Pros and cons for loading Totem Forest

First, I got just the opposite feedback from Totem when I owned my Forrests and Arros (no longer own either). FYI - they stated that kitty litter was a good alternative to sand and or shot, or kitty litter/sand combo. I ran both pair unloaded for a couple of months and then loaded both. Both models improved by being loaded. Primarily the result was in better bass impact and possibly a couple of hz. in frequency range - thought this aspect is debatable. I can tell you the difference between being loaded or not was a significantly bigger difference than having the beaks on or not!

As for resale value? I don't see how this would impact that at all. It can easily be removed upon time of sale. If the buyer is picking them up, he/she will probably want them emptied, but will gladly take the expensive shot (by the way, I did not use lead, but a substitute that I purchased at Gander Mountain for safety reasons - moderately expensive though).

Of the speakers I sold, one was a pick-up and the other shipped. I did not have too difficult of a time "getting the lead out". The pair that was picked up was seen by the buyer as having added value in that the shot came with the speakers. The other buyer stated he had every intention of adding shot as he was moving up the Totem line and agreed that loading them is prefered!

Don S., thanks for your comment on the lead and reference to my statement; "get the lead out". As indicated earlier in my post/comment I did indicate that the "shot" that I used was not a lead shot, but one of the commonly available alternatives. Many States now have laws about using lead shot and as a result, there are many alternative materials used for making shot. I think (hope) that most people are smart enough not to actually use lead but the commonly available alternative materials.

Bill, for you, I would suggest loading them. It is quick and easy to both do and undo. I think you will prefer the sound with loading. My experience was that it added to the musicality simply by delivering a more believable bass.