I hate to say, "get what I got!", but since you asked, if you are able, check out a pair of the EgglestonWorks Fontaine IIs. I have the originals, not the IIs, and they are not as laid back as the Totem, but not in your face either - perfectly in-between. Smooth and sublime, with just the right amount of bite. Very true sounding tone.
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
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