Good Amp with totem model 1s?

the best match I have heard for the Model 1 is the Conrad Johnson CAV 50 tube amplifier. This is the combination I own and I have yet to find a better match for the Model 1. you can find used CAV 50 on audiogon for your target price range. I had mine here for some 1400$ a few years ago and never looked back.

Totem 1's & Mani 2's like PLENTY of power. Which usually rules out tube power amps or integrateds.

I take it you're talking about $1200 for an Integrated? Not that you can spend that much for a power amp, & then more for a pre-amp? If so the the classe CAP 151 integrated used could be a good idea, or used Plinius.

I like the McCormack DNA-1 idea, if you have the $$ to buy that, & also spend, I dunno $1000-$1800 on a nice used pre-amp.

Symphonic Line is a good match. You may be able to find an older RGIII (c. mid-1990s) that fits your budget.

Steveaudio said that Totem Model 1 and Mani 2 may not sound their best with integrateds but that is only half truth. I would rather go with SIM AUDIO I-7 integrated any day than CARVER or ADCOM or PARASOUND or pre/pro.

I emailed Vince and he told me that even NAIM 5I or SONNETEER CAMPION could drive the Model 1 quite well.

The quality of the sound depends on how your amp handles the difficult loads.