Integrated amp for Totem Sttaff

Bluecirclehead, Thanks for the correction. Apparently, I got the DAR and the NSCS mixed up in my head. Doh! No matter, both are fantastic in their own right.

I had an NSCS with my Totem Forests and it is the best sound I've had in my system. The trick in that one is a mix of the

@Rumadian
The NSCS is SS, not hybrid.

MxWizard,

Thanks for providing us with a bit of insight on how you intend on using the Sttaf. First things first; the room you describe is not the most ideal space for the Sttaf. What this particular speaker needs to sound its best is a small room that is completely closed off. Unless you plan on sitting 6ft or so away from the loudspeakers and will have the space to experiment with precise placement - I would recommend you go with the Rainmakers instead.

The Rainmakers are less critical on room and associated electronics, and are, subsequently, can be a more viable option. If you wish to support your dealer, I'd ask him to show you the Sim Audio MOON CD-1 cd-player, and the accompanying MOON I-1 integrated. Or, if you have a bit more cash to burn, the NAIM CD5v2 CD player and the matching Nait5i v2 integrated.

As said many times above; Totem loudspeakers can sounds real good on tube gear. I've run through the gamut of goods on Totem.. ranging from Prima Luna, Jolida, Antique Sound Labs, etc.. so far, the best match I've found is the Vista Audio I-84. This little $730 15wpc integrated has a lot of kick, and makes for a superb match with Totem's - the Sttaf in particular.

Moving up the money chain a bit; The Unison Research Unico and the Blue Circle Audio NSCS (no longer in production) hybrid integrated amplifiers also make for a superb match.

Good luck !

yes - tubes would be nice too. PrimaLuna ProLogue 2 or equivalent - could score for $1500 Canadian new if you are willing to take a risk on mail order from Upscale Audio. Still think you should give the Naim an Sim a shot. Staff would not be my first choice for metal with any amp...

My music tastes have changed a little,maybe not so much changed but expanded..Jazz has been the choice of late but rock, and metal can still draw my attention.As far as volume..im on the high side of 40 and we live in a condo so i dont need to take things to 150db...Our living room and dining room are open and in line so the space is 16'X 25' with 9 ft ceiling and hardwood flooring which does make the room a little "lively"....hanging sound deadening is not an option....Its a decor thing. I have also concidered the Rainmakers to the sttafs and am still looking at both...I just refuse to spend thousands and thousands on this hobby----ive been down this road before.....Thanks again...

Mxwizard,

What type of music do you listen to? What size of room are you trying to fill? How loud do you like to take things?

I've owned the Sttaf for 5 years. In this time, I've matched the little speakers with at least three dozen or so integrated and pre/amp combos - ranging anywhere from a few hundred bucks, to twenty thousand dollars. Give us a little bit of a lead and we can suggest a better fit.

Sttafs are really nice with Tubes. I had a pair and for a while drove them on a 20w/c vintage Fisher X202. That was fun. They'd be nicer with more like 30-40 w Tube amps.

The again, they're really nice with SS amps too . . .

I know someone who use a Symphonic Line RG10 mk4 for his mani 2-sig. A RG9 or 10 should also work for the sttaff I guess the RG14 maybe underpowered.

I asked Totem to recommend an amp for the Sttaf, but apparently they don't like to name specific brands. Here's their reply:

We recommend a minimum of 50 watts SS and 20 watts TUBE. We obtain numerous inquiries about amplifier recommendations, and although superior combinations do exist personal taste does plays a large role in determining the perfect match. We recommend contacting your local Totem dealer to arrange for a personal audition of various electronics paired to our loudspeakers.

Personally, I'm a fan of tubes. To my ears, they sound more realistic and tend to be smoother and less fatiguing. At 88 dB efficiency, I really think the Sttaf need more power than 20 tube watts. 50 watts is a better baseline. There are plenty of options in your price range.

Do you know what tube products your dealer carries? Primaluna? Rogue? Jolida? Cayin? Even if you decide to go with SS, I strongly recommend listening to the Sttaf with tubes. I also recommend bringing your own music to the audition. Bring something that you know intimately.

Plinius is also another nice choice with your speakers

This is a terrific list of amps to choose from - you don't need to look any further.

I would look first at Naim Nait 5i and the Sim Moon i-1. Next I would look at the Creek Classic 5350 SE. I think the Arcam and Cambridge units in this price range are good, but the Naim and Sim are class leaders, and the Naim has a presentation that just sucks you in when paired with the Totems.

Good luck.

Naim + Totem = : )

i think you cant go wrong with sim or naim!

I used the NAD M3 for a year or so with my Sttafs and got "to good to be true" results. Its a bit more than your budget, but well worth the extra $$ IMO.