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Time to replace speakers, suggestions wanted

I have enjoyed my Totem Rokks for about 8 years now. Recently I noticed the distinctive sound of the paper separating on the left mid-range. So I will start the search for replacement speakers and will limit my search to full range towers. I listen to mostly rock from acoustic to hard and I am looking to get back into vinyl soon. Fidelity is important. I have heard Aerial 7B's and was very impressed. They might be a bit much for my system. I would appreciate input on speakers to audition.

My system consists of Marantz 63SE CD, Adcom GDA600 D/A, Rotel RC-990BX pre, 2 bridged Rotel RB-980BX amps (horizontally bi-amping to keep leads as short as possible), all fed by a Rotel RLC900 line conditioner. I also have a Paradigm powered sub, but I hope this will go away.

My listening room is the 15x20 L part of my finished basement. Berber carpet, bare (for now) walls, and 8' drop ceiling.
dan_ed
ozfly
887 posts
 
Dan, normally I would do a bit of research prior to responding but I have a house full of guests so ...

Anyway, for a speaker repair, you do not have to go to the manufacturer. Check the yellow pages under "speakers". If you can't find anything in your area, check two things: 1) The back pages of any Stereophile magazine (lots of good ads back there) and/or 2) Go to yahoo.com and click on "advanced search" then type in "speaker repair" and start hunting (actually, you can do the same with threads here on Audiogon). Sorry I can't give a more precise answer, but I have to hurry. Good luck.
socrates
247 posts
 
You could replace the speaker yourself, likely for under $75, and in less then an hours work even if you have never soldered before. Contact your speaker manufacturer and ask them to sell you a replacement, or look around online for the driver, I'm sure you'll find one...
dan_ed OP
2,451 posts
 
Thanks again on the fix suggestions, guys! That will certainly provide a future for these speakers.

Anyone have more suggestions for speaker upgrades?
shubertmaniac
350 posts
 
If you like the Totems, then try the Forest or the Wind;
personally I liked them better than the Aerial 7s. Of course
the maggie 1.6s would be my first choice.
dan_ed OP
2,451 posts
 
After searching the forums and checking with the ads I am wondering if the Martin Logan Aerius I's might be worth checking into. I think my rotel monoblocks should put out plenty, 350+ watts/chan, or I could horizontally bi-amp (my original post is wrong, currently vertically bi-amped) and use the rotels in their 120watts/chan config. If needed the Paradigm sub could add punch to the bottom. They might also work better for times I am moving around in the room, like shooting pool, and not sitting in the very localized sweet spot of the Rokks.

I understand that the ML's are sensitive to the room environment. Does anyone have experience with ML's for rock? I would guess that they don't have the punch of some other "rock" speakers, but I never got that from the Totems and actually prefer a little less "in your face punch". Anther question, how do the Aerius match up with analog music?
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