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Request advice-need "brighter" speakers than Totem Hawks

Hi All-
Love the community here; first time poster.
My gear:
i have a pair of Totem Hawks, driven by Sim Audio W-5 amp and P-5 pre. I listen primarily to Redbook CDs via a Marantz SA8005. Cables are all Audience AU24SE. I listen both through a modded Eastern Electric DAC (op amp upgraded, tube removed) and direct from CDP to preamp (teensy sound difference between DAC/no DAC, if any). My medium sized room is pretty dead sonically (carpet, textile window coverings).

My Issue:
The high frequencies are uncrisp, rolled off severely, muted, and just lacking generally, especially on contemporary works (jazz, rock). I don’t hear cymbals, hi-hats, or rich, crisp snare drums (yeah, I’m a drummer). Listening to my favorite disks is a deeply disappointing experience, Though classical sounds ok to fine. I am thinking that I need brighter speakers than the Hawks (though there are numerous folks who extoll Sim Audio plus Totem speakers, something is not right. I do have a bit of hi-freq. hearing loss from playing percussion for over 40 years (amateur), but I’ve heard a number of less expensive systems that sound better to me. My first thought is to go for a used pair of B&Ws (CM5s?) or Vandersteens (assuming good WAF on the latter) to swap out for the Hawks. I’m on a budget, but am not above selling some of the current gear to pay for the right equipment.

I would love love to hear some suggestions or alternate diagnoses/ideas. I am not limiting myself to speakers; I’ve tried a bunch of different cables to no good effect. Analysis Plus silver cables, for example, were a disaster with this gear, for example, FYI. Thanks in advance for any sage thoughts you choose to offer. -Bruce


bheiman

Showing 2 responses by oblgny

oblgny's avatar
oblgny
848 posts
 
Having enjoyed the Hawks myself I had more issues with the bass reproduction than I did the high end - though I hasten to add that I still think they were remarkably good overall. 

Perhaps unfairly I was comparing them to my Thiel CS3.5's which, to my ear and budget, are easily the best speakers overall.  The Hawks are about $3200 retail now,  used Thiels about 1/3 of that and worth much more. If you can find a pair locally I'd scarf them up. They excel in the mids and highs and leave nothing wanting in the bsss. They have become my reference speakers. 

You certainly have enough current to consider many brands. Used Thiels are a true audio bargain. 
oblgny's avatar
oblgny
848 posts
 
I had a pair of Hawks myself and while I found the mids and highs to be commendable it was the bass that I found to be somewhat "rounder" than I appreciate.  Mind you this is in comparison to Thiel CS3.5's which some people regard as being too bright. 

If if you can find a pair of CS2.3 or higher methinks your issue with the Hawks will be remedied. Used, they're bargains of the highest order, too.  Good luck!
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