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Upgrading to Totem Mani 2's

I’m considering upgrading from the Model 1’s to Mani 2’s. I’ve read most of the forums here on A’gon regarding the Mani’s and the one thing that they all pretty much have in common is that you need a lot of power (and current) to drive them. I’m currently running a Plinius 9100 for my Model 1’s which is rated at 120 W per side (around 200 W @ 4ohms). I’m also running the Plinius on 220v which has opened it up considerably and gives the bass a lot more punch (something I know I'll need for the Mani's). My room size is approx. 15 x 22 and my listening position is about 16 feet from the speakers. I normally listen at a moderate volume (10 o’clock is loud for me and 12 o’clock pretty much drives me out of the room). I know the old adage that you can always get a bigger amp, but if I’m going to spend several thousand on a speaker upgrade I’d rather not turn around and spend several thousand more on upgrading the amplifier as well (at least not right away). In addition I'm very pleased with the 9100 and like the Plinius sound very much. So what do you think Mani 2 owners? Am I living in a bubble thinking that the 9100 has the juice or based on my room size and listening habits will the 9100 do the job for me?
jaffeassc

Showing 4 responses by steveaudio

steveaudio
331 posts
 
There should be a website just for Mani 2 fans. Since my last post I got my pair of Mani 2 Sigs. with the Totem stands. Awesome speakers: In their price range, esp. used, I'm sure there are other excellent choices, but I can't imagine being unhappy with these. I'm using a C-J MF2500A 240wpc SS power amp; a great combo IMO.......
steveaudio
331 posts
 
Bdgregory, thanks. I've never heard the standard Mani's. I bought the Sigs because from reading about Totems it always seems like the newer versions are an improvement. I think there are archived threads about the standard Mani's vs the Sigs on one of the "other" audio sites.....

If you see a nice set of Sigs at a good price, to me, It would be tempting. Mine are in Maple, & with the Totem stands, they also look great, IMO. Altho, I did pay a lot for almost-new ones, I haven't regretted it.
steveaudio
331 posts
 
Raduray, I have the Totem (4-pillar) stands with my Mani-2's. Personally, I think they look great, & match perfectly with the look of the speakers. I also have a pair of Osiris stands--they are excellent stands too, but the Mani's are larger than the top plates of the Osiris stands, so I didn't feel the speakers were as secure on them.

But the Osiris stands are sought after; & I keep mine to use with whatever smaller bookshelf speakers I own. Just my 2 cents,
steveaudio
331 posts
 
I just ordered a pr. of (slightly used) Mani-2 Sigs. with the Totem stands; don't have them yet. I'll be using them with a C-J MF2500A 250wpc amp. I find it interesting that several people here have used or heard Mani-2's with C-J amps & really liked the sound.

I'm a little worried about whether the MF2500 will have enough power to drive the Mani-2's, altho I used that amp with B&W Matrix 802's (known for being real power hogs), & those speakers sounded wonderful with it.

I went thru 4 or 5 amps with the 802's until I finally found an amp that made them "come alive", & that was the MF2500 (hope it does the same thing for the Mani-2's!).
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