2. speakers
  3. 153875-109997

Would Totem Arro's be a significant upgrade from Kef Q150's

My listening room is on the long/narrow side 8' x 18' x 8' high. Therefore I listen in the nearfield, speakers (Kef Q150's) are 5' apart and myself 7' away from them. I very much enjoy the sound I'm getting from them. My setup is Yamaha A-S501 with chromecast audio going into the optical input, streaming Spotify premium. My speakers are 2' away from the rear wall and I find the bass is plentiful that I don't use a sub woofer. I have the opportunity to purchase a pair of used Totem Arro's which would work in my room as far as tower speakers are concerned. I am quite happy with the sound I'm hearing now, but if this would be a significant improvement I would purchase the Arro's and sell my Kef's. Type of music I listen to is a lot of acoustical, alternative/indie, a little classic rock.  
hagarthehorrible

Showing 1 response by akg_ca

akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,386 posts
 

I’ve had the TOTEM ARROs in a prior system, so I know their strengths and warts very well. . I also know the KEFQ150’s well .They are very different in both build quality and performance (and price).

@audiojedi nailed it ,,,,The ARROs are a defo step up from the Q150’s, BUT you will need a significant upgrade to your current integrated amp to permit them to perform.,

All TOTEMs are power hogs craving “grunt” (… that’s more current (amps) , not WPC which are meaningless by themselves with a current rating …)

Think SIMAUDIO as a first preference option.

If the amp upgrade as a requisite matched upgrade to upgrading to the ARROs is not budget manageable, then think about the amp upgrade first, and just keep your budget KEF bookshelf speakers . They can and will perform better..

The philosophy is clear. An affordable speaker with decent upgraded amplification (and source) makes more sense than an expensive speaker with a cheap amp (and source.) .

More to discover