Totem Model 1 vs Totem Arro

I certainly knew that the Model 1 need power and current to perform well, but I never thought that the 250w/4 ohms Vincent SV237MK, with is (usually) bass heavy sound signature was not enough! They paired ok but nothing to write home about! 

I will change some speaker cables and draw some conclusions...

Finally I am in the position to say a few words about the Model 1: wonderful stuff indeed! 

The upgrade from the Arro is very evident from the first note, the transparency the balance, the superior bass delivery, mid range presence and clear, detailed, non-fatiguing highs... are all signs of a very well balanced speaker, with amazing timbre quality and tridimensional imaging.

Now I understand how this was a shock when they came to market in the early 90’s, and stayed for long on the brands catalogue - the Model 1 Signature still existe. They were (are) not an cheap speaker to make. In fact they are all handmade.

The other day I had to take them to my dealer to move one of the cables on the inside (it was touching the bass reflex tube, making a tiny but audible vibration) and I could se the interior...oh my! My main surprise was that the crossover is a crazy thing (super complex), the drivers (Dynaudio and Seas with mods made by Totem), and WBT binding posts, are connect by a thin cable. After all that, the power loss must high - as they are power hungry - but Totem knows what they’re doing, and the sound quality is a testament of that.

The cabinet is very well made and the synergy with my Target R4 super heavy stands is great.

The Vincent SV237MK was my first amplifier of choice, for the power delivery and sound signature, and it turned out well, very well. After some speaker cables changes it was the (low cost, great value) VanDamme LO-OFC 4mm that help to produce the magic in my room. Sources are the Naim CD5x cd player (with the Flatcap2x power supply) and the Auralic Aries Femto + Denafrips Pontus II. Interconnects are the Belden 8402 with Switchcraft rca plugs.

I almost never use my REL subwoofer, specially with a speaker so pure as the Totem Model 1.

In my room, they are easy to position than the Kef LS50, and require absolute symmetry and distance from the boundaries. 

The first things I noticed (coming from the Kef LS50 and Quad 11L) was the timbre, timing and soundstage! Holy cow! The speakers completely disappeared (no toe-in) and the sound was huge. The decay is much more natural and the voices seem to have more presence, depth and air around. The idea of space around the players/instruments is far more realistic. For exemple: wood chops sound more like wood (with a natural hollowness) and cymbals have a spacial presence and decay very present but totally integrated in the sonic picture.

It is easy to get emotional and listen the same record over and over again...

The Model 1 (in combination with the rest of the system) made clear some mixes and special qualities in some recordings, making them more engaging and clear. 

They are addictive stuff, and I am really happy rediscovering my favorite records.

Thoughts on the Model 1, for another day:

1 - how better can they be with a superior higher current amp, from Sim Audio for example?

2 - what can the Signature model offer more? ...although 

I really don’t care. I am having to much fun :)

Hey @DZ13, have you found anything more about the Totem Bison line? I’ve seen the announcement from Totem authorized resellers too, yet there is nothing (still) on Totem’s website. What gives? Anyone know? I switched from Totem Sky monitors for the sole reason of esthetics. Now the replacements in white oak are what I want. Switched from the Sky’s to Harbeth P3 in Olive wood and they look perfect. My problem is they are only about 5” from back wall. I know the P3’s need more air around them to really show off their natural sound. Just can’t happen in my space. Totems can be placed close to a wall (according to mfgs info) and I did enjoy their sound. Now the Harbeth are wonderful little speakers. They’ve really grown on me. But I keep thinking back to the Totems and was really satisfied with how they sounded. Hoping these new Bison will be as good, if not better!

I'd be very careful thinking that Totems can be placed that close to a back wall.  While I know nothing about the new Bison line, Totem advertises that many of their speakers can be placed close to the backwall.  Over the years I've owned four (4) different Totem speakers and never found that to be true.  Quite the contrary, the further out into the room (up to a point) the better.

@marco1 , I found that also true. I have never been successful in putting any speakers close to the front wall, more than 85cm

In fact, the 1/5 rule, my favorite positioning starting in my room distance the speakers 100cm from the back wall, and it can be up to 115cm.

In the end, I believe that the distances are dictated by the room’s dimensions and acoustics characteristics The Model 1 bass delivery is very very satisfying.