totem comparison to lsi15

JimBRICK

which totem speakers would you compare to the lsi15

Jim Shearer

JimBRICK wrote: »

which totem speakers would you compare to the lsi15

In my current search for new speakers I have listened to LSi15 and Totem Hawk (among others.) I didn't listen to the Sttaf or Arro. I found the Hawk more to my liking: a less boxy sound (more like panel speakers,) larger 'sweet spot', more 'slam' on the low end (this might be due to the AVR used to drive the LSi15, where the Hawk was driven by high end SS amp whose brand I forget) and a more musical presentation. As always: YMMV.

Cheers, Jim

MSALLA

Jim, didn't you just get the 15's? Are you looking for new speakers already?

JimBRICK

I like to change things up sometimes. I havent even received the lsi15's yet they are in transit. But I got a smoking price so if I keep these for a while I can change later on. I also want to start on the 2 channel rig for the office so I'm looking at tube amps and the such. So I thought I'd start looking into some different speakers for the 2 channel rig

I've been looking into the Hawks for a while now and I think they will be my speakers for my 2 channel rig.

MSALLA

You can drive yourself crazy like that. Get it all set up. you have the 15's on the way, that nad receiver. It will sound great. If you go changing too fast you won't know which way is up.

JimBRICK

yeah I know but its exciting. I think I'm obsessed right now but I'll cool out once the lsi's are set up.

MSALLA

JimBRICK wrote: »

yeah I know but its exciting. I think I'm obsessed right now but I'll cool out once the lsi's are set up.

I can relate. I'm looking for another amp right now. Problem is, I already spent a nut this year on the system and can only sneek about $525 without the wife seeing it. Sure I could just tell her whats what by I don't feel like butting heads.

JoshParsons84

WAF is the biggest killer in the HT department.

engtaz

No doubt Josh. The trick is to do it a piece at a time. It is noticeable but it help you keep track of how much trouble your getting in and to see if you can sneek more items in. LOL

engtaz

george daniel

anyone else havetheir ears on the totems? I'm looking for a good pair of monitors/small-medium floorstanders.The Totems have always interested me.
Thanks

JoshParsons84

George, never heard them or heard anything about them. Sorry

dorokusai

I would say the Forest. Totem is a wonderful speaker.

JimBRICK

I want to hear the hawks and the forest

LuSh

Hello George,

I'm currently using Totem Sttaf's and I must admit they were the wrong purchase for me. While some might cite that the music I listen to isn't really what they were intended for there are numerous reason's why I doubt this speakers ability. First and foremost the cabinent. While the speaker box is braced, it still isn't dampened enough, not even remotely close to what an LSi will give you. If you knock hard on the speakers side you'll hear what I'm talking about.

Secondly, the sound while musical is REALLY REALLY laid back. This means you'll be several row's back from the actual performance. Some might prefer it, but I always enjoy being closer to the music. The Aerial Acoustic's I had at my place did a brilliant job of this...even though it used a metal dome tweeter, I found them much warmer. The Aerials non-ported design helped them with response from top to bottom with port noise.

I prefer the actual LSi sound quality but couldn't find the room to support their depth in my new home. Mirage OMD 15's, Gallo Reference 3.1's and Dynaudio Focus 220's are now on my short list. Having said all of this the Totem Hawk's are said to be a faster speaker, but with the same laid back tone.

Jim Shearer

MSALLA wrote: »

Jim, didn't you just get the 15's? Are you looking for new speakers already?

No, I have about finished auditioning speakers at this point. No purchase yet. I need to replace the RTR280DRs I have been using since 1974. They are too big for our current house. (RTR280DR use 6 tweeters and four 10" woofers per speaker.)

The LSi15 I listened to was merely OK, not the magic I am looking for. It would fit the space physically, but it would be too much of a come down musically. The Totem Hawk is so far the best I have heard that will fit the space and still keep a smile on my face.

Note that I do have a pair of RTi6 and a PSW10 in a secondary system. The RTi6 is absolutely amazing for the money. I have recommended it to friends.

Cheers, Jim

zombie boy 2000

Lush is spot-on in his assessment of Totem speakers. Interestingly enough, this is why I enjoyed my time with the Arros. While there are certainly cabinet resonances to speak of, I feel that this is actually harnessed to create a more "musical" product -- if that makes any sense.

As far as having a "laid back" presentation, I found it amazing how the Arros made the back wall utterly disappear. There is something fairly breathtaking about a speaker that can make your room seem larger than it really is. Especially a speaker so small.

george daniel

thanks for the comments,, I'll just have to get my ears on a pair.

zombie boy 2000

Good deal... let us know what ya think. Keep in mind that unlike most speaker companies, there really isn't a "good, better, best" format to their line-up. As such, each speaker has it's own niche and sonic signature. Some actually prefer the Arros to the Winds or the Shamans....

JimBRICK

I think the WINDS would be an excellent speakers just a tiny bit outta my price point by 5000 bucks

LuSh

I really encourage you to listen before you purchase, to my ears the LSi's were in a different ballpark...and for the better...I really don't understand the hype surrounding Totem...Perhaps the ones who truely appreciate the speakers listen exclusively to Jazz. These speakers won't rock (Sttaff and Mani 2's) for nearly $2k a pair I can understand the size but the lack of weight is also frightning...a small cat could knock over my current speakers. I say all this knowning full well when I sell them (soon) people won't care, read reviews and simply buy them.

george daniel

well ,,,,thats the reason that I want to listen to the monitors and floorstanders,,,you see, when I bought the lsi-15's,, I never could get em right,,, 4 different amps later I'm looking for something to replace them with.
Thanks for the comments ,,,all.