Need to replace my Totem Acoustic Arros


Hey guys,

I’m on the market for a new pair of floorstanders. My Totem Arros are great but I am looking for something more. My criteria is as follows:

Will be in a small-medium size room(s)
Must be floorstanding
Must be efficient enough to be driven with 20-30+ watts (possibly tubes)
Must obviously best the Arro in most regards
Looking for something that is refined and organic sounding

I am starting to listen to music with more scale and want something that can keep up with the dynamic swings of classical music. Yet, I listen to a lot of chamber and folk music along with a decent amount of jazz.

Budget is $3,000 new or used.

Speakers cannot be Totems. I've owned just about every Totem on the block and I am looking for something different.
baroque_lover
The Harbeth / Lavardin match should be gold. In fact its rather funny, when I read this thread, I instantly thought "Harbeth".

The Jadis / Dali Mentor 6 would also be good, although I'd highly encourage an audition of the Mentor 6 prior to buying. They do some things very well, but if organic warmth is what you fancy - they may not be your slice of pie.

Also, while this may be a bit below budget, I found the Salk Sound 'Song Tower's to be decent alternatives for someone wanting an affordable quality set of towers that are versatile, dig reasonably deep and play reasonably loud. Out of everything mentioned, they are likely the most linear of the bunch.

Good luck, and enjoy the hunt!
Rgs92,

I emailed Harbeth and they said that the Compact 7's are very flexible with amplification.

I did another extended audition today and I have to say that the Compacts will possibly be the last pair of speakers I buy for a long time. They are fundamentally superb in ever regard--and I've sold Totem for four years.