Totem Model 1 Sig with Sub or Mani 2 without a Sub

The Mani-2's are better than the M1+Sub. The Forests are better than the M1+Sub Combo.

I'm using the Model 1 sig. with a velodyne hgs 12 subwoofer. The sound is incredible. I would switch to the Mani-2 if my pair for pass labs aleph 3 would drive them. these are low power amps with a very addictive sweet sound. the alephs have enough power to drive the Models 1 to high levels but I don't think they would be able to drive the mani-2 very well. i will not give up the aleph amp for more powerful amp to drive a pair of mani-2. I run the model 1's full range with no cross over to the sub. I am happy with the intergration of the sub. i know the mani-2 have better bass but I think the imaging and the sweet midrange are similar between the two(since they use the same tweeter and similar bass units). i'm not a big bass guy but the sevo velodyne works for me. I would stick with what you have and get a sub if you want the lowest bass, but the mani-2 sounds like it does not need a sub. one thing that I would like to know is that since the mani-2 are have goob bass reproduction, is it sensitve to position. I only ask because a position that has the best bass response is not always the best position for imaging (a good reason for a sub that can be place at a different postion than the speakers).

Tony

i used to have a pair of model 1's with a rel strata III sub for my 2 channel audio system with classe equipment in a smallish room, 12 x 13.5. very sweet sounding. IMO, the Rel subs along with the totem sub are very hard to beat for audio. i have since sold my arros and model 1's with the REL and purchased multiple pairs of mani 2's. the model 1's are 1 of the finest sounding monitor speakers around (and will probably own another pair in the future) but the mani's are another level above them. in my 13 x 24 foot dedicated room, the mani's are close to 5 ft from the rear wall and they sound fantastic. they just disappear. they do need a powerful amp and a sturdy pair of stands to get the best sound out of them. As for the forests being better than the model 1's/w sub, that is a tough call. i also liked the forests and almost bought them but decided on the model 1's/w the Rel sub, just as i prefer the mani's over the forests and the winds. the winds would be better for a ht setup (imo) than for pure audio listening. keep the mani's, you can always experiment with a good (fast) sub.