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Full circle and thinking about speakers

This all started a couple of months ago by buying a pair of old B&W DM305 speakers and i'm completely new to all of this..
Then a  Rogue Cronus, Nottingham TT w/ a Lyra Cart. Waiting for an EAR phono stage to arrive Monday.
On the digital side - a Pro-ject streamer and Schitt DAC (place holder but it all sounds very decent).
So now I'm back to the speakers, cables and interconnects. I would like something at a level with the other gear - not that the B&W's are bad, they just aren't great.
What I like about the B&W's: clear detailed and focused.
What I don't like: At times the highs are glaringly high and when I expect there to be gobs of bass, there just isn't any to speak of. Jazz trios and quartets sound pretty awesome.  Rock not as good.
Condo life, which means my listening level is on the low side. Wall moving bass is probably not what I am looking for.
Listening space: The room is 14' x 25' and I haven't settled on which direction to arrange speakers. Currently they are projecting across the 14' width. That may very well change.
Any recommendations of where to start the search are highly welcomed. Speaker types, specs etc...as I know very little.
Let's say under 2K and used is fine if it gets me to a higher level.
Thanks  all
smaarch1
213runnin
914 posts
 
Specifically looking at Totem Hawks and a few others.
Called an Audio place who happens to be a Rogue and Totem dealer. He invited me up to listen to a used pair of Totem Hawks thru the same Rogue amp.
I’d like to keep it simple and without multiple drivers, the complex crossovers that come with them, or subwoofers.


Smaarch1, you mentioned wanting something without multiple drivers and the complex crossovers.  I've taken apart my Totem Hawks, and indeed the crossover is one of simple elegance.  7 elements, but 3 resistors are wired in parallel, for instance.  All very high end components.

You'll love the Hawks, with the right electronics and cabling, they really are magical.  There is good reason why it's been in production for about 20 years with few changes.
smaarch1 OP
95 posts
 
@audioconnection you are the third person who recommended the 4 ohm tap. so off came the cover and out came the wrenches. This is a significant change! Awesome and thanks.

@213runnin - I went to audition Totem Hawk’s and Spender D7’s yesterday. I was impressed with both. My conclusion (at the moment) is the Totem’s better suit my environment. The Spendor D7’s, were glorious but I think they would overwhelm my space.....and my neighbors.
I’ll call the dealer tomorrow and buy the Totem’s. And that Folks draws this discussion to its conclusion. Thank you everyone. This has been an enormous help in something I knew little about. Much Appreciated.
Next up is a new DAC, but not now!

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,914 posts
 
you w new Totems and others should try light loading ( dropping down a tap ) as promoted by the late great Roger Modjeski of Music Reference fame....especially lower spl listeners, condo dwellers, etc....
smaarch1 OP
95 posts
 
Just thought I'd stop by and thank everyone. You all gave me a lot to think about and look at. I picked up a pair of Totem Hawk speakers today. I'm very pleased!
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