doubt that they will find their way back to me before all is said and done. They did so many things superbly that I was able to easily forgive their size. As you mentioned, their ability to disappear in a room is scary good. But it's their imaging that took them to an almost surreal level.
And as for any concerns over the bass... No, they're not going to knock your pictures off the walls. But I found it to be amazingly punchy and articulate.I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
ZB, what kind of music do you listen to? Room size you had them in?..... ><////(*>
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I have heard that dialing in the Totems requires a little more time and effort in terms of placement and toe in, has everyone experienced this to some degree or is it exaggerated?
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I have heard that dialing in the Totems requires a little more time and effort in terms of placement and toe in, has everyone experienced this to some degree or is it exaggerated?
Maybe my sleep deprivation caught up to me, because according to Totem they require the least amount of toe in. lol -
I think most speakers are critcal of placement - if your critical of your sound. I wouldn't be surprised if these were any different - if you want the most out of them, but some say they're not? Knowing myself well enough, I would probably spend gobs of hours tweaking their placement to make sure I'm giving them all that they are capable of. It's one of the few things in this hobby that only costs time. ..... ><////(*>
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I cannot speak for the entire totem li r, but can tell you that the rainmakers are not picky with placement
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I have heard that dialing in the Totems requires a little more time and effort in terms of placement and toe in, has everyone experienced this to some degree or is it exaggerated?
I've read the same thing about Magnepan yet never had a problem with either. Although, according to Polkie Fongolio, my opinion is useless. I better learn how to express myself so that everyone is happy and bored.CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint. -
I've spent time with the Dreamcatchers, Mites, Rainmakers, and Forests in my home, and have heard all of the rest at a quality dealer. All of them are designed to perform without toe-in. The Staff's IMHO have better top to bottom coherence than the Rainmakers. So, if you have the budget, I'd go with them. If not, keep in mind that once you buy a quality pair of stands, the price difference between the Rainmakers and Arro's is negligible. I lean slightly toward the Rainmakers, as I found the bass detail better. Start with placement 4ft in from sides and 3ft out from back wall, with no toe-in and go from there.Review Site_ (((AudioPursuit)))
Founder/Publisher Affordable$$Audio 2006-13.
Former Staff Member TONEAudio
2 Ch. System
Amplifiers: Parasound Halo P6 pre, Vista Audio i34, Peachtree amp500, Adcom GFP-565 GFA-535ii, 545ii, 555ii
Digital: SimAudio HAD230 DAC, iMac 20in/Amarra,
Speakers: Paradigm Performa F75, Magnepan .7, Totem Model 1's, ACI Emerald XL, Celestion Si Stands. Totem Dreamcatcher sub
Analog: Technics SL-J2 w/Pickering 3000D, SimAudio LP5.3 phono pre
Cable/Wires: Cardas, AudioArt, Shunyata Venom 3 -
In general, small drivers=better off axis dispersion, less toe in is required. YMMV."He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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ZB, what kind of music do you listen to? Room size you had them in?
They were in a small room. I listen to a lot of college radio/independent type stuff. Nothing too brutal, so I found them to be perfect. Their dynamic range is obviously not the stuff of legend, but as mentioned previously - the bass that comes out of that 4 1/2" driver hits above its weight class. They can also be mass-loaded, which I never really experimented with.I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore -
I am following in fishbones footsteps...even wore his pre/pro...
I have very nice heavy metal stands...will those be fine with Rainmakers or is there a real need for Totem's stands....I will probably die before it is an issue, but what are surrounds made of? I thought I had been seeing some speakers with rubber but maybe just looked like it.
A couple pairs of Rainmakers have been on Agon. Any comparisons with Monitor RX-2?
Or did I just step down a bunch? I have Monitor Silver 6's (cost a grand) and have really liked them..though they mostly get TV use....such a waste). -
We have the most all of the bookshelf speakers on the floor and some of the floor standing except the Winds(which I'm pushing to get on the floor) and I gotta agree toe in is less critical then most other speakers. They have a super wide sweet spot. I have found when you even stand up and move around the room , you still feel like your in the sweet spot.
Totem speakers are something every music lover should experience at length one point in their time.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
Is Totem like Rotel in that you have to buy from the store without any shipping? The nearest dealers to me are not near.
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NeilGabriel wrote: »Is Totem like Rotel in that you have to buy from the store without any shipping? The nearest dealers to me are not near.
Check out our web page and see if you can purchase any there
www.audiolab.com.
I don't have the answer to your question but if you can then we will have them on our website.Dan
My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time. -
Thanks....don't see the Rainmaker on the website...I am going to start a new thread on a different speaker....oh boy!
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http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1300304350&/Totem-Acoustic-Rainmaker-new-i
rainmaker $799
no affiliation -
There is also a center in the same finish as those available on the gon.
