Upgrade advice needed

Hi again,
So I listened to the Studio 40's and I was pretty disappointed. I found the highs to be very fatiguing. Though they were definitely more detailed, it was almost a relief to hook the mini monitors back up.

Then I made a big mistake. I went and listened to some Totem Mani-2's ($4K) hooked up to a Rogue tube pre-amp and a large Adcom amp. Oh it was heavenly, I could have listened all day. I found the Totems to be really detailed, but more importantly very musical, warm and inviting.

Now I know I was listening to a whole different level of quality, but I'm looking for suggestions for a more affordable version. How do Totem's other speakers compare, Arrow, Hawk, Model 1, etc? It looks like the Model 1 uses similar drivers.

thanks for any input.
Tim

Tim, I've heard the Arro and Sttaf. They both cast realistic sound images and manage to do something most affordable speakers can't - they disappear. Whatever Totem is doing, they're doing it right. If I were looking for speakers in the $700 range, I'd be seriously considering the Arro. If I could afford $1000, I'd be looking at the Sttaf. However, if you can find a pair of Alon Model I's or II's for less than 1k, don't hesitate. They're absolute gems.

Thanks Mingles. I'm definitely thinking about stretching my budget a little to around $1K. I've also pretty much decided to ditch the HT all together and go dedicated 2-channel. So once I decide on some speakers I'll be looking for amplification. I'll have look at the Alons.

At this stage of the game I'm definitley most interested in having a setup that is just really musical and enjoyable, not necessarily hyper-accurate (not that the two can't coincide at some point).

I listen to a lot of rock so I'm thinking a setup with the Arro's or Sttaf's and a fast sub would make me quite happy.
thanks again
Tim

Alrighty, so I bought a pair of Totem Sttafs, and I love them.
But, I definitely feel like I'm not getting their full potention with my Marantz SR4500 and a cheap Pioneer DVD player.
So, I think I'd like to get an integrated amp, and with much research, have narrowed it down to a few in the under $1K (used) category.
At the top of my list is the Naim Nait 5i, reviews sound great and I like the idea of the HT pass-through to keep my surround for now.
I'm also considering: Bryston B-60R, Unison Unico, Jolida 1501RC and Rega Mira 3.

First any thoughts on these choices? I really have no way to listen to anything beforehand.

Also, will the system be really hamstrung without also upgrading the CD player? Or will I still get a big step up before a CDP upgrade?

Thanks again for your help.
Tim