Bel Canto + Totem On The Way!

BottomFeeder
BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
edited March 2010 in 2 Channel Audio
Had to give up my sweet Aerial Acoustics 6 / Marsh amp & pre amp because I need to move my system into a much smaller room.

So! Just bought geppy1's Bel Canto eVo2 Gen II integrated amp & have a pair of Totem Arro's on their way. I've always wanted to hear the Arro's but, w/o an audio store within 300 miles, had to buy some in order to do it. Snagged some used mahogany versions & looking forward to hooking it all up.

I have an entry level NAD cdp & want to move up, so does anyone have some suggestions for me? I've strongly considered the Bada player as I've heard good things about it & it's in my price range... but I'm sure open to other suggestions.

Thanks, just had to share my news.
"Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
Post edited by BottomFeeder on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,033
    edited January 2010
    Might want to look into the Jolida JD100. Not the early versions though. Hey, I have 2 pair of Totem Acoustics IC's that I do not use. Apparently they are made specifically for Totem's. If you are interested in them, I'll give you a sweet deal.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    edited January 2010
    you have to give this one a listen. i just finished a review that will appear at stereomojo. 30 day money back with $50 restock fee because the cd players are customized to your order.
    http://store.virtueaudio.com/product-p/vrtu-cd-pianom1-pbf-1.htm
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Flash21
    Flash21 Posts: 316
    edited January 2010
    I am very happy with the Cambridge 840C along with the Bel Canto, provided you find the right interconnects...depending on what your price range is.
    Steve Carlson
    Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
    Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
    Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
    Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
    VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
    Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited January 2010
    Treitz3: "Might want to look into the Jolida JD100. Not the early versions though. Hey, I have 2 pair of Totem Acoustics IC's that I do not use. Apparently they are made specifically for Totem's. If you are interested in them, I'll give you a sweet deal." Yeah, I'd be interested & thank you. I currently have Cobalt cables - nothing fancy - so I'd look to move up. Don't know much, but didn't know that IC's could actually be made for certain speakers. Voodoo? Let me know what you think & a price. Thanks.

    Marvda1: When does your article go public? The price of that cdp is similar to the Bada, so yeah, I'm interested. And thanks for the tip!

    Flash21: Do you have the same Bel Canto that I do? Don't know that it matters, just curious. & What recommendations do you make for IC's? Thanks for your thoughts as well!
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mantis
    mantis Posts: 17,194
    edited January 2010
    The Arrows are going to blow your mind and you away. When you get them and see how small they are how thin they are how "how the hell do they do it" they are. I love the Arrows they defy law.

    I'd love to grab a pair and use them for stereo. Nice catch.
    Dan
    My personal quest is to save to world of bad audio, one thread at a time.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited January 2010
    Good on you,,I think that you will be very pleased with that combination--let us know your impression.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited January 2010
    The Arros are the BEST speakers I have ever owned. They do so many things well. But at the end of the day they are simply fun speakers. It's hard to put a finger on why exactly this is the case, but you'll see what I'm talking about.
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited January 2010
    I enjoy the heck out of my Opera Audio CD 120 balanced. It's a Redbook CDP with a sound that's very close to vinyl.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Flash21
    Flash21 Posts: 316
    edited January 2010
    BottomFeeder wrote: »
    Flash21: Do you have the same Bel Canto that I do? Don't know that it matters, just curious. & What recommendations do you make for IC's? Thanks for your thoughts as well!
    Basically yes, I have the eVo2i Gen II as you do, although mine does not have the improved capacitors yet like yours does.

    I don't know that I can recommend interconnects. As you can see from this experience: http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80075 the interconnect that sounded best with my old CDP did very poorly with my new CDP...suggesting that system synergy is perhaps the most important factor in choosing an interconnect. So, if you get a Cambridge 840C I can unhesitantly recommend Zu Varial interconnects, but if you get another CDP I don't think that recommendation is necessarily valid.
    Steve Carlson
    Von Schweikert VR-33 speakers
    Bel Canto eVo2i integrated amp
    Bel Canto PL-2 universal disc player
    Analysis Plus Oval Nine speaker cables and Copper Oval-In Micro interconnects
    VH Audio Flavor 4 power cables
    Polk Monitor 10B speakers, retired but not forgotten
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2010
    I wouldn't worry about a tube CDP for Totem. Just pick up a good SS unit if you don't have one already. Either Sony in the FM would be excellent choices.
    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.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited January 2010
    Thanks for the encouragement guys. Doro - can't afford the cdp's in FM just yet, so I'll have to wait. Do you know anything about the Marantz CD6003? I'd like to keep costs somewhere in the $600-$700 range unless you think that doing so would compromise my system. Sure don't want to do that.

    All of your insights and comments are very much appreciated!!!
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited January 2010
    The Original CD-A8T can be had for 600-700 if you look around. I'm really enjoying mine. I'm using a pair of Mullard 12AU7 tubes in it.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited January 2010
    dorokusai wrote: »
    I wouldn't worry about a tube CDP for Totem. Just pick up a good SS unit if you don't have one already. Either Sony in the FM would be excellent choices.

