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Best speaker match suggestions for ARCAM FMJ S/S

I am currently running Totem Arros with
* all ARCAM FMJ S/S gear (A-32integrated / CD-23 CDP / T-21 tuner);
* pair of 24ft runs of single (non-biwired)Totem Tress speaker cable & matched jumpers (I used to have Atlantis bi-wires in a shorter configuration); and
* ATLAS Navigator ICs
* entry-level power cords: Virtual Dynamics / Cardas /
* electronics sitting on a Mapleshade Samson audio equipment rack with Mapleshade Surefoot & Heavyfoot component footers.


After the house renos, the WAF dynamics now require that I set up the speakers lengthwise shooting in a LR (17'L x 13'W) that open in turn through partial walls into a DR of (13'L x 13'W)

THE PROBLEM: The sound is getting lost and probably I need to upgrade; probably starting with the speakers.

My Questions:

I do want to upfrade into better speakers in the $2000 -$3000 Audiogon range. I very much like Totem but would I do better for system synergies with British speakers? (e.g: Spendor, Neat, Harbeth, Linn, PMC/ others)

Can anyone comment on their personal ARCAM FMJ experiences with Totem or any of the above?

many thanks,
akg_ca

Showing 3 responses by akg_ca

akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca OP
2,334 posts
 
2011 UPDATE: Finally sold the Totems (both the Forest and Arros) and replaced them with Rega R9s
- no regrets and in fact it was a welcome and significant upgrade
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca OP
2,334 posts
 
UPDATE:

* First I swapped the Arros for Totem Forests (BIG improvement)
* Second, I added an Arcam FMJ P35 amp in a vertical bi-amp set-up to the A35 integrated. (A32 to the tweeters and P35 to the woofers) with another ATLAS Navigator All-Cu IC connecting them;
* Next, I added ATLAS speaker cables to the woofers and retained the Totem Tress wires to the tweeters;
* Next, I replaced the Cardas Twinlink power cord and/or Virtual Dynamics Power 3 power cords (interchangeable alternatives) to the CDP with a custom-length ECOSSE Purple poer cable cord fitted with top-of-the line gold-plated FURUTECH IEC and male end.

RESULT: QUANTUM LEAP IMPROVEMENTS !!

The changes were done in stages with significant and demonstratable improvements at each step. I was suprised at the degree of improvement at the ECOSSE/Furutech power cable upgrade: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

My next tweaks on the wishlist:

* consider silver speaker wires for the tweeters and;
* Mapleshade speaker plinths (any experience out there?)
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca OP
2,334 posts
 
update:

I sold my Totem Forests and swapped in Rega R9 speakers biamped with the same kit ....and WHOA ... what a HUGE step up in performance in every way.

I was stunned (pleasantly) along with my audiophile buddy witnesses.

THE POINT: system synergies are achieved ad-hoc through a podantic experimentation process.

Cheers
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