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Totem or B&W?

I am new to this audio craze and am still trying to learn as much as possible before I make my first big purchase. I am a classical musician and mostly listen to classical music although I enjoy listening to pop, rap, alternative, jazz etc. I am close to purchasing a Rotel RC-1070 preamp and the RB-1080 amp. I have visited many audio stores and have narrowed down the speakers I like to B&W and Totem. I originally was comparing the B&W 602 series to the Totem Mites but recently made the mistake of listening to the Totem Mani2s. Anyone know which speakers will work best with the Rotel setup? I would prefer to stay under $1,000 for speakers but if I do decide to go with the Totem Model-1 or Mani-2 (used) will I have to step up to a better pre-amp and amp?
Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
mattmusic
pisitc
1 posts
 
I second Alon Petite speaker and I strongly recommend Jolida 302 to drive it. I am a serious amateur pianist and I was searching for a system a few years ago in the same price range as yours. I auditioned B&W 602 and a Rotel integrated. The B&W will give you a lot of detail but the highs will be quite harsh. an Alon is more neutral and is very open.

For more real instrument timbre (i.e. piano, violin sound) which I assume is important to musician like us, you should go with tube amps. A Jolida is not expensive but is very good. (I recently compared it with Jadis Orchestra (my Jolida is upgraded for $150) and find that I didn't really miss anything.
elb's avatar
elb
100 posts
 
Call Totem and ask how your electronics will mate with their speakers. There is a good chance that you will talk to Vince , the designer.
ozzy62's avatar
ozzy62
2,847 posts
 
This is for Aram.

How can you be so sure VMPS will beat both Totem and B&W? Have you even heard any of their speakers, or are you just speculating? My guess is the latter.

Oz
bmd
3 posts
 
I recently audiotioned the Totem Model-1 signature speakers, and instantly regretted having paid over twice their price for a pair of Revel F-30s...

Admittedly, this is like comparing apples to oranges. The Model 1 is still just a monitor, and cannot fill a large room the way the F-30 does. Despite this, I'd still go for the Model-1, it just seems to make more beautiful music.
golfrok's avatar
golfrok
17 posts
 
I am more familiar with the Totem line, and would concur
with what a couple others posters mentioned: yes they can really sing, and they shine if mated with good
gear upstream. I have the Forests, and love them. And, as someone else said, Vince Bruzzese, the designer, often
will take calls. The craftsmanship in their product is first-rate.
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