All new electronics, now new speakers (Totem or Fyne?).


So, I replaced all my electronics and inputs in the past year. Now I have a feeling the speakers are the weak link. Right? Looking to upgrade. Prefer new, but pristine used is OK. Considering Fyne Audio F701 and Totem Acoustic Forest Signature. I know folks like to tout their favorite speakers, I’m open to that, but prefer thoughts, opinions and experiences with these two speakers & brands. Thanks.

* Considering the Fyne Audio F701 and the Totem Forest Signature *

Current System

  • Accuphase E-380 : Integrated 180W-4 / 120W-8
  • Rose HiFi 150b : Streamer/DAC
  • Thorens TD-1601 :Turntable w/ Nagaoga Cart
  • Schitt Skoll : Phone Pre
  • Paradigm Reference Studio 40 v2 : Speakers
  • REL Classic 98 : Subwoofer : New, (can keep in use or not)
  • Bi-Wire using quality Canare wire.

My Likes and Room

  • Prefer a bass-forward sound (or at least not bass-absent)
  • Desire high resolution to match quality of amp and inputs.
  • Cabin style room, all wood floors, walls, ceiling.
  • 16 W x 20 L x 8 H
  • No room treatments, now or likely.
  • Listen to 70s, Jazz, New Americana, Folk, ...
  • Subwoofer (REL Classic 98) can stay or go.

* Considering the Fyne Audio F701 and the Totem Forest Signature *

I have read the Fynes can be finicky about placement and electronics. Most love Totems, but a few complain about a "whole" in the measurements. I am not a "measurements guy" and never will be. All about smooth, sweet sounds. I will have a chance to demo the Totem Forest Signature, but probably not the Fyne F701. I’m OK with making a blind decision, done it before, will do it again.

What say ye good people of Audiogon?

 

gemoody

The Faynes are excellent. You need to get a second subwoofer and a two way crossover for them to really sing, especially if you like a bass forward system.  High passing the Faynes will lower distortion and give you at least another 6 dB of headroom. Crossing up higher at about 100 Hz with a steep filter will allow you to get the bass you are looking for. You have to be able to time align the drivers which requires a digital crossover. MiniDSP makes a very inexpensive one but the DACS are not of the highest quality. You can use your Accuphase as the amplifier and get a digital preamp/processor which will have digital bass management and a bunch of other fun stuff. MiniDSP makes the SHD. I just put one in a friend's system very similar to yours except you have a great turntable, I'm trying to get him to change his. He is totally floored by the results. He also has Paradigm speakers and two SDS subs. You might actually go with the second sub and the MiniDSP SHD before changing loudspeakers. You may be very surprised at how well your speakers can performed when tuned to your room and subs running correctly. The SHD also has EQ capability so you can make your bass sound however you like.