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Totem vs. Vr-1 vs. Dynaudio Audience

Hi all, I'm interested in your thoughts regarding the 3 speakers I listed. I've decided to upgrade from my current Michael Green Designs Rev. 60i to something better suited to my space and with better imaging. Right now it looks like I could get a pair of Rainmakers, Arros, Vr-1s, or Dynaudio Audience 52 in the $600-800 range, and am looking for some input.

The rest of my system consists of a Sony SCD-C222es mated to either an Audiolab 8000S or a B&K set up with a PT-II and an ST-2140. (Deciding which I like more, but generally leaning toward the Audiolab).

The room I'm in is L-shaped with the speakers being toward one side of the long wall. I'd guess it's about 300 sq feet.

My listening leans toward sax and vocal jazz and electronica (thievery corporation, zero 7, etc.) with some blues and alternative thrown in. Not really much hard rock or metal.

I'm tempted by the totems as they are close by, so I can audition them, and the arros are reputed to have phenomenal imaging. However, I am a bit worried about their lack of "meat." and they are a bit more expensive than the others.

Your thoughts are much appreciated.
tetazoo

Showing 2 responses by tetazoo

tetazoo OP
10 posts
 
Knownothing -- Interesting thoughts regarding amplification. I'd always thought of both set-ups as a step up from the NAD. (And they certainly cost more!) I'd be very happy if I could unload both in favor of a c352.

In the jolida line, are you thinking just of the tube amps, or could I use something like a 1501RC?

Hitmam -- Yes, that's exactly what I'm thinking about, so that def. adds some support to the arros.
tetazoo OP
10 posts
 
Update --

So I auditioned the Arros for quite a while. They are leaner sounding than my Rev. 60i's, but they have enough low end to get by.

And, true to what everyone says, they image very well. The soundstage is incredibly deep and they really do disapper, BUT (and it's a Sir-Mix-a-Lot sized but) they are BRIGHT. The upper treble range is loud, harsh and etched, to the extent that it dominates anything else in the recording and makes music sound like a collection of parts rather than a whole.

I've tried a variety of set-ups to see what happens, but the outcome is always the same -- Audiolab 8000s, B&K PT-3 and B&K St2140, Trends 10.1, and a Yaqin/Grant Fidelity Tube Buffer in every mix and match combo one can think of.

I've tried switching cables and even hauled the arros to my buddy's place to listen with his Sonic Frontiers Line 1/Bryston 4bst combo.

In the end he and I concluded that we liked what the arros did, just not the sound with which they did it.

I'm ready to give the arros back now. I'm going to miss the depth, but not the harsh treble. Did I miss something (short of trying something like a Jolida, Unison or PrimaLuna)?

What do they sound like before they get broken in? Could this be the issue?
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