Totem Arro vs Totem Sttaf. Which one image better?

YEs, the right amp for many Totems is very powerful ones that deliver lots of current. Class D is a great choice to avoid size and bulk and possibly expense.

I've heard Arros perform superbly well away from walls however bass levels will be more problematic most likely without wall reinforcement. THe drivers are very good and punch well above what one might expect for the size (with the right juicy amp) but they are still small and small always has limits in larger rooms.

Also I question teh premise that Totem is not "musical". THat's a very subjective statement. Some may like other sounds better and vice versa for sure, but I do not see very many Totems for resale considering the companies extensive dealership channels in North America and numbers that must have been sold accordingly. Plus, they seem to hold their value fairly well compared to a lot of the competition, although brand recognition is likely a big part of that.

Totems I have heard in general typically make the list of speakers that I think I could live with.

Everything did good on those old Sansui integrated amps.
IMO, the greatest amp bargains in audio history.

Thanks everyone for these great inputs. I will definitely look at some of these suggestions. I was very excited about Arro just for the imaging ability, since I only listen to classical, jazz,and mostly easy listening. Would anyone suggest another speaker for superior imaging and sound staging that is under 2000 budget? Thanks.

Bigdd...

Try to personally audition any of the suggestions already made - one or more may leave you also suitably impressed. Try to stroll down to an actual bricks and mortar dealer to get some guidance and the ability to actually hear whatever you have on your list - only you can do it.

As far as imaging goes , the Regas , Tannoys, ATC, PMC and a host of many others are every bit as good at a minimum (or frequently better ) compared to both the ARROS And FORESTS .... and in my opinion many are on par or better in imaging and PRaT IF YOU HAVE the best synergy in the rest of the system.

The Totems are fine kit ...sure.... but they just one of many many choices in a very crowded $2000 level arena. The only way you are going to shoehorn Forests in at that price point is buying used.

W/o prejudice to the above, I wouldn't accept any recommendation in these blogs as gospel without an actual personal audition first -- full stop. And I certainly wouldn't just buy any speaker without considering a plan for the rest of the system to get synergy ( or vice versa)

Regrettably the cold hard facts are that forum bloggers push their own heavily biased personal faves that are pure anecdotal value judgements that regrettably have negligible to nil assurance that these blind offerings will actually work in your environment or with your system.

There is some more homework for you to do ..... Good luck.

I do not find that either Sttaf or Arro need a huge current amp. In fact, the Sttaf is an 8 ohm speaker designed to be easy to drive. I would not use a mass market receiver, but integrateds from the likes of NAIM and Creek drive them very well. I had a chance to spend some time with Vince this week and he re-iterated that the Sttafs were designed to be easy to drive. Quality components definitely matter, I just would not caught up in huge power for these speakers. Hawks do like more power.

In a different vein, Totem recently introduced the $500 Kin Mini which can be paired with the Kin sub ($700). The Kin Mini was designed using ideas from the Torrent drivers used in the new Metal series. It really is a remarkable little speaker. It is a nice alternative for those you want something small. The combo covers 29 Hz to 40,000 Hz.