Tough Decision . . .
SolidSqual
Posts: 5,218
I have a pair of Totem Rainmakers and a beloved pair of Lsi15s. My preamp is a Rogue Audio Metis which feeds a NAD C272 amp. Oppo 981HD as current player. I want a sub to fill out the low end.
I've narrowed it down to
SVS B-Stock Model SB12-Plus-black for $629
or
Totem Acoustic Thunder B-Stock for $580
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm concerned about performance, but also the SVS has all the great connectivity methods. The Totem is limited to line input RCAs. I think the Totem is twice as expensive new as the SVS new, but this doesn't really mean anything. The totem will likely achieve greater synergy with my rainmakers as they are often paired together. I am a Pb10-NSD owner, so I know SVS is good stuff.
PS Anyone want a PB10-NSD about a year old in perfect condition with moderate use? PMs welcome.
I've narrowed it down to
SVS B-Stock Model SB12-Plus-black for $629
or
Totem Acoustic Thunder B-Stock for $580
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm concerned about performance, but also the SVS has all the great connectivity methods. The Totem is limited to line input RCAs. I think the Totem is twice as expensive new as the SVS new, but this doesn't really mean anything. The totem will likely achieve greater synergy with my rainmakers as they are often paired together. I am a Pb10-NSD owner, so I know SVS is good stuff.
PS Anyone want a PB10-NSD about a year old in perfect condition with moderate use? PMs welcome.
Post edited by SolidSqual on
Comments
-
is this decision you want to make for a 2 channel rig or a home theater set up?PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin: -
2-channel priority with HT when the girlfriend is over. 80/20 spread.
-
Obviously, the the Totem Thunder will have better synergy with the Rainmakers, so that takes care of half the battle right there.
Any chance you can do am in-home audition?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 -
That's what is so frustrating. As it is a b-stock model and so cheap, the dealer has a no return policy. I think the store is going to close soon as it has fallen on hard times.
-
I'm a little unsure about the passive radiators exhibited by the Totem.
-
I'd go with the sealed box. However, SVS is pretty ugly and wouldn't neccessarily match your speakers visually where the totems might (Haven't seen a pic of them).
If the totems have a PR, I'd definately go with the sealed box.There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin -
I'm more concerned of performance over beauty. I'm a normal guy. I love the hulking SVS subs. You bring up an important point. The SVS would have a warranty.
-
Be different, get the Totem.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'm obsessed with Totem. Plus I don't get hit with a $50 tax for living in ohio. So actually the SVS would be around $680.
-
For 2-channel, I would go with either the Totem Thunder or possibly the Storm. You might find it extremely difficult to integrate an SVS with the Rainmakers. They're just too quick.
Totem's subs are designed with music (and not just HT) in mind.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 noticed the speed of the rainmakers immediately upon my first listen. Interesting point.
-
I think I want the totem. Who wouldn't want to look at 3 subwoofers in one box while listening to their best tunes.
-
So you can imagine how the SVS/Rainmakers will sound if they were left in a room together to make babies. "Chuggin" comes to mind.
Those Rainmakers are designed to disappear as well. It's one of their strong suits. You throw an HT sub into the mix and you might lose this.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 -
Not to muddy the waters a bit, but the Martin Logan Grotto is considered an excellent running mate with the Totem line-up. Supposedly it's an extremely "musical" sub. Might be past your budget...
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?homesubw&1184200681
http://www.us.martinlogan.com/speaker_intro/grotto.htmlI 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 -
Most seem to be forgetting that this is SVS's sealed design and updated drivers. No chuffing ports, no PR's ringing.... I would guess that the SVS is as fast, if not faster, than the totem. This is SVS's design for the "Music first, HT second" croud which sounds exactly like what's happening here.
My PB12+2 had no problem keeping up with my 3.3R's and Doro's 25-31PC+ had no problem with his 3.5's. Both speakers are much faster and harder to integrate than the totems.There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin -
I'll take your word for it. To be honest, I'm just starting to really educate my ear. After buying the rainmakers, I was presented with a subtle but incredibly different sound than what I was used to with my Lsi15s. I felt like I was back in 5th grade and suddenly understood algebra. At anyrate, I'm beginning to have a distinguishing ear for all sorts of tones. I no longer rate a speaker by how loud its bass is. Last weekend I listend to the same CD playing each song on repeat before continuing to the next as I switched back a forth between the Polks and the Totems. I love both those pairs.
-
whoa man. . . that grotto looks nice. Guess I should keep researching . . . at least for a bit.
-
On second thought, the grotto looks a bit on the small side.
-
SolidSqual wrote: »On second thought, the grotto looks a bit on the small side.
That was some quick researching:DI 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 -
What can I say. . . I read fast. The Totem and ML Drivers are the same size, but the Totem has 500 watts vs 250 watts ML. The Totem enclosure is bigger as well. These specifications usually add up to better peformance right? Not to mention, Totem owns my confidence in making a good product after hearing the rainmakers.
-
The Grotto is an insanely musical subwoofer. I wish I had not sold mine.Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
-
You know . . . so often I come to you guys for answers. Many times I get good solutions, but sometimes you guys just give me too many options and constructive suggestions.
-
sometimes you guys just give me too many options and constructive suggestions.
I'm never one to give additional options or constructive suggestions. . . . nor are my recommendations ever based on experience, facts / statistics, or knowledge. Mostly, just gut instinct, hearsay, etc.
With that being said, the Totem sounds like a hell of a deal. I'd get that one.
Oh, and one more thing, if the company with the Totem is in trouble, may as well low-ball them. If you can get it for something like $500, it then becomes a no brainer.Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850 -
Stick with the Totem. Coming from the same company I would expect a perfect match. As far as I'm concerned SVS is awesome for HT but leaves a lot to be desired for 2 channel."2 Channel & 11.2 HT "Two Channel:Magnepan LRSSchiit Audio Freya S - SS preConsonance Ref 50 - Tube preParasound HALO A21+ 2 channel ampBluesound NODE 2i streameriFi NEO iDSD DAC Oppo BDP-93KEF KC62 sub Home Theater:Full blown 11.2 set up.
-
Dammit, get the Totem Thunder!!! What are you deliberating about? Get the sealed sub. It'll probably smoke that SVS sonically.
Just do it.HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50 LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub
"God grooves with tubes." -
Well... if you need a bit more "oomph" you could save your ducets and swipe a Depth.
http://www.us.martinlogan.com/display_speaker/depth_i.html
But to be honest with you, I would love to hear your take on Totem's subs. Their resale value is fairly decent as well.
Or you could just cut me a check and let me do my own "research". I promise I'll keep you updated...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 -
+1 the Totem
Go musical. If you had less impact on movies, you'd be a lot less upset than if
you went SVS and screwed up the music. At least I would be. That's why 2channel and movies live in different rooms at my house."The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbour to say there are twenty gods, or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson -
I would say Totem.
I have heard great things about the B&W PV1, very musical and fast. Used deals can be found.
V -
Get the Thunder!
Rogue Audio stereo 100 tube amplifier - Lector Zoe preamplifier with 6H30 pi's
.Audience AU24SE speaker and ic cables- Chord Qutest DAC - Black Cat Silverstar II 75ohm digital cable-Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature system with large bass cabinets to accommodate 10" Seas magnesium woofers.
-
Vandersteen makes a musical sub. A great one. Their integration mechanism beats the crap built into most any sub or AVR out there. It is also like 2k or more... hehe... but man is that a nice sub for music.
On that note, get the totem... get the sub from the music listening company and not the HT watching company.
