What are the best amps for driving Totem Mani 2s?

An arc welder might do the trick ;-)

Seriously, I love the Mani2's, but yes, they are a tough speaker to drive. Need a high current amplifier; unfortunately, this is one speaker that you can forget about with tubes. The Sim amp recommendation is a good choice, sounds good with Totems in-general. I would imagine one of the beefy McCormack amps mentioned above would also work nicely. My suggestion is probably well above your price range, but the Rowland Model 10 and Mani-2's, you may never change again. Terrific combination.

Sutts,

I respect your choice, but those ARC amps are way WAY expensive and would seem a bit out of line relative to the Mani-2's cost. I am sure some other very muscular tube amps might work too (e.g., VTL and Manley), but for the control and drive the Mani-2's need, solid state is the more practical choice as you note. I bet five Mani-2's that is one fine-sounding surround setup you have there...

Also--one other amp I heard only once on the Mani-2's, but it was most impressive, was a big Goldmund amp, I forget the model number, I want to say 28 or something like that? Very quick and airy sound out of the Totems, but a touch lighter in the bass than Rowland for example.

I also like the Model Ones! Don't like any of the Totem tower speakers however, I guess I'm just a monitor kind of guy. I now use ProAc Response 1SCs and like them quite a bit. Sweeter than the Model Ones but not as ballsy. Both great little speakers.