Amplifier match for Totem Mani-2 ( McIntosh , Gryphon, JR, Plinius )

The TOTEM MANI-2’s will a tougher load to drive as comparatively inefficient models …. Sensitivity: 85dB/W/m (2.83V). Nominal impedance: 4 ohms.

The MANI-2’s can sound lovely and arguably one of their top two models in their stable .. IF they are suitably paired with a beefy yet refined amp upstream.

TOTEMs are well known to be high-current capable (that is amps … not watts per channel .. WPC by themselves are meaningless  ) demanding speaker designs that crave a muscular amp to drive them properly.. (HINT: Go to CANUCKAUDIOMART and read the plethora of posts there on this oft-repeating subject )

i owned the TOTEM FORESTs and TOTEM ARROs simultaneously in a prior system, so I know their sonic signatures, their strengths, and their warts very well., I ended up vertically bi-amping my FORESTs to get them to perform at their maximum.

With the MANI-2’s being among their most inefficient model, choose wisely, sir.

(A) IN ORDER OF PREFERENCE FOR CURRENT BRAND OPTIONS

(1) SIM AUDIO It’s in Montreal just like TOTEM, and each is paired up with the other to voice its components.

(2) AYRE and (3) PLINIUS The latter two also have been mated with TOTEM speakers at some of the audio shows.

(B) MUST TO AVOID: Tube amps …they don’t have the requisite “grunt” craved by amp hungry and demanding TOTEMS. Stay with high current capable solid state.

(C) THE ULTIMATE CHOICE IF YOU CAN FIND IT IN THE USED MARKET:

TOTEM AMBER integrated amp.    The AMBER is a discontinued integrated amp model that is rare to find in listings …. I’ve only seen it on the pre-owned ads in the Canadian audio forums like CANUCKAUDIOMART.

This was a joint venture between TOTEM and SIM AUDIO to build a beefy amp based on the SIM AUDIO platform and tailored to TOTEM’s audio sonic signature and bespoke specifications.

Amplifier power ratings

Another word on power: though it’s less of an issue now compared with the days of valve amplification, if your speakers are demanding to drive you’ll need a suitably muscular amplifier to support them.

Don’t look only at the headline power figure - see what happens when the impedance drops to four ohms. If the number nearly doubles, then your amplifier has good current delivery and will be capable of driving more demanding speakers like TOTEMs.