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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
glukeman
6 posts
 
Hey...Another late response...sorry. Mani Signature's have a better top end than the straight Mani. When I bought them right from Totem, Vince felt that he had taken the design about as far as it could go, at least in this box. Indeed, they are the best stand-mount speaker I have ever heard. Remember...the stability of your amp is as important as power; my 100 watt PS Audio doubles to 200 with great stability into the Mani...plenty of power for a medium-sized room. The preamp is even more crucial. I upgraded from an AES-Signature to a DeHavilland UltraVerve. Sound is a bit better, yes....but it is the 6sn7 tubes that really do it. The best home sound I have heard. I cannot say enough about what 6sn7's can do for these speakers. Mind-blowing. The Mani's exploit everything that is amazing about Octal tubes....the big tone, eye-opening detail, bass...holy shoot. A complete experience. Go solid-state amp, tube preamp and you will be amazed. I promise. Buy good NOS tubes and do some tube rolling...the Mani's will reward what great tube sound is all about. Do I sound excited? Cool.
jaffeassc OP
166 posts
 
Hey Glukeman:

Thanks for the comments. It’s good to be excited about something you’re passionate about. Your post was actually very timely in that I was in the market for a new preamp to replace my Audio Research SP16. I considered DeHavilland but never had an opportunity to listen to one. I ended up buying the Conrad Johnson CT 6. It’s still in transit but I’m looking forward to hearing it in my set-up. I have to tell you though that in my medium size room (about 15’x22’) my Mani’s driven by Music Reference RM10 tube amps sound glorious!!
glukeman
6 posts
 
Hey...I am amazed that any tube amp can do them justice, because of the enormous power needed to drive the deadly combination of 3-4 ohm/83db efficiency issue. I'm going to look into Music Reference....I don't know the company. Thanks for the info. Gerard
frederick21's avatar
frederick21
49 posts
 
Mani-2 on Totem four pillar stands, here.

SimAudio Moon W-6 monoblocks (425 watts @ 8 ohms) wired with double run Kimber 8TC.

They really sound wonderful. I've always lusted over Aerial 10Ts, though, so I sit listen and wonder. Bass is fast and deep- just doesn't load my room. Waiting on a good pair of Rosewood 10Ts to land in my lap one day.
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bdgregory
1,712 posts
 
Hey...I am amazed that any tube amp can do them justice, because of the enormous power needed to drive the deadly combination of 3-4 ohm/83db efficiency issue.

I thought this too until I plugged my Manis into my Tad 60 tube amp. In addition, I had it switched to Triode mode (27 w/c). While it won't blow the doors down with Rock music, it sounds amazing and wonderful with any music that has a lot of mids-highs.

As far as loading your room - try a subwoofer with your Manis. I use a Rel Storm III with mine. Crossover is set at 30hz and it integrates beautifully. You don't know the sub is in the room, but the room is fully "loaded".

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