Would Totem Arro's be a significant upgrade from Kef Q150's
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Hi Helge, I don’t know why I can’t reply directly to your private message, because I am getting an Audiogon “error” alert. Anyway, your question was: I currently have Totem Arro speakers and am contemplating the Model 1 Signature bookshelf speakers. Am curious If you are still using them or moved on to something else? In my opinion, if you have a capable amp (or think about getting one) you should go for the Signatures. In comparison with the Arro, my Model 1 is a more evolved and sophisticated speaker, capable of better imaging and soundstage, and more depth and bass delivery. The Signature should be at least the same. Oh, and is crucial to have heavy 24in height stands. I have the mighty Target R4. I hope this helps :) Cheers |
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.) . |
As commented by others, and having owned multiple Totem speakers, the amplifier used to drive the mains is key to get the most out of them. Your room shape is interesting, and with the Yamaha A-S501 you could try it, see how it goes and with your room shape. Streaming Spotify Premium also leaves some missing top-end and air [imo] which may bring a little more bottom end as a result. If you try this, let’s say If you are not getting the low-end weight you want from the sound [and you don’t go for a higher current amp than what you have now] - another option might be to add a Totem Kin Sub later on as an alternative approach to bring in the bottom end re-enforcement. Fwiw, I tried 50w, 100w, 150w, 200wpc amps with my former Totem Model One Signature speakers, and once a higher current and higher quality dual mono SS amp was in place did I get the real bottom end out of my Totems. Not as good with my weighty 100wpc tube amp at the time, needed the 200wpc 75amp SS amp to make the Totem’s sing their best. This is why I mentioned the Totem Kin Sub as a sideways option too. Best of Luck. |
