Integrated amp for Totem Sttaff

Hieule 5,

HA! I bet I am even cheaper than you. I have a Cambridge Azur 640C v2 that is about 2.5 years old, and it works like a champ. When Cambridge first came out with the 640C version 1, they had some problems with noisy transformers and the left channel on some units (rushed to market?). Before I had the version 2 I owned a later model 640C version 1 for a few months and had no difficulties with that either. I haven't heard much about QA/QC problems with the brand since the first batch of bad 640C units.

The 640C version 2 is noticeably more accomplished than the first version, and the 840C is significantly more polished and analog sounding than the 640C v2.

Back to topic, I STILL think the Onkyo A-9555 would be a great match with the Totems under discussion. I have heard myriad Cambridges, some Regas, Creeks, and Musical Fidelities, and I'd take the Onkyo in a heartbeat for being better at everything--bass extension and clarity, transparency, tonal balance, smoothness, musicality, microdynamics, macrodynamics, and low level detail in proper perspective to bloom and fullness.

It's almost risk-free to try--$474-494 at Amazon.com with free shipping and a 30-day trial period.

Just give it 100 hrs to break in and hook it up with a good aftermarket power cord. The PS Audio XStream Prelude should do just fine.

What if I'm right?

Let me start by thanking everyone for their responces...As I suspected when I started this post, it was going to get off topic...Its great we all have differnt points of view and can share opionions.I have to agree with the one posters that said sometimes the emphases is placed on the equipment itself, rather than what my ears tell me, and thats what i was looking for...Some people like one brand, others thinking its **** just one persons (or more) opinion....Seems Sim Audio, Naim, are my top contenders( to audition) because i cant listen to some of the brands as they are not carried where i live...So thanks again and keep posting......I can take what i like ----and leave the rest.

I am not sure if you have purchased your integrated for the sttaf's yet or not. However I thought I would add my two cents for what its worth. I have a pair of totem arrow's that I was looking to drive. Believe it or not they are actually somewhat more difficult to attain their potential than their larger brother the sttaf. I was using an arcam AVR300 in Bi amp. mode. The sound was pleasing, but somehow lacking. Although I could listen to disc after disc without ear fatigue I knew something was not their or veiled withing the sonic signature of the amplifier. I ended up pairing the arro's with a creek 5350se. At first it seemed a bit forward, but upon many A-B listening tests between the arcam, and a Sim Audio HT3 I found the sweet spot for my totems was the creek. It isn't perfect, but nice, easy on the ears and it will allow me to get on with listening to music and not think about the gear for a while. For the money Its a pretty impressive piece sonically. It may not have the flash of some brands but it delivers solid performance.

Anyways good luck in your search, let your ears lead you and enjoy the purchase you make.

I recently heard the Sttafs through a Cayin SP10A integrated tube amp ($2000) and they blew me away. Enough so, that I purchased a used pair of Staffs on Audiogon. The source was a Cayin SPCD300 CD player and the cables were transparent Music Wave and Music links. I'm currently playing the Sttafs through my McIntosh 4300v receiver with an Arcam CD73t using Signal Ultra speaker cables and Analog two interconnects. Although I happy with the sound, they definitely lack the warm, extended bass I originally heard through the Cayin. I usually listen to my MAC through a pair of JBL L100's and primarily listen to Rock & Roll and smooth Jazz. I intend to keep the MAC/JBL system for R&R duty and the new integrated will be in our Living Room for Light Rock, Smooth Jazz and Classical. I'm open to the Cayin, but would like to hear feedback from anyone who has heard the Sttafs through the Naim 5i, Simaudio Moon i-1, Creek 5350 or Primare i21. We only have a Naim and Creek dealer where I live so before I begin traveling great distances to audition the other amps I'd like to hear some feedback. Thanks.