Totems can be pleasing but be aware of their warts and not just their strengths
(1) the MANI-2’s represent the common larger Totem model complaint of being unapologetic power hogs if you want to make them perform. Without prejuduce to the former, if memory serves me, the MANI-2s are also comparatively inefficient which compounds the problem. Check the fine detail in the speaker reviews, they don’t drive these beasts with any modestly powered or grunt- challenged (nor cheap) amps.
(Aside: I had to bi-amp the Forests to get the max out of them).
(2) Google the tsunami of posts either here or in Canuckaudiomart as to TOTEMS being very fatiguing in short order. In a small room arena, that ethereal fatigue will be both accelerated and multiplied. I’ve had both the FORESTS and ARROS simultaneously ... that’s why I sold them with no regrets.
depending on the rest of your system and it’s resulting system synergy, the PROACs may be the better choice IMO, particularly if it’s a blind purchase
limitation.
If you are indeed hooked on the Totem signature sound for a small room arena , then having heard them all, I would strongly look to the Model Ones or ARROs rather than the MANI-2s ... full stop. The latter had their boutique cult following in their hey day but it is a different world out there now with many more diverse (and better) choices.
(1) the MANI-2’s represent the common larger Totem model complaint of being unapologetic power hogs if you want to make them perform. Without prejuduce to the former, if memory serves me, the MANI-2s are also comparatively inefficient which compounds the problem. Check the fine detail in the speaker reviews, they don’t drive these beasts with any modestly powered or grunt- challenged (nor cheap) amps.
(Aside: I had to bi-amp the Forests to get the max out of them).
(2) Google the tsunami of posts either here or in Canuckaudiomart as to TOTEMS being very fatiguing in short order. In a small room arena, that ethereal fatigue will be both accelerated and multiplied. I’ve had both the FORESTS and ARROS simultaneously ... that’s why I sold them with no regrets.
depending on the rest of your system and it’s resulting system synergy, the PROACs may be the better choice IMO, particularly if it’s a blind purchase
limitation.
If you are indeed hooked on the Totem signature sound for a small room arena , then having heard them all, I would strongly look to the Model Ones or ARROs rather than the MANI-2s ... full stop. The latter had their boutique cult following in their hey day but it is a different world out there now with many more diverse (and better) choices.