When spending less than $5,000 how much of a guide is price?


When spending less than $5,000 for a set of speakers, how much of a guide is price? This question arises out of my current search for a new set of speakers.

Don’t know if anyone here is aware of the massive fire in Fort McMurray Alberta and surrounding area? Well I work there (fortunately don’t live there), was evacuated, and will be off work indefinately.

As a result I reduced my speaker budget to $1,500 (Canadian). I’m quite intriqued by Totem Acoustic’s Arro and Sttaf, and some used Zu Audio.

There is a demo Sttaf with a minor crack in the veneer available for $1,500. There is a used Zu Essence and Zu Omen Def available for approx the same amount. The Zu’s are 5 years old.

So I have available these speakers, well reviewed, thoughtfully and carefully built. But even though the price I can purchase them at is roughly the same, new the price differential is great.

The Sttaf new is $2,200. Five years ago the Zu’s would have been about $1,000 more new (at least).

Does this matter?
jimspov

Showing 2 responses by jimspov

mapman I have a PrimaLuna Prologue 1 (tube amp). Something like 30 watts / channel. From what I've read that's certainly enough for the Zu's. I spoke with a salesman about the Totems (both Arro and Sttaf) and he said he thought the Prologue 1 would work hard, work hot and work well with the Totem's.

Rarely do I "crank it" anymore. Often the speakers are for background music when we're eating (usually classical) or I'm working in the kitchen (usually rock 'n roll).

When I'm alone I do tend to play the music louder but I can't imagine the Totem's not being loud enough. Maybe a song here or there I really crank it, but not for extended periods of time.

The room is about 16' x 23' x 8', and it opens into our eating area (L shape).




Thanks grinnell.

Well the things ya learn on this forum. Reference 3A is (now) a Canadian company about 2 hours away from where I live, and I never heard of them.

Did I read correctly that they don't use crossovers?

Do you know if "phase coherence" is the same as "phase aligned"?