Totem speakers and others that I should consider?


I've liked the Totem speakers for a while, they image very nicely, and while somewhat laid back, not too much so...

I'm looking to put together a new system (starting from scratch), and was thinking about the Totem line (Forests, at first). I listened to Totem at RMAF, and was very impressed with the new Element line, so that has me thinking of those instead. They are a bit more forward compared to the older speakers, but not terribly so, and I think they will not be fatiguing to listen to long-term. I'll have to do a bit more listening to be sure of that.

They image better, and the bass is very deep and controlled.

Anyway, I was thinking about the Totems Fire or Earth speakers (probably the Fire), and I was wondering what other speakers people feel will match up favorably to the Fire? They must be similarly priced, and ultimately similar in size or form-factor (I don't want large cabinets).

My exposure to speakers in the last decade is somewhat limited, but I have heard Sonus Faber, and while I find them very musical, I don't think they match up at the price point, but I don't think I've heard the most recent models.

Recommendations for other speakers I should audition in the $6000 dollar range are appreciated.

---Michael
mjm6

Showing 1 response by kiwi2

I auditioned a set of Synchrony Two's recently. I felt they were too laid-back and with a soundstage that extended back behind them. Wasn't my cup of tea.

I actually preferred PSB's Imagine series much better. A slightly more dynamic sound with a soundstage that projects out into the room.

A speaker that may give my Imagine B's a run for their money is the new Monitor Audio GX Gold series. I hope to get a listen to some GX50's in the next couple of days.