    Exactly what I was thinking, Totems are pretty laid back in everything I have read.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited January 2010
    Your ears will tell you what works. Having owned Totem I can say I found them bright even though they projected a mid-hall sound stage.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2010
    Zero wrote: »
    Get a Rega Apollo and call it a day.

    Congrats on the new gear. I hope it works out for ya.

    I like that suggestion....even the older units would be cool.
    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.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited January 2010
    Great idea on the Apollo or older Regas. I think the Rega Planet can be had for around $200-300 used.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited January 2010
    In any case with that stuff coming you'll probably have to change your handle from BottomFeeder because that is NOT bottom level equipment!!

    Enjoy.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited January 2010
    Hey, thanks again everyone for all of the very valued input. I've checked out the Rega Apollo on A'gon and found them reasonably priced, so that may be the direction in which I go.

    One thing: I'm a bit leery of buying cdp's used. Should I be?
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited January 2010
    BottomFeeder wrote: »
    Hey, thanks again everyone for all of the very valued input. I've checked out the Rega Apollo on A'gon and found them reasonably priced, so that may be the direction in which I go.

    One thing: I'm a bit leery of buying cdp's used. Should I be?

    I don't think it's any more of a problem to buy used than another piece of equipment. I bought my 1072 used and have had zero problems. I'm sure some have had bad deals here and there but i think it comes down to the seller for basically every part imo.
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2010
    Not really, just like any other piece of gear.
    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.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • organ
    organ Posts: 4,969
    edited January 2010
    Take a look at a used Original CD-A8T. It has both tube and SS outputs. Should be around the same price as the Apollo.
    I've spent years with both cdp's together in my rig. I still have the Original but sold the Apollo a month ago.
    I'm not saying it's bad, both cdp's are excellent, but to my ears, the Original sounds better. More robust and rich sounding. I also find it more musical.

    This is just IMHO.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited January 2010
    I've had both as well and prefer the Rega....and it's much cooler looking to boot.
    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.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited January 2010
    Thanks again for the advice, guys. I guess my qualm over buying a used cdp comes down to the moving parts issue. But I feel confident that if I can find & buy from a seller w/good feedback etc., I'll do fine.

    Thanks again, fellas.
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • danger boy
    danger boy Posts: 15,722
    edited January 2010
    Congrats on the new gear coming your way.. good way to start out 2010

    once your gear gets here.. let me know if you want to borrow my Bada and try it out with your system. that way you can at least compare it to your current NAD CDP and see if it's a direction you'd like to go.

    You let me borrow and demo your amp/pre combo.. so it's only fair that I offer up my Bada 22SE
    PolkFest 2012, who's going>?
    Vancouver, Canada Sept 30th, 2012 - Madonna concert :cheesygrin:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited February 2010
    Hey, thanks for the offer, Al! I just might take you up on it!
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited February 2010
    Well, hooked up the Bel Canto to my to-be-replaced NAD cdp & then to the Arros & pushed play. In spite of the fact that they are "positionally challenged," I am impressed. Though placed on either side of a big dresser, with furniture on every side and a bed in front, I'm digging how it all sounds.

    The Arros lose out to the Aerials, but at about $1100 - $4000, they should. Like everyone else, I am amazed at the bass that these little cuties put out. I can hardly wait for the day that I have a new cdp and, more importantly, a room where everything can be set up as it should be. Then we gonna rock!
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited February 2010
    That was the first thing that floored me the first time I heard 'em. For a single 4 1/4" driver, the bass is unreal. And when mass loaded, they dig even deeper.
    What a fun speaker.
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mshan242700
    mshan242700 Posts: 823
    edited February 2010
    Jolida JD-102b is supposed to be a really good match for those Totem Arros.




    :)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BottomFeeder
    BottomFeeder Posts: 1,684
    edited March 2010
    Hi again. Just got the Rega Apollo cdp, hooked it up, warmed it up & pushed play. After listening to it for about an hour, I'd say that overall, the difference between the NAD & Rega is that the Rega is more detailed. I can just hear everything more clearly. It's not a night and day difference, but the difference is notable and I like it.

    I can only imagine that when I can finally set everything up in a more optimal setup, the sound will be much improved. Anyway, there you have it!

    Done with the upgrade bug ... for a while anyway!
    "Wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." Bob Seger
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TouchOfEvil
    TouchOfEvil Posts: 967
    edited March 2010
    Very sweet setup.:)
    Living Room Rig:D
    Rotel RSP-1069/Rotel RMB-1095/Rotel-1072/Polk lsI15's W/modded xoverW/DBsubs/Polk LsiC/lsI7's/Klipsch sub-12"the weak link"/DLP Mitsubishi 65"
    Xbox360/PS3/WII
    M.Br. setup:)
    Emotiva MMC-1/Rotel RMB-1075/Polk BlackStone TL350's/Velodyne SPL1000/Samsung 51" Plasma
    Computer Rig:
    Rotel RB1050/Tannoy DC4's/Klipsch RW-10d/ImodIpod/HK AVR230 for now....
    Headphones-Ultrasone-HFI780's w/LittleDot MK Vamp Portables Panasonic HJE-900's
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter