Wrong setup?

If after all your experiments in proper placement, you find you still have the higher frequency sizzle you speak about, then it may be time to consider to new speakers.

It could be the sound of the metal tweeter that Totem is using that is not as pleasing to your ears and you may find the smooth, more laid back sound of a soft dome (textile) tweeter more to your liking. I know I have always prefered soft domes over those made of metals. Also, I would do all possible to get a dealer to allow an in-home trial to see how different speakers will interact with your room. While I always encourage auditions, what you hear at the dealers show room will not tell the full story.

Good luck and I hope you find the sound you are looking for.

Sounds like a fine collection of three components you bought. What about the fourth component - the room?

You make no mention of the room. Do you have a lot of highly reflective surfaces like untreated windows, hardwood or tile floors, etc.? This could account for lack of depth and pronounced sizzle. Also, as other have pointed out, how are the mains spaced relative to the listening position? Finally, speakers require break in and a quick look at Totems website for the Hawks makes strong mention of this.

Address all of the above first and you may find you have the synergy you are looking for. FYI, your speakers are 6 Ohm with a sensitivity of 88 db so your Marantz amp can drive them with all the clean power they are likely to demand. I would say you matched the amp to the speakers very well. I have a Marantz PM15S2 LE (similar to yours but less power) driving 4 Ohm, 90 db Vienna Bach Grands and have found the synergy and high end sound I was looking for. But it also took hours of careful testing, moving them inches at a time, to find just the right spot relative to my listening chair to make them really sing. Now just find the best place in the room to make yours sing too.

Have fun and happy listening!