How does Totem do it ???


Category: Speakers

Long story short...after several years of playing the field I've found my field of dreams...in the Forest! Totem Forest's that is. They love Krell amplification and a good CD player, but other than that and decent cables you got yourself a slice of heaven! How much heaven can be had for a system price of $6000...try comparing this system to what I've owned over the years:

Dunlavy SC-V's
Wilson watt/puppy 6's (twice)
B&W 801N
Totem Wind
Maggie 3.6
ML Prodigy

driven by:

Krell FPB 600 and 400CX with arc ls25 or refIImkII

Mark Levinson 334 and 336 with 380S, 32ref and 390S

BAT vkd5, vk5i

ARC VT200

Wadia 860SE

Jinky's...I can't remmember all the gear. What I do know however is just how right the Totem speakers are with Krell driving them. I'm only using a Sony DVP999ES player and all Totem wires!! It's addictive the way Boston Symphony Hall is...simply beautifull to hear!

Anyone else have a similiar epiphany? By the way, the Krell400cxi is mind boggling...all the typical audiophile attributes with clarity and musicality beyond reproach! A steal at $2500 list!
128x128dave_b
I've had a chance to audition the Totem Arro's, Model 1's and Hawk's all within 2 weeks at my house. The Totem's simply blow me away! What's really interesting is that while the Model 1's and the Hawks are tremendously impressive speakers in their own right, the Arro's are simply stunning for their size and price ($1300). They all have incredible focus, imaging and throw as huge of a soundstage that is as deep and wide as the rest of your system is capable of. They all just "disappear" completely. Their base response just about defies the laws of physics, tight, round, well defined and "wholesome". While they may not reach the absolute bottom, there is absolutely no "bloat" or "tubbiness" and they don't overload the room. No "one note base" with these babies. Midrange and highs are smooth and extended to the extent of the rest of the system. The Arro's are the really impressive speakers of the bunch though. One thing that really stands out about them to me is their speed. As an ex-owner of Martin Logan electrostatics, I can tell you that the Arro's have just as much SPEED as the ML's. It must be the 4.5" tiny woofer that gives them the "wings to fly" with the speed of a hummingbird. Their tonality and speed are just the ticket for acoustic stringed instruments. Just listen to any good "string" recordings and you will hear what I am talking about. But how do they get that incredibly controlled base out of a 4.5" woofer??? The Arro's have really floored me. I am still thinking why I should have to spend any more money for a pair that is larger and more expensive when the Arro's have all the bases covered?
I agree, the entire Totem line is amazing and one should let your Totem choose you...as long as they are in your budget! I got my Totem Forests for $2400 new...for me the difference in bottom end was worth it, but I could easily live with any of the Totems!!!!
Can anyone offer up a comparison of the Totem Rainmaker/Arro and the Meadowlark Audio Swift. Thanks...
Upgraded to the Winds! The swift however looks like a hands down winner...what a work of art for $1200!!
Just saw that Meadowlark is out of business...ouch! Maybe Totem is the way to go afterall...check out the Forests used!